BBallFreak wrote:ReggiesKnicks wrote:BBallFreak wrote:Better than whom? Do we need statistics to prove they develop well or do we know based on history?
You made a blanket statement that Miami is good at development.
I asked if there is evidence to this that makes you consider them good at it.
You made the statement. I asked for facts backing up the statement.
I thought this was considered a given by people paying attention, but let's look at the roster.
Pg: Mitchell and Smith both looked fantastic last year for Miami because, in Smith's case, Miami developed him and put him in a position to succeed and, in Mitchell's case, we utilized his skillset the way it was meant to be utilized.
Sg: Herro was the 13th pick in the draft. He's been 6th man of the year and an all-star. Ok think it's fair to call him a developmental success. Duncan Robinson is one of the best shooters in the league and has expanded his game quite a bit. He was an undrafted free agent.
Sf: the jury is out on Jaime but I haven't given up hope. Haywood Highsmith is a fantastic defensive player who's been developing his shot. He's another rotation level guy.
Pf: Bam Adebayo was picked 14th. Again, late lottery but not a guaranteed hit. One of the best defenders in the league and an 18 and 10 big man. Nikola Jovic looks to be our 6th man next year and had made significant progress.
C: Ka'lel Ware looks like an amazing prospect
That's 7 legitimate NBA rotation players on the roster (one not on the roster) and two of them having been all stars. That's just what we're looking at, now. How many team can claim that much of their rotation as homegrown protects or reclamation projects? Not a lot. Your team is doing a pretty good job, but not a lot do.
Development
Putting players in place to succeed
I mean, "putting players in place to succeed" is ridiculous if you're talking about development. It's literally not even in the scope of what development is. It's extremely lazy to suggest that BTW.
Development is:
1. Technical Skill
2. Tactical Understanding
3. Physical Development
4. Mental & Emotional Growth
5. Personal Maturity & Professional Habits
Now I would actually put Miami in the tier of one of the best scouting teams in the NBA in terms of finding talent like Strus etc, who fell through the cracks almost and then identifying talent in the draft at lower numbers.
Development is from guys like Jovic and while he is young still, he's coming into his 4th NBA season and realistically if you're being honest the development has been less than average?
But let's go through your list.
JJJ is an older rookie that literally regressed. There is NO development there. In fact, it's regression.
Ware was a rookie so you don't get that tag of development yet. You do get a scouting tag as great pick (he was actually my pick for the Kings and he's going to be a stud - wait - is that Miami development in play?)
Bam. Yep he has turned into a terrific player. Wonderful leader of Miami TBH. Could he have been more elsewhere?
Haywood Highsmith - What are you even talking about?
Tyler Herro - I think Tyler is a fantastic example of great Heat development. He was always going to be a decent scorer, but I think Miami has levelled him up a couple of times and allowed him to be a really good AS type player. 100% agree here.
Duncan Robinson - See other guys that they identified. Scouting. IE he came in and played 15 games, made the roster the next year and hasn't done anything different. At ALL.
Smith & Davion - "position to succeed" I mean come on. Not even worth responding to this.
So while Miami is absolutely one of the better drafters and identifiers of talent, they've never shown an absolute over another franchise to develop better than the other.