8 High-ceiling reclamation projects Miami Heat could target

Mar 13, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks (24) reacts to scoring against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks (24) reacts to scoring against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
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Miami Heat
Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks (24) drives to the basket during the second half against the Miami Heat(Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports)

Dillon Brooks, unrestricted free agent

If the Miami Heat really wanted to target a high-ceiling reclamation project, Dillon Brooks is a player that they would have to consider. And after the season he just had with the Memphis Grizzlies, Brooks has a lot of work to do when it comes to building back up his reputation around the NBA.

This past season in Memphis, Brooks averaged 14 points and three rebounds on a career-worst 40 percent shooting from the field and 33 percent shooting from 3-point range. Even without discussing his non-basketball issues, it would seem unlikely that he’s going to get the big contract that perhaps he thought he would be getting this summer in free agency. There’s a reason that not even the Grizzlies are going to explore re-signing him.

But perhaps the Heat could be a good fit. In a vacuum, Brooks is the type of culture guy that Miami could appreciate. He doesn’t back down from a challenge, is a stingy defender, and is the definition of self-made as a former second-round pick.

I honestly believe that Brooks could be a changed man in a Heat uniform. It could theoretically work. If Miami is willing to make the gamble, I’d be shocked if there wasn’t at least a initial conversation.