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Miami Heat: Complete 2018 offseason grades

By Simon Smith

MIAMI, FL - APRIL 11: Wayne Ellington #2 of the Miami Heat speaks to the media after the game against the Toronto Raptors on April 11, 2018 at American Airlines Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - APRIL 11: Wayne Ellington #2 of the Miami Heat speaks to the media after the game against the Toronto Raptors on April 11, 2018 at American Airlines Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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2018 NBA free agency tracker
(Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Signing Derrick Jones Jr.

Despite playing just 14 games for the team last season while on a two-way contract, the Heat decided to invest in Jones early this summer, signed to a two-year minimum contract, with the first season guaranteed.

It didn’t take long for the former UNLV product to reward the faith of the Heat and to demonstrate that his game had progressed noticeably since last season.

Taking the floor at the California Classic in Sacramento, Jones stood out in averaging 21.3 points and 7.3 rebounds while converting at a 51 percent clip from the field over his three appearances.

https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1015037368238333952

So impressive were his performances, that Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra was quick to praise the 21-year-old’s progression:

"“He’s been terrific. He’s been all-in with the work….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.”"

As Spoelstra alluded to, Jones was cut following one-and-a-half seasons with the Phoenix Suns. However, as Jones stated, this only further fueled his motivation:

"“What did I do wrong? Or what can I do better? How can make myself better for the next team so I can stick with that team? I realized I had to work harder. I feel like I’m one of the hardest working players on the team. I’m going to keep it going until whenever my day is done. I want to be able to feel like I worked my tail off every day, never took any days off.”"

Considering his age and considerable upside, and their own precarious salary cap position, signing Jones to a minimum deal is a complete no-brainer.

Grade: B+

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