Check Out 3 Heat players whose stock is rising at Summer League, 1 whose spot is in danger
The Miami Heat have started 2-0 and look poised to make the showcase’s playoffs. Several of the Heat’s players have stood out, including their first-round pick and a few under-the-radar prospects.
Here’s a look at three players whose stock is up, and one player who is in danger of losing his spot on the team.
Up: Josh Christopher
Following his explosive fourth-quarter performance on Monday night, Josh Christopher has scored 43 points in two games for the Las Vegas Summer League.
Christopher was a prolific scorer for Miami in their victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, putting up 20 points in the fourth quarter while sinking five of his seven 3-pointers.
Dan Bisaccio, the Heat Summer League coach, remarked of Christopher’s shooting performance, “Everyone was so excited for him.” “They are aware of the effort he puts in behind the scenes.”
Christopher has been training with the Heat coaches since May. Christopher played his final season with the Heat’s G League affiliate in Sioux Falls. The former first-round selection stated that his goal is to prove to the Heat that he is a valuable role player.
Christopher remarked, “Be an animal on defense, taking my shots, shooting my three, and trusting the work that I’m putting in.” “Merely having the ability to play off the ball and take on a completely different role—be a 3-and-D player.”
Up: Kel’el Ware
The 7-footer is shown his skill at both the wing and midcourt. In pick-and-rolls with Miami’s ball handlers, Ware has flourished offensively, finishing with lobs and touch shots in the restricted area. In addition, he has made two 3-pointers in Las Vegas thus far, displaying a glimpse of the interesting skill set that landed him as the 15th choice in the NBA.
Ware’s size has caused defensive difficulties for aspiring players and resulted in numerous blocks and contests close to the basket. Ware ended with 12 rebounds, a block, and a steal on Monday.
It’s evident that he needs to put on weight in order to compete with players at the NBA level, and coaches are pressuring him to outwork opponents on the glass more frequently, but he also possesses two-way potential.
Up: Isaiah Stevens
Isaiah Stevens, who leads the Las Vegas Summer League in assists to turnovers (averaging 9 assists to 1 turnover), has dazzled with his quickness, deft ball handling, and keen sense of the rules of the game.
Stevens, a typical point guard by profession, is only attempting 4.5 shots per game on average and will be undersized in the NBA at 6 feet 0, but the rookie, 23, simply has a knack for the game.
The team’s needs may be more important to them than Stevens’ ability to win one of Miami’s two-way contracts. Stevens offers a reliable presence on the court if the Heat feel they may benefit from having a pure point guard on the team.
