3 Young players the Heat should develop, 2 to give up on
By Tyler Watts
Don’t Develop: Jamaree Bouyea
Bouyea went undrafted in 2022 after five years at the University of San Francisco. The 6’2 guard led his team to the NCAA Tournament in 2022 as he earned his second straight All-WCC honors.
He started in the G League with the Sioux Falls Skyforce, the Heat’s affiliate, where he was an outstanding playmaker and defender in the Showcase Cup. Bouyea increased his scoring during the regular season between two different ten-day contracts. The Heat liked what they saw in the G League enough to give the 24-year-old a two-way contract this summer.
The Heat could call on Bouyea plenty this season as Kyle Lowry is the only true point guard on their roster. Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro will lessen the playmaking load, but the Heat would prefer to move on from Lowry’s expiring contract. Adding Damian Lillard could make this a moot point, but Bouyea likely gets a shot to play this season.
The Miami Heat should not prioritize his development because he is undersized and already 24 years old. If he is not ready to play a role this season, the franchise should be willing to cut bait quickly and move on.
Can he be the next undrafted gem? Jamaree Bouyea’s chance is coming during training camp, so stay tuned.