Heat guards Javonte Smart and Mychal Mulder are working to expand their games in Summer League as they try to hang on to their two-way contracts, writes Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald. Smart, a natural scorer who averaged 21.1 PPG in G League competition last season, is focused on becoming a better play-maker. Mulder is a three-point specialist who is attempting to become more well-rounded.
“You’re always looking at how guys may develop into something,” Summer League head coach Malik Allen said. “But you got to be able to do the little things because in order to play with Bam [Adebayo], Jimmy [Butler] and Kyle [Lowry], you got to be able to contribute in those ways. And those guys are going to hold your feet to the fire if you do get that opportunity. If the opportunity does come in December or January.
Marcus Garrett, who held a two-way contract with Miami before undergoing wrist surgery in January, is among the threats to Smart and Mulder. Garrett returned to action over the weekend, playing for the first time in more than six months. Chiang mentions rookie center Orlando Robinson as another two-way candidate.
There’s more from the Southeast Division:
- Tyler Herro isn’t bothered by Heat president Pat Riley‘s stance that he needs to earn his way into the starting lineup, per Ira Winderman of The Sun Sentinel. Riley’s comments came in response to Herro saying he wants to be a starter after winning Sixth Man of the Year honors. “He continues to give me advice,” Herro said when asked about Riley. “Every time I talk to him, he always gives me a new book to read.”
- After two strong showings, Magic forward Paolo Banchero will be shut down for the rest of Summer League, according to ESPN. The No. 1 pick averaged 20.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists, leading Orlando to a pair of victories. In an interview with ESPN (video link), Banchero said his goal for his rookie season is to “affect the Magic in a winning way.”
- David Aldridge of The Athletic examines the Wizards‘ chances of building a contending team around Bradley Beal now that he has a five-year max contract.
Banchero will be like Towns in ORL, but a better playmaker.
that’s a real grand statement after 2 summer league games. he’s not NEAR the shooter towns is.
Towns’ 64% TS is remarkable. But I think it’s the best comparison for Banchero.
I may have said something similar during college tournaments.
Javonte Smart reminds me a little of 2 or 3 players. Dion Waiters/Kendrick Nunn/Mario Chalmers. Right now he is more Dion Waiters than Kendrick Nunn, and he needs to improve his shot selection, and as mentioned, his playmaking/decision making, and being less of a ball stopper, as well as being more consistent defensively. I could see him as an option for them in the scenario where Herro gets moved, but I think his spot is in jeopardy, as of now. They actually also have a couple of similar guys on their summer league team this year, as they also did last year, so I’m curious to see how that continues to shape itself
Mulder’s skillset is a little redundant with Herro, and they replaced him with Vincent a couple of years ago. I like him, but if they find someone else, like a wing or a 4 in that spot, I’d rather 1 of them get it, but obviously, that would be someone not currently on their summer league roster. I still like the guys they had last year, like DJ Stewart jr or AJ Lawson, who would be great fits, but I could see them getting a regular contract with someone
If Lowry gets moved, I could see Garrett actually getting 1 of the regular last spots, but I would think as of now, it will likely be him and Mulder on the 2 ways, unless they find someone else
If Herro can be better, and more consistent defensively, and learn to play even more without the ball, as well as learning how to draw more fouls, I think there are ways he can be a starter on this roster, but it would take a lot away from their depth. I also dont think that should matter when he gets 30+ minutes and takes the most shots on the team regardless
Why would a player be bothered by the notion that he has to earn his role, whatever it might be-? Riley isn’t dissing the guy; he’s speaking the way coaches have always spoken until the most recent era where players get offended if they aren’t having their butts kissed.