You hear it throughout many conversations taking place in Orlando over the last days. “It’s only Summer League,” they say, dismissing either a particularly impressive or disappointing performance because the level of competition isn’t as high as a regular-season NBA game.
But that’s a disservice to the players that are competing there right now and some of them — including D-League standout Willie Reed — are showing they might have what it takes to make it to the next level.
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Reed’s story is unique yet like many of the ones you hear during the offseason tournament in Central Florida. Undrafted out of Saint Louis University in 2011, he’s followed the journeyman’s path to Orlando. Stints in the NBA’s Development League with the Springfield Armor, Grand Rapids Drive and Sioux Falls Skyforce. Playing internationally in the Dominican Republic and Israel.
Even camp invitations with Memphis, Sacramento, Indiana and Brooklyn.
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None of these steps have led to success in the NBA.
Through three games this summer, Reed is showing that perhaps it’s time for a team to take a chance on him and it could be with the Miami Heat.
The 6’10” forward/center is playing with the Heat during Summer League and he’s gotten off to an impressive start, averaging 12.3 points and eight rebounds per game. Size is a valuable commodity during the tournament but Reed’s energy and hustle have made a difference in Miami’s 3-0 record thus far.
As Heat assistant coach Dan Craig told reporters after Monday’s win over the Pistons’ squad, Reed brings “a shot-blocking presence around the rim and he’s a high-motor big.” Craig also added, “It’s contagious with everybody else. He gives you extra possessions with his offensive rebounding. He’s been tremendous.”
Craig’s spot-on in his assessment of Reed. The Heat bench seems to be the loudest in Orlando, with resting players yelling encouragement throughout each contest. And nothing seems to get them more fired up than seeing Reed tower over an opponent for a rebound or keeping a ball in play by tipping it to one of his teammates.
Reed enjoyed success in his previous D-League stint, averaging 16.4 points, 12.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocked shots per game through 47 appearances with the Drive. He could give you downright dominant performances, as he did last February when he scored 33 points:
Again, the level of competition, as one would expect, is held against Reed when judging his production. But there’s clearly talent here, and he could be bringing it to the NBA later this year.
Miami’s roster is somewhat stuffed in the frontcourt. Starters Hassan Whiteside and Chris Bosh are the incumbents at center and power forward, respectively, the positions where Reed might contribute. Add the presence of Josh McRoberts, Chris Andersen and Udonis Haslem to the mix and you can see where it would be tough for Reed to get a shot with the Heat.
But injuries were a factor last season and unexpectedly led to “finding” Whiteside, a player that is expected to be a big part of the Miami’s future plans. And McRoberts and Andersen have been included in recent trade rumors, freeing up a space that could be used on Reed.
His game is far from perfect — his low-post moves are questionable and his hands can’t always secure rebounds that carom off the rim — but his hustle can certainly be a boost. And while nothing is guaranteed, that doesn’t seem to impact Reed’s confidence or dedication, as he explained on Monday:
"“The process has really helped me become the person I am now. I’m glad I learned from it and became a better man and a better man of God. Now everything’s starting to turn around. I’m very confident in my abilities and I know what I can bring. If a coach puts me on the floor, he’s gonna get defense and rebounding and a vocal guy every time I step on the court, even if I’m the 15th man on the roster.”"
With any luck, that last spot on the bench just might be with the Miami Heat.
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