Miami Heat: 3 goals for Dion Waiters in 2018-19

1. Continue to deliver in the clutch

While the return of Dwyane Wade last season was sensational on a number of levels, one of the primary reasons for his return was the absence of a late-game scorer who could create his own shot. Prior to his season-ending injury, Waiters filled this role with notable aplomb.

Despite his injury restriction last season, the following graph can help demonstrate just what Waiters is capable of producing in the clutch:

Waiters’ exploits in the clutch began in his first season with the Heat, where his ability to shoot off the dribble, be it in the paint or from downtown, was a feature of the Heat’s sizzling 30-11 finish to the season.

Of course, his most memorable feat in the clutch came against the eventual NBA champion Golden State Warriors:

Between Jan. 21 and March 12, 2017, in the midst of the best stretch of his career, Waiters played in five clutch games in which the score was two points or less with less than two minutes remaining. During these games, Waiters hit all three of his triples, with only two other total field goals being attempted between the remainder of the roster during these games.

Fast forward to this season, and until his season ended prematurely, Waiters had played in 11 games in which there was two points or less the difference and less than two minutes remaining. Not only did Waiters register a +39.3 net rating, the Heat posted a 7-4 record during this stretch of games.

While his health status for training camp remains questionable, the Heat have a much clearer knowledgable as to what Waiters is capable of producing down the stretch of decisive games.