5 Takeaways from the Heat's summer league title run: Kel'el Ware is ready
The Miami Heat are champions of the annual Las Vegas summer league showcase, and several of Miami’s players stood out. So the All U Can Heat staff got together to discuss their biggest takeaways from summer league.
1. Who impressed you the most from the Heat’s summer league team?
Alex Villasis: Isaiah Stevens. With the responsibility of being the floor general, Stevens made phenomenal passes that set his teammates up with great looks and was a big reason Miami hoisted up the summer league trophy.
Daniel Riccio: Kel’el Ware, with a bit of bias in there as well. Being the Heat’s biggest offseason addition, Ware’s summer league productivity was encouraging. His strong play, including several double-doubles and 20-plus point efforts, provided a lot of optimism in hopes of making an instant impact. His coachability and feel for the game should make a strong case to earn a starting role heading into the season, along with his natural talent of course. Pairing Bam Adebayo with Ware’s 7-foot presence could be an intriguing element to the Heat’s frontcourt.
Stephanie Meadows: Josh Christopher. His basketball journey is Heat culture. After being drafted, he was waived by the Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies and then the Utah Jazz after he played for their G League team. Miami was the next team to pick him up. All those transactions forced him to learn resilience early in his career. In six games at summer league, Christopher averaged 19.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 25.9 minutes. He was extremely efficient, shooting 54.1% from the field and 52.5% from 3-point range. In the championship game, Christopher proved his readiness by going on to earn the summer league finals MVP award, which further demonstrates the impact he had on the court and with his teammates. Josh Christopher should be offered a two-way contract, as he can be a vital part of Miami’s bench rotation, and help balance out the offensive side. His attitude and play style represent the Heat and what they are looking for.
Brennan Sims: Josh Christopher was the summer league surprise. He's been a well-known player since high school when he and Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green ran Instagram reels with their viral dunks. Christopher still possesses the traits that made him a high school star: the ability to get downhill, shot-making, and nutty athleticism. But his all-around game was a sight to see at summer league. Even though he was named summer league Finals MVP, Christopher was willing to do the dirty work. He could be the next Heat gem if he carries this mindset and intensity into the G League next year. The talent is clearly there.