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Miami Heat: 3 takeaways from the 2018 offseason

By Simon Smith

MIAMI, FL - APRIL 11: Wayne Ellington #2 of the Miami Heat celebrates with Bam Adebayo #13 against the Toronto Raptors during the second half at American Airlines Arena on April 11, 2018 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - APRIL 11: Wayne Ellington #2 of the Miami Heat celebrates with Bam Adebayo #13 against the Toronto Raptors during the second half at American Airlines Arena on April 11, 2018 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Derrick Jones Jr. shows potential

Prior to sustaining an ankle injury at the 2018 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Derrick Jones Jr. was again beginning to display flashes of his untapped potential.

Undrafted after one season at UNLV, Jones has been predominately a highlight reel throughout his brief appearances with both the Phoenix Suns and the Heat, as can be seen from the following highlight from a recent Summer League game in Sacramento:

While his athleticism is clearly unquestioned, it’s been the other aspects of Jones’ games that have been less desirable, most notably his outside shot. However, this has been a clear focus for Jones this offseason, as he recently relayed:

"“If I get an open shot, I’m not going to pass up on it,” he said. “I worked on my game so much, what’s the point passing up an open shot that I worked on so much? So if I get an open three, I’m taking it.”"

While his shooting is still very much a work in progress, Jones’ elite athleticism presents the Heat with a multitude of options moving forward for the 21-year-old. Signed to a two-way contract in the midst of last season, Jones recently signed a two-year standard deal with the Heat, with the first year being fully guaranteed. Following the signing, head coach Erik Spoelstra was full of praise for Jones’ recent progress:

"“He’s been terrific. He’s been all in with all the work. He wants more. Those guys tend to do well in our program. I was really happy for him when he signed the contract. It’s not easy in this league when you’re not drafted and then somebody cuts you. You have to show a level of grit and determination to be able to re-start. He did that, he trusted us to help him with that. His next step as a pro, it’s been fun to watch him improve.”"

So when you combine Jones’ significant upside with the Heat’s proven ability to develop and mold players from the outside, this under-the-radar signing was certainly a win for the Heat considering their lack of flexibility this summer.

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