The Miami Heat have been busy this offseason, and we thought it would be a good idea to grade their signings.
The Miami Heat 2021 NBA Free Agency Grades For Every Signing is a blog post that grades the Miami Heat’s free agent signings in 2021. Read more in detail here: nba free agent.
The Miami Heat had an eventful free agency following a disappointing 2020-21 campaign. They got swept by the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round and had to make improvements in the offseason. Amazingly, the South Beach franchise went out and added some key pieces that could help them get back to title contention.
They were a Finals candidate in 2020, and with their recent acquisitions, they should be a contender again in 2021-22. Kyle Lowry was brought in by the Heat for a key role.
As a result, below are the Miami Heat’s NBA free agency ratings for each signing in 2021.
Kyle Lowry’s grade is an A.
The Heat needed a point guard badly, so they signed the best available player for the job. Kyle Lowry, who is 35 years old, is still an exceptional player and a great match for the Heat.
Lowry averaged 17.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game last season. On 7.2 tries per game, he shot 39.6 percent from beyond the arc.
Despite the fact that he is in his 16th NBA season, he is still a solid offensive and defensive player. The Heat had to pull off a sign-and-trade with the Toronto Raptors to get him. Goran Dragic and Precious Achiuwa were traded to the Canadian club in exchange for Lowry.
Lowry signed a three-year, $85 million deal with the team, tying him to the team for many years.
For the Heat, this was a solid acquisition, but the big question is whether he will regress. Lowry will be 38 years old when his contract expires, and his performance may deteriorate. This sign-and-trade deal could help the Heat reclaim their title, but it was a risky move.
PJ Tucker’s grade is a B-.
PJ Tucker, one of the greatest role players in the game, was also signed by the Heat. He was a key member of the Bucks’ championship run last season and is a valuable experienced addition. Tucker averaged 3.7 points and 3.9 rebounds per game last season.
Tucker’s stats don’t reflect his real worth to clubs. He’s a tough defender who can also hit 3-pointers. The Heat made an undervalued selection here, but he’s getting up there in age. Tucker, who will be 36 years old this season, inked a two-year, $15 million deal with the Heat.
Tucker should be a solid experienced defender, so it’s another risky signing.
Morris, Markieff: B
Markieff Morris’ signing is an under-the-radar move. They did, after all, sign a good player for a veteran minimum. His championship experience should certainly help the squad in their quest to return to the Final Four.
Morris averaged 6.7 points and 4.4 rebounds per game last season. Morris is a good attacking player as well as a capable defender. As an end-of-rotation player, he should fit in nicely with the Heat’s scheme.
This was a good acquisition for Miami, since they got a guy that might contribute this season.
Robinson, Duncan: C
Duncan Robinson is one of the Heat’s most important players. Robinson is a fantastic 3-point shooter who plays a key role in the Heat attack.
Robinson’s signing receives a C grade owing to the terms of his deal. Robinson got a five-year, $90 million deal with Miami, which is a lot of money for him. Robinson scored 13.1 points per game and shot 40.8 percent from three-point range in 2020-21.
He should continue to be a solid player for the Heat, but we’ll have to see whether he can live up to his deal.
Victor Oladipo is a basketball player from Indiana.
Victor Oladipo is a two-time All-Star, but his career has been marred by injuries. Before being injured again in 2020-21, he was enjoying a good season. As a result, Oladipo’s value plummeted, and the Heat signed him to a one-year deal.
Oladipo’s contract will be a prove-it deal for him, so Miami is receiving a fantastic bargain. This low-risk, high-reward deal may help the Heat contend for a championship, particularly if Dipo remains healthy.
Udonis Haslem receives an A.
Udonis Haslem is one of the NBA’s most valuable veterans. Even though he doesn’t receive a lot of screen time, his influence and leadership are just as important. The Heat’s locker room culture is heavily influenced by Haslem’s presence. He’s a top player in his position, so signing him to a one-year contract makes a lot of sense.
Next season, expect Haslem to continue to teach and be a presence for the Heat.
C+ Dewayne Dedmon
Dewayne Dedmon is a capable backup center, but this isn’t a significant change. Last season, Dedmon averaged 7.1 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. Dedmon was re-signed by the Heat on a one-year contract, allowing him to remain as Bam Adebayo’s backup center.
Dedmon should have another good season as a Heat role player.
Vincent, Gabe: C
Gabe Vincent inked a two-year, $3.5 million deal with the Heat. Although he is unlikely to get much playing time next season, there is little question that he has the potential to grow into a valuable player.
Vincent had a 4.8 point per game average and shot 37.8% from the field. He’ll have to work on his game, but he was a bargain.
Yurtseven, Omer: C
Omer Yurtseven inked a two-year, $3.5 million deal with the Heat. With his deal with the Heat, Yurtseven will have the opportunity to show that he can play in the NBA.
B, Max Strus
Max Strus inked a two-year, $3.5 million deal with the Heat. Strus averaged 6.1 points per game for the Heat last season, and he now has a real chance at playing time with the Miami Heat this season.
He’s been playing well in Summer League and seems to be ready to make an impact in the NBA.
The Heat had a successful summer and now have a team that will compete for the Eastern Conference title.
Related Tags
- free agent centers 2021
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