Miami Heat: Trevor Ariza proving a pleasant surprise

Among a host of storylines, one of the more prevalent that centered around the Miami Heat entering this season was the gaping hole in the frontcourt beside Bam Adebayo.

This past offseason, Jae Crowder, who played the role as a stretch-four to great effect as the Heat advanced all the way to the NBA Finals, departed via free agency to the Phoenix Suns, who now currently hold the second-best record in the league. As a result, Heat signed veteran Moe Harkless this past offseason to a one-year deal, with his defensive capabilities and ability to knock down an open three seen as a positive on a low-cost contract.

However, things didn’t go to plan, with Harkless playing just 11 games and 124 total minutes with the Heat due to a combination of health protocols, injury and eventually falling completely out of the rotation. As a result, the Heat front office went to work and acquired 17-year veteran Trevor Ariza in a transaction with the OKC Thunder.

While he’s had a long and distinguished career, the Miami Heat are nonetheless delighted with the production they’ve received from Trevor Ariza.

Despite having not taken to the floor for over 12 months, Ariza has taken little time to adjust and adapt to his new settings. Through 25 games this season, Ariza has averaged 9.3 points and 4.6 rebounds in 27.2 minutes per game. These numbers have gradually picked as he has become more acclimated with the overall schemes of the Heat, posting 13.4 points and 5.0 rebounds on 50.0 percent shooting over his last five games.

Recently, head coach Erik Spoelstra expressed his admiration for Ariza and the contributions he’s made thus far:

"“Trevor’s one of the most underrated players in this league. But I would say that the contending teams that had him before, he’s not underrated. He does so many things — his activity, his deflections, his ability to guard multiple positions. And he also has been a very underrated scorer over the course of his career.”"

In addition to mentioning his ability to contribute offensively, Spoelstra was most focused on Ariza’s level of activity at the defensive end of the floor. Since commencing with the Heat on March 17, Ariza ranks third on the team in total steals (22), second in blocks (16) and third in deflections (58) while ranking fourth overall in total minutes (681). At 6’8″ and possessing a 7’2″ wingspan, Ariza’s combination of physical prowess and basketball instincts has meant he’s been able to fit in like a glove with the high demands of the Heat’s defensive system.

In addition to Spoelstra, Heat center Bam Adebayo has also quickly realized the value Ariza brings to the table:

"“I feel like the one thing that’s underrated is his IQ. Most people think he’s just 3-and-D. He can put it on the floor. He can defend. He can really shoot it. He can also pass. He’s been making our team better, and he’s locked in and playing that way.”"

With just six games remaining and currently seeded seventh, the Heat at present are destined for the play-in tournament at the end of the season. Ultimately, their upcoming back-to-back on the road against the Boston Celtics, with whom the Heat share an identical 35-31 record, could determine their fate as it pertains to advancing to the postseason as a seed, or having to play in the cut-throat knock-out tournament.

Either way, the Miami Heat will be comforted in the knowledge that they have on board one of the smarter and more experienced veterans in the league in Trevor Ariza to assist in their playoff push.