The Miami Heat have been quite patient all offseason, waiting for the right moment to finalize their roster. And the surprise release of Devin Carter might be the exact reclamation project that the Heat's front office may have been waiting for all summer long.
In more ways than one, there's reason to believe that Carter is the low-risk, high-reward option that the Heat have patiently been waiting to materialize. Of course, that still doesn't mean it's an easy decision for Miami to make. But if the Heat are truly open to filling out their 15th and final roster spot before the start of the season, there's reason to believe that it may finally happen with Carter.
After being somewhat surprisingly waived by the Atlanta Hawks, Carter does present any team (especially the Heat) with an intriguing opportunity. Carter, a former lottery pick, does have untapped talent and potential. He struggled during his time in Sacramento (which young player doesn't?) during his first two seasons of his career and definitely needs a reset.
A similar arc to Davion Mitchell (and his struggles with the Kings), you can't help but wonder if the Heat may see a great chance to rebuild another young, talented guard's career.
Should the Heat take a flyer on Devin Carter?
During his first two seasons with the Kings, Carter has shown flashes of promise. In 38 games played this past season, Carter averaged nine points, three rebounds, and three assists on 41 percent shooting from the field. Seems like a player any team would want to keep around.
Despite his natural talent, Carter has struggled with availability and shooting consistency. It's part of the reason why the Hawks decided to cut ties with the young guard, especially considering how loaded they are in the backcourt at the moment.
The Hawks just didn't have a role for Carter and weren't in a position where they were willing to invest in his development. Should that scare away the Heat?
It shouldn't, in theory. Miami often prides itself on its ability to develop forgotten players, many times finding small competitive advantages in those risks. Carter could be the Heat's next find if Erik Spoelstra can get his hands on him.
But again, that's a lot easier said than done. Especially considering that the Heat will be balancing the team around Giannis. That means the Heat would have to develop Carter in the shadows, while also building out a championship rotation around Giannis. Using a 15th roster spot on a player that may need time to develop for a few months or a year (without the guarantee of promise) could be the real issue for the Heat on this front.
Logistically, though, Carter is the type of combo guard that the Heat may be missing in their supporting cast. Whether Carter would be ready to contribute from day one could be the ultimate question for the Heat.
If Miami does believe there's enough promise there, though, there's no question Carter would be an amazing late-summer add for the Heat. He may not be Klay Thompson, but he could be a prototypical piece that the Heat may have been waiting to wiggle free.
Add us as a preferred source on Google