The Miami Heat’s 2022 NBA Summer League campaign is officially in the books. Led by current Heat assistant, Malik Allen, the Heat finished with an overall record of 3-5, going 1-2 in the California Classic and 2-3 in Las Vegas.
While the win-loss category won’t tell the entire story, this was as competitive of a Miami Summer League team as we’ve seen in recent years. There were quite a few standouts—out of many who are in hopes of entering the association.
Here are some final thoughts for this year’s Heat summer roster, as well as a performance grade for each player.
NIKOLA JOVIC – B-
Nikola Jovic’s Summer League stint wasn’t quite the fulfilling one in which many were hoping for. After appearing in all three California games, a quad injury would hold Miami’s latest first-round selection out of their final four outings.
Although, Jovic did show a few small glimpses of what could be a long-term investment. From game one, the floor-spacing, ball skills, and driving abilities were present.
He took advantage of mismatches and was very comfortable creating his own shots from the post area. More importantly, you could see the 19-year-old’s confidence slowly rise for each minute he was out there.
- KEY PERFORMANCE: 25 points and nine rebounds on 5-for-7 from three in Miami Heat defeat over Warriors, 94-70.
Jovic didn’t do all we had hoped for, and a lot due to circumstances, but he showed some things. With improved health moving forward, you can only hope to see more.
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Haywood Highsmith couldn’t do much wrong in Summer League this year.
HAYWOOD HIGHSMITH – A
The Heat’s returning forward brought great leadership, experience, intensity, and some very balanced production to a team that needed it. Highsmith was, indeed, Miami’s most consistent performer this summer and while he does have more of a 3-and-D type of skillset, he contributed well in other areas—even when his outside shot wasn’t falling.
Highsmith averaged 12.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 2.6 steals on 46.6 percent shooting, ultimately making a strong case that he belongs in the Heat’s rotation next year.
- KEY PERFORMANCE: 17 points, seven rebounds, three steals, and three blocks, though Miami Heat were defeated by 76ers, 71-75.
ORLANDO ROBINSON – B+
Earning himself an Exhibit 10 contract, Orlando Robinson held down the middle as Miami’s starting center. Although it took a few games for Miami to figure out how the former Fresno State big man should best be utilized, there would be, quite frankly, a number of ways.
Robinson showed good qualities of a prototypical NBA center. He proved himself capable of finishing inside, being a terrific offensive rebounder, and has a promising face-up game.
He’s lengthy, athletic enough, and already has the basic fundamentals of a serviceable NBA player. Now under the Heat’s developmental system, Orlando has an opportunity to build on that.
- KEY PERFORMANCE: 13 points, ten rebounds (six offensive), and four blocks, though Miami Heat were defeated by 76ers, 71-75.
When you are a team like the Heat who have often been called small over the past few seasons, another talented seven-footer to add to the bunch is never a bad thing.
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Kyle Allman Jr. was very productive in Summer League competition.
KYLE ALLMAN JR – B+
Already having four years of college under his belt and time spent overseas, it was critical that he could prove himself worthy of an NBA contract.
This summer, Allman Jr. did just that, as he became one of Miami’s top point guard options. An athletic guard with a respectable jump shot, he can dribble through traffic and burst out of high pick-and-roll sets.
Lastly, he has a great understanding of when to channel his playmaking ability. While he’s yet to officially sign a contract as of this writing, he’s due for one and should most certainly receive it soon.
Well, that’s what you’d logically hope and think.
- KEY PERFORMANCE: 26 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and three blocks in Miami Heat defeat over Clippers, 86-83.
JAVONTE SMART – D+
This was a rather forgettable Summer League experience for Javonte Smart. There just wasn’t much luck for a player who was, initially, one of Miami’s two-way talents heading into this campaign.
At the same time though, Smart didn’t really help his case. He forced up several contested shot attempts and wasn’t often looking to create plays for his teammates.
While he did average 15 points in four games at Las Vegas, he finished at just 31 percent from the field and 16 percent from three.
KEY PERFORMANCE: 19 points, three rebounds, and three assists in Miami Heat defeat to Hawks, 88-95.
Smart still has potential but forced too many shots in what seemed like an over-trying situation.
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Marcus Garrett didn’t join the Heat’s Summer League team until their first game in Vegas, but his impact was immediately felt once he hit the floor.
MARCUS GARRETT – B
Previously signed with Miami earlier this year, it was already known that Marcus’ defensive instincts would carry over. However, he really showed improvements in his ability to, both, score and direct a half-court offense.
While three Summer League games aren’t a huge sample size, it was enough for the Heat to sign Garrett to a 2-way deal once again.
- KEY PERFORMANCE: 13 points, three rebounds, and three assists in Miami Heat defeat over Celtics, 88-78.
JAMAREE BOUYEA — B
Jamaree Bouyea was undoubtedly a difference maker for this Heat Summer League team. He rarely lacked confidence with the ball in his hands and was unafraid to show what he could do in an exhibition setting.
He brought quality scoring from all three levels and had a variety of strong finishes through traffic. Bouyea’s presence on the defensive end was greatly felt as well.
His next step will be to further improve his reactions to tight defensive pressure (including strong double-teams), but with Miami signing the well-rounded point guard on Thursday, it does seem like a clear no-brainer at this point.
KEY PERFORMANCE: 13 points (6-for-8 from the field), three rebounds, and six assists in Miami Heat defeat over Warriors, 94-70.
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Mychal Mulder had a disappointing run in Summer League.
MYCHAL MULDER – C
Widely known for his outside shooting prior to joining Miami, he couldn’t consistently provide that, as the team struggled in that area as a whole.
For a player who isn’t a proficient ball-handler, most of Mychal’s attempts came from his usual catch-and-shoot looks. There were a few moments where he was thought to have broken out of the slump, but the shots just couldn’t fall for the former Warriors guard as consistently as you would like to see.
Mulder still provided a good defensive effort and even had a few athletic dunks in transition, but even a reasonable shooting clip would’ve been a large help for this team.
KEY PERFORMANCE: 23 points (5-for-7 from outside) and four rebounds in Miami Heat defeat over Celtics, 88-78.
JAMAL CAIN – B-
Jamal Cain was another bright spot for Miami. Much of his role this summer was serving as a primary backup option for either big man position, but when the minutes came, he brought a high level of energy.
Listed at 6’7” and 190 pounds, Cain is a tough rebounder and play-finisher for his size and doesn’t back down from larger opponents. You should see much more of him soon, as Miami signed the 23-year-old to an Exhibit 10 deal on Friday.
KEY PERFORMANCE: 11 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks in Miami Heat defeat over Clippers, 86-83.
OTHER FINAL GRADES FOR HEAT SUMMER LEAGUE:
- Dru Smith: C+
- Bryson Williams: C
- Jalen Adaway: C+
- Aaron Wheeler: N/A
With the NBA offseason in full effect, it’s always a pleasure to see who the Miami Heat’s competitors of tomorrow will be. Summer League continues to be a great tradition of showcasing talents and this tradition won’t be going away anytime soon.
And if we know the Miami Heat like we think we do, look to see a few of these guys in the big league soon enough.