It may have been a disappointing free agency, but the work from the Miami Heat’s top-tier scouting department was documented over the 2024 NBA Summer League. The Heat capped off an undefeated run on route to securing the franchise’s first ever Summer League championship last night. They defeated the Memphis Grizzlies in overtime, 120-118.
Led by newly drafted Kel’el Ware and Pelle Larsson; Miami owned the best summer roster from the start.
Prior to the championship win, Heat’s Ware and Jaime Jaquez Jr. earned first and second all-summer league team honors, respectively. Jaquez only made two appearances in the league, but he looked like a man amongst boys in his outings. He averaged 26.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists on 58.6% shooting in the two games.
Ware on the other hand, has once again looked like Miami may own the ‘steal of the draft’. He finished Summer League with averages of nearly 18.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.5 blocks on 66% true shooting. The 15th overall pick also showed floor spreading abilities, going 40% from 3-point range.
The best performances from the 7-footer’s summer runs include:
• 26 PTS – 11 REB – 3 AST – 57 FG%
• 24 PTS – 10 REB – 3 BLK – 75 FG%
• 17 PTS – 10 REB – 4 STL – 50 FG%
• 21 PTS – 10 REB – 2 BLK – 80 FG%
However, there were plenty more bright spots across this roster. Keshad Johnson, Isaiah Stevens, Josh Christopher, Alondes Williams and Cole Swider each had their moments. Christopher saw himself earn the finals MVP award in the championship clinching game last evening. He had a stat-line of 24 points and 4 rebounds on 9/17 shooting and 6/10 from deep.
Christopher spoke to media after the game, and noted that he is ready to buy into Heat Culture:
“It’s something that you can’t really put in words. Heat Culture is just something that I’ve understood… it just brought the best out of me. I don’t think I’ve had a series of games better than this in my life honestly.” (-Christopher, via ClutchPoints)
Williams quietly put together a big performance as well, going for 21 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds on 4/9 from 3’s and 50% shooting. The Sioux Falls Skyforce alum made a HUGE case over the last month to stick around with the Heat.
Swider showed out as an elite sniper from long range throughout the duration of the summer. He has proved that he will get an NBA opportunity, even if it’s not in Miami.
However, if the Heat do opt to bring him back, it shouldn’t be a move that fans are upset about. Swider’s shooting is valued over anything in today’s league. Although he is limited in a lot of other facets, he can get developed if given the chance.
Lastly, Larsson wound up being a valuable all-around role player in the last month. He stepped up to hit the game winning bucket in overtime in the championship game. Larsson finished with 16 points, 4 assists and 3 rebounds on 77.8% shooting.
Postgame, Larsson spoke on what he brings to the team:
“I think my hunger, I’m always hungry, I’m going to keep working I’m not going to stop” (-Larsson, via ESPN)
With a Summer League championship in the books, now comes some important Miami Heat decisions. The team gets just three two-way spots heading into the season, with a plethora of options including: Johnson (current two-way), Dru Smith (current two-way), Zyon Pullin (current two-way), Christopher, Stevens, Williams and Swider.
***
To check out our other content, click here.
Follow Hot Hot Hoops on Twitter/X here!
Follow Hot Hot Hoops on Instagram here!
Subscribe to our YouTube channel here!
“…but the work from the Miami Heat’s top-tier scouting department was documented over the 2024 NBA Summer League.”
Who are the other top tier teams in terms of scouting, player development? I believe Heat is first on this, who comes second?
Anyways…CONGRATS Heat Summer Leaguers!!