The Heat have benefited from Kendrick Nunn‘s ability to stay ready, Khobi Price of The Sun Sentinel writes. Nunn poured in 27 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block in the team’s win over the Lakers on Saturday, making an impact on both ends of the court.
“I’m just in rhythm,” Nunn acknowledged. “I’m just in the flow of the game. Just being in the right position at the right time and just being hard to guard.”
The second-year guard also shot 10-of-14 from the field and 5-of-6 from deep in the outing, stepping up in the continued absence of Goran Dragic (ankle).
“We know what he’s capable of, especially on the offensive end,” teammate Jimmy Butler said of Nunn. “He’s been playing great defense too. He’s always ready and I give him props for that.”
There’s more out of Miami tonight:
- Ira Winderman of The Sun Sentinel explores whether adding DeMarcus Cousins would make sense for the team. Cousins would likely serve as the club’s backup center with the chance to compete for a starting role, which in turn could make big man Kelly Olynyk more expendable in a potential trade for a starting power forward. The Heat have yet to replace versatile starter Jae Crowder, who left the team in free agency last offseason.
- Winderman examines in a separate story whether the contracts of Nunn and Andre Iguodala could facilitate a trade before the March 25 deadline. Nunn has raised his trade value in recent weeks, while Iguodala is a former Finals MVP who could be added as a salary-filler in any deal.
- Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald examines the team’s front office and some questionable decisions made prior to the 2020/21 season. Miami made an effort to preserve its salary-cap space for the summer of 2021 (and potentially pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo), choosing not to offer Crowder or Derrick Jones Jr. multiyear deals. Antetokounmpo announced a short time later that he’d sign a five-year, $228MM super-max contract extension to remain with the Bucks.
What about replacing Jae Crowder with that tall guy
Out of New England….
CLEM CHOWDER !!
He’s not real
Heat should see what kind of interest there is for Haslem
I was very surprised that Crowder wasn’t brought back. Did they even offer him a deal?
Crowder was offered a one-year deal and he wanted more. His loss was the price paid for Giannis-dreaming. But they will have a lot for someone else instead, maybe Collins ATL or Zinger DAL. IMO, they have a Giannis of their own in Adebayo.
Not offering Crowder a multi-year contract, was a gamble worth-taking for the HEAT.
Any time you get a shot for a top-tier talent like Giannis, you do your due diligence.
The HEAT will have (more) flexibility by the next offseason. A few team options, some expiring contracts, Riley is always looking for that next piece.
Less than zero
Houston won’t get a lot for Cousins, but at least he’s worth something.
Im a big fan of Big Cuz but i don’t think so.
I like the Clem Chowder suggestion
Cousins in Miami seems like a good fit. Not sure I’d plan on giving him the minutes Olynyk has been getting without getting another guy too maybe. Like Tucker perhaps?