Klay ThompsonOutside shooting can give him an advantage in the battle for Heat final starting point, Anthony Chung of The Miami Herald writes in history only for subscribers. Thompson, who signed with Miami after a buyout agreement with Dallas this summer, is by far the most accomplished long-range shooter on the roster, ranking fourth in NBA history with 2,899 career 3-pointers.
Having a man on the floor who can stretch opposing defenses will be crucial along with the projected starters Janice Antecumba, Bam Adebayo, Andrew Wiggins and Davion Mitchell. The Heat targeted Thompson for that role for much of the offseason and were willing to wait until he could negotiate his release with the Mavericks.
Chiang sees free agent additions Tim Hardaway Jr and a relic Pele Larson as Thompson’s main competition for the starting pitching spot. However, Hardaway proved he was comfortable coming off the bench last season with Denver, while Larson was both a starter and a backup over two NBA seasons.
There are more from Miami:
- In the same work Chan assesses Nick Richardschances to earn a roster spot. A 28-year-old large man signed a contract without warranty for one year in August, and sources tell Chang that his $3.1 million salary will become fully guaranteed if he’s still with the team on opening night. Chan points out that Adebayo and Bobby Portis are the Heat’s only other experienced centers and says Richards’ skill set could be useful off the bench.
- Win Bakerwho joined Miami’s coaching staff this summer after eight years in Milwaukee, is happy to continue working with Antetokounmpo, Chan adds a separate story. Baker has developed a close relationship with Antetokounmpo over the years and helped officiate at his 2024 wedding. “We have a lot in common on the court” Baker said. “Obviously, he’s on a different level than I was as a player. But being an All-Star, an Olympian and an NBA player, I really see some of the things that he sees on the court. And I try to help him see those things, especially post-ups and double-teams and things like that. But, again, our relationship goes beyond basketball. I’m just very fortunate to be here, to be a part of this journey with him. And hopefully someday I’ll win another one.” championship”.
- The Heat will hold their training camp at Florida Atlantic University from Sept. 29 to Oct. 2, according to Ira Winderman of The Sun-Sentinel (Link to Twitter).
- Jahmir YoungThe G League rights were traded to Lakersbranch, adds Winderman (Link to Twitter). The 25-year-old point guard earned second-team All-G league honors from Sioux Falls last season.
