3 Heat players whose roles are sure to alter next season.
After seeing young players exceed expectations last season and Caleb Martin leave for free agency, the Miami Heat will need to make some changes. The summer brought little changes in terms of outside aid, thanks in part to Miami’s already-bloated salary. So here’s the team for now, with 14 guys on normal contracts.
If the Heat want to progress next season, these three players must develop in new positions.
1. Jaime Jaquez, Jr.
Jamie Jaquez Jr. will take on more responsibility now that Caleb Martin is gone. Jaquez had the ball in his hands frequently throughout his two Summer League games, indicating that he may be utilized more on the ball next season.
Jaquez was deployed as the primary ball-handler in pick-and-rolls with rookie center Kel’el Ware, and it’s no surprise that the second-year player excelled in Las Vegas. However, he had five turnovers, but the goal of Summer League is to improve your game. Miami’s roster lacks a traditional point guard, instead featuring a number of ball handlers capable of creating offense. This season, Jaquez will receive plenty of reps with the ball in his hands.
Defensively, Jaquez still needs to improve to help the Heat replace Martin, but he has similar size and athleticism and could improve there.
It appears like Jaquez will be Miami’s Swiss army knife. Giving him greater responsibility can only serve to strengthen his game. Year 2 will be critical for Jaquez’s growth.
