Kyle Alexander: An Unknown Gem for Miami

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It’s been an interesting discussion about what Miami will do with their 20th pick in this NBA draft. A defensive guard or a back-up big seem to be the two options, but what if they already have a young big being groomed?

Kyle Alexander went un-drafted in the 2019 NBA draft, after four solid years at the University of Tennessee. The reason Miami was so intrigued by him is that he truly represents work ethic and culture. He told Knox News after he got picked up by Miami, “The Heat culture is a work ethic culture. They really grind over there. That is what I did at Tennessee. It is built into me.”

The reason I believe that there’s a chance Miami can utilize him is because he fills a lot of their holes. His strength is that he has an outstanding ability to protect the rim. In his first two games with Sioux Falls, he had a total of 15 blocks. Blocking shots is what he’s most known for defensively, but he’s also very quick and lengthy, which makes him a threat against guards on the perimeter.

Another interesting strength is that he’s a very good offensive rebounder, which could be helpful in spurts when Bam Adebayo is off of the floor. His timing is actually what many have emphasized on, which also played a part in his shot blocking.

Offensively there may be some limitations, but there are also things he can look to mirror. For one, he’s a very good screen-setter, and really knows his way around the pick and roll. He is also pretty deadly from the mid-range area, when his confidence allows him to shoot.

Pat Riley told the Sun Sentinel a few months ago, “We’ve really liked him and he’s developed…We feel he has the potential to be a prototype of today’s NBA big man.”

Draft analyst, Jonathan Givony, projected Alexander to be a late first round pick in the draft, due to the reasons mentioned prior. Many teams were worried about his size, since he’s only 6’10 with a small frame. But Riley also told the Sun Sentinal, “He’s really developed an upper body.”

This situation seems pretty similar to both Duncan Robinson and KZ Okpala. Duncan was kept under the radar for a reason during his rookie year, and we all know how that turned out. Many are expecting KZ Okpala to do the same next season, but what if Kyle Alexander does so as well?

If Miami goes the route of selecting a guard or wing in this year’s NBA draft, I believe it’ll be for the reason of another young big awaiting his moment in the NBA.

And his name is Kyle Alexander.

 

Jrue Holiday Being Discussed in Trade Talks, Miami Will Be Listening

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It was reported by Shams of the Athletic this morning that the New Orleans Pelicans are discussing Jrue Holiday in trade talks, which several contending teams are pursuing.

I mentioned what Miami would most likely need to give up to get Jrue Holiday in a past article, which would probably have to be Duncan Robinson. It also comes down to who Miami values more, Duncan or KZ Okpala. I believe they may have a chance to get something done without Duncan if they throw in KZ, but it’s their decision to make.

Tyler Herro would not be considered in a trade for Jrue, for many reasons I’ve mentioned in the past. When Giannis Antetokounmpo is getting discussed, that’s clearly a different story.

I truly believe that Jrue Holiday is the best possible fit for this Heat team right now. Of course a big seems to be the ideal pick-up, but you can get a solid back-up big in free agency. Talented two-way players like Jrue are hard to come by, especially one that already has a Heat culture to him, and is respected by Jimmy Butler.

This Heat team currently has assets, but they also have options. But I don’t think there’s many better options than Jrue Holiday.

These talks will continue to get some traction the closer we get to next season, and I know Pat Riley and others will have their eyes on that situation in New Orleans.

(Also check out an episode of Five on the Floor where they discuss Jrue Holiday here)

Kendrick Nunn: More Than A Trade Asset

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It seems as if the first thing that comes to mind when people hear the name Kendrick Nunn is a trade asset. It’s definitely a possibility if Miami looks to make a big trade, since he’s an enticing young player, but for now he’s apart of this Miami Heat’s young core going forward.

Due to the unfortunate circumstances with Covid-19, which forced the league to go into a hiatus and eventually a bubble, many seem to forget the success that Kendrick Nunn had during the regular season.

Kendrick averaged 15 points a game as the starting point guard for one of the best starting lineups in the NBA. He also finished second in Rookie of the Year voting, only behind Ja Morant, an emerging young star.

Some of Kendrick Nunn’s bubble struggles seem to be the first thing on people’s minds when discussing him, and rightfully so since they last saw him play at a high level about nine months ago.

Those struggles in the bubble did not mean that Kendrick Nunn’s rookie season was a fluke. He had some unfortunate things come up such as testing positive for Covid and other personal things, which resulted in his exit from the rotation.

Although that did happen, the part that should be even more fresh in fan’s minds is the fact that he battled through all of that adversity and showed up in the Finals. That stood out to the Miami Heat’s organization, since that proved he’s a Miami Heat type player.

Once again, of course when discussing possible trade moves, his name will be inserted due to his value right now. But that’s definitely not all he is. The Miami Heat would love to bring him back next season and continue to develop him even more. His relationship with fellow rookie Tyler Herro is another thing that stands out, since they’re going to be looking to make a big second year jump together.

We will see if Miami decides to make a trade this off-season to improve this team right now, but if they don’t, Kendrick Nunn is more than capable of making a big impact next season on the offensive side of the ball.

Dolphins trade

Dolphins Make Moves at the Trade Deadline

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Although all of the attention on November 3rd is on the national election, and rightly so, the NFL also had big decisions to make. The NFL’s trade deadline came and went on Tuesday, and while not normally an active occasion, the Miami Dolphins made a couple of interesting moves.

While there were a number of major names on the market, most teams kept their rosters intact. Rumors of players like New England’s Stephon Gilmore being moved amounted to nothing. Teams may have hesitated to pull the trigger because of concerns over next season’s salary cap and delays in player availability due to COVID-19.

Miami, though, saw an opportunity to add depth at a position of need and did so.

Dolphins Deal Ford to New England

The Dolphins completed a rare in-division trade with New England. Miami sent receiver Isaiah Ford to the Patriots for a 2022 seventh-round pick. This came as something of a surprise, considering the Dolphins liked Ford coming out of Virginia Tech in 2017. Miami selected Ford with a seventh-round pick but he’ll be a free agent at the end of the season.

Ford landed on the IR in 2017 and bounced between the active roster and the practice squad afterwards. He played only one game in 2018, but found a role last season. He played eight games in 2019 and made 23 receptions for 244 yards. This season, he played in all seven games and caught 18 passes for 184 yards.

Ford’s departure opens additional opportunities for Jakeem Grant, rookies Lynn Bowden Jr. and Malcolm Perry, as well as the recently activated Antonio Callaway. While Grant should see his role expand, Callaway could take time from the two rookies.

Callaway made 43 catches for 586 yards as a rookie in 2018. But he was suspended 10 games for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy in 2019. He spent a brief stint with the Tampa Bay Vipers of the XFL before being signed to the Dolphins’ practice squad this season.

Dolphins Trade for RB Depth

The Dolphins also acquired running back DeAndre Washington from Kansas City during on trade deadline day. Miami sent the Chiefs a conditional 2021 sixth-round pick in exchange for the reserve running back and a conditional 2021 seventh-round pick. This trade comes in the wake of injury news regarding Myles Gaskin.

Gaskin leads Miami in rushing this season with 387 yards and two touchdowns, but just a 3.9 yards-per-carry average. He’s tied for the team lead in receptions with 30. Gaskin sustained a strained MCL late in the win against the Rams. He’s expected to miss three weeks.

Get one of the many original Tua t-shirts on sale now over at FiveReasonsSports.com!

Washington, meanwhile, has just three carries for five yards in 2020. He spent his first four seasons with the Raiders and tallied 1122 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 4.0 yards-per-carry. He has 89 catches for 615 yards and one touchdown in his career. Washington rarely played this season, particularly after KC’s acquisition of Le’Veon Bell.

The Raiders selected Washington with a fifth-round drafted pick in 2016 out of Texas Tech. Current Dolphins senior personnel executive Reggie McKenzie was the general manager of Oakland then. Washington won’t be available to play for the Dolphins this weekend as he navigates the COVID-19 protocols.

The Dolphins have the fifth-worst rushing attack in the NFL, averaging just 98 yards-per-game. Their 3.6 yards-per-carry average is second-worst in the league.

Without Gaskin or Washington, the Dolphins will turn to Matt Breida and Patrick Laird, as well as Jordan Howard, who’s been inactive in recent weeks, and possibly practice squad RB Salvon Ahmed.

The Dolphins (4-3) head to Arizona to face the Cardinals (5-2) in Week 9. Get the Five Reasons Sports original Tua shirt HERE! 

Tyler Herro: A Milwaukee Native, A Milwaukee Enticer

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Some pretty interesting news came out today for the Miami Heat, when Ashley Nicole reported that Giannis Antetokounmpo is “prepared to sign a long-term deal in Miami.”

This is something that has been discussed consistently for a while now, which is why it’s no shock. The only difference is that it is now being discussed via trade instead of 2021 free agency, since Milwaukee wants to get some value in return.

I discussed his fit with this Heat team in a recent article, but what would this deal look like exactly?

Obviously it’s uncertain what Miami would need to give up exactly, but it definitely would have to include Tyler Herro.

I’ve been a big proponent of not including Tyler Herro in trades when they’ve been getting discussed over and over. I believe Miami does value him as untouchable, until Giannis gets put onto the table.

The reason I’ve been so adamant about not including Tyler Herro in these other trades that have been discussed, is because Miami has a shot at something much bigger.

Pat Riley is not afraid to make a move to get a “whale,” and I don’t even think Giannis is a whale, more like a cruise ship.

Tyler Herro, on the other hand, would be going back to the town in which he grew up.

There’s still so much unknown with this whole situation, since Miami is hoping for the opportunity to go after Giannis in free agency next season, but that may no longer be an option.

One thing about Pat Riley and the Miami Heat is that they’re never satisfied, which means there’s a good chance they make a deal to form a new big three in South Beach.

Could There Be Another Wizard On Miami’s Radar?

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Bradley Beal is a name that continues to come up when discussing possible trade targets to improve this Heat team. But could John Wall be on their radar as well?

The reason Miami is slower to act upon a deal for John Wall is because of his injury past. There’s also uncertainty how he would return from the ruptured Achilles tendon that occurred last season.

But after seeing all of his five-on-five runs in Miami this off-season with Remy workouts, I can assure you the injury doesn’t seem to be much of an issue. He even told CBS Sports back in May, “I’m gonna be better than I was before.”

Obviously he fits the mold of exactly what Miami has been looking for, since he’s a defensive point guard who can be well trusted with running the offense.

The 2018-2019 season, before he got injured, he averaged 21 points and 9 assists a game, but it was in only 32 games.

The issue with trading for him is that there’s still so much uncertainty. I do believe he’d have a lower asking price than Bradley Beal, but is it even worth taking the risk?

When healthy, John Wall is a top three point guard in the NBA, which makes me think there’s a better chance of them taking a chance on him over some other guys.

Washington would not be giving up John Wall for nothing though, which means they’d probably be asking for something along the lines of Duncan Robinson, Kendrick Nunn, and maybe the 20th pick. If that’s the case, there’s no chance Miami makes this deal.

But as discussed with every trade target, there’s always that possibility of him forcing himself out of Washington. And if he was to do that, Miami would be the number one option on his list, since he seems to be in Miami more than he’s in Washington.

I do believe though that Miami has so many options in both free agency and via trade that there’s no reason to risk going after John Wall. But due to the craftiness of the Heat’s front office, I wouldn’t put it past them that they could pull something off.

 

Dolphins

The Good, The Bad & The Correctable

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If you did not watch the game and looked at your ESPN app at 5pm you would be shocked to see that Tua only was able to throw for 93 yards on 22 attempts and yet we were still able to win. Then I imagine you would tune into your normal channel of choice to see the highlights, and see Tua’s first pass being a strip sack fumble where he got taken off his feet and drilled into the ground and think uh oh was the talk of Tua not being ready correct? Here I come to show you the bad, the correctable and the positives of Tua first game.

 

 

 

The Bad:

 

 

On the sack fumble I have to believe that jitters and overall nervousness for being back on an field after such a tough injury led to this. You would normally see Tua with anticipation throw it to Ford who wasn’t even looking yet or even to Devante after he didn’t throw it Ford.

 

 

I hope I never see another play like this because these are the type to lead to injuries such as the hip injury we saw at Alabama. He had 3 different chances to throw it away, chose not to and could have slid at the end to not avoid the hit.

 

 

 

This last one was one a 3rd down where Tua felt Donald coming and rushed the pass to Jakeem for what would have been a first down and maybe a longer gain.

 

 

 

The Correctable:

 

This was early on in the game where he still may have had some jitters but he needs to trust what he saw and rip it in there to Gesicki. That is open in the NFL and he will have to adjust to tighter NFL windows.

 

 

Here we see a clear lack of practice time between Tua and Devante. Can’t say whos to blame as we have seen Tua in Alabama throw the ball into the open space for the wide receiver to make a play, here we see DVP coming into traffic instead of the open area. More practice time and understanding of each other likes will lead to success.

 

 

These next 2 are drops by Preston where it was a first down play and then also the following 3rd down play. Hard to get rhythm for any QB let alone one making his first start. DVP played only 59% of the snaps so I am curious to see if Devante misses time again if we will give these chances again to Preston.

 

 

 

 

 

The Good:

 

This was the pass to Gesicki where 31 for the Rams made an unbelievable play. One thing that will be prevalent throughout this analysis is Tua’s use of his eye to manipulate the defense. He saw Mike 1 on 1 and kept it like that by not looking that way to start.

 

 

 

Here he shows the ability to scan the entire field and hit what looks to be his 3rd read in the progression. Have not seen many QBs here that can make that throw to the far side of the field so effortlessly.

 

 

 

On the Tua’s first TD you see that he motioned DVP over closer to the formation and threw a bullet to him. Great job trusting his eyes and ripping it in there.

 

 

 

 

The play that showed the most was this 2nd and 10 to Gesicki. He starts with a motion to identify man coverage and again manipulates the safety here in 24 and forces him to opposite side of the field of Mike.

 

 

 

Overall I hope this shows you guys that while the numbers and analysts will paint you a story, if you put in the time do your research you’ll see the Dolphins have a lot to correct yes, but also a lot to build on where once the game starts to slow down for Tua and the playbook can be opened up more (I’d estimate he only had 40% of it available to him) we will see a complete QB the likes of which we have not seen in quiet some time. Thanks for time guys.

 

Voting on the Miami Heat’s Off-Season Possibilities

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In honor of Election Day today, I thought I’d vote on some free agent and draft options for the Miami Heat. Here are the most ideal and realistic pick ups for Miami.

Oh and by the way, make sure to go out and vote….

Most Ideal Free Agent Option:

Serge Ibaka

This one seems fairly obvious in my opinion. For starters, I believe if we are talking about the most ideal guy for Miami to grab, it would be a guy that can play next to Bam, while protecting the rim and grabbing boards.

And well, that’s exactly what Ibaka does. Something I mentioned in my piece a few weeks ago on Ibaka is that he has great offensive awareness through his spacing. He usually finds himself on the baseline right outside the paint, waiting for that dump-off pass or an offensive rebound.

He also always finds himself in the post, since that’s where he does most of his damage. And as I’ve mentioned before, a guy that thrives with his back to the basket is very important since that is not Bam’s game.

This signing may be a long shot for Miami, especially since there’s a good shot Marc Gasol will be out of Toronto. But with Miami, there’s always a possibility.

Most Realistic Free Agent Option:

Wesley Matthews

Wesley Matthews not only is the most realistic free agent for this Heat team, but it also makes a lot of sense.

For one, it’s a very cheap option since Miami would be giving him the mid-level exception. But for the basketball side of things, he gives Miami exactly what they’re missing at the guard position.

It has been fairly obvious that Miami needs a guard defender on this team, but with Matthews you’d be getting much more than that. He’s also a guy that is very capable of getting hot from deep. Some of the defensive guards that have been discussed in the past for Miami have offensive limitations, which means Wes has a decent advantage over those guys.

The fit is clearly there, but more importantly it’s a very possible option. They even have an opportunity to split the mid-level exception between Wes Matthews and another veteran like Paul Millsap.

We’ll see how it plays out, but keep your eyes open for this pick-up.

Most Ideal Draft Option:

Tyrese Maxey

The NBA draft this season will definitely be like no other. For starters, there is absolutely no consensus on who will be getting picked where, since mock drafts seem to be all over the place.

Tyrese Maxey has bounced around between late lottery and early twenties, which means Miami at least has a shot. And well, he’s a Kentucky Wildcat.

If Miami was to draft a guard, it would have to be one who is capable of holding their own on the defensive end. Tyrese Maxey gives them exactly that, and a ton of upside on offense. He’s showed that he can clearly score the ball from just about anywhere, which Miami could definitely try and tweak some efficiency things.

It also seems a little similar to Miami’s draft pick last year…

These two guys had the exact same stats for the same college at the same position. And after the last pick worked out so well, why not try it again?

Most Realistic Draft Option:

Daniel Oturu

Although I believe Miami would definitely pick Maxey if he fell to them, a big man may be the better option.

A bunch of bigs have been discussed, since most all seem to be falling in that early 20 range, but Daniel Oturu seems to stand out the most in my opinion.

I believe he has a mixture of all the other bigs that will be considered, including Jalen Smith’s shooting, Zeke Nnaji’s motor, and Vernon Carey’s feel around the rim.

He gives Miami the shot-blocking rebounder that they’re looking for, who also has the ability to stretch the floor next to Bam Adebayo. Although it’s clear a bunch of big guys will get consideration, Daniel Oturu seems to fit this Heat team the best.

 

(And once again, make sure to go out and vote.)

How Does Giannis Antetokounmpo Fit with Miami?

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Although Giannis Antetokounmpo isn’t a free agent until 2021, he’s the guy that Miami seems to be revolving their 2020 free agency around.

There seems to be real optimism around Giannis joining forces in Miami if he chooses to leave Milwaukee. And well, that seems fairly obvious. Who doesn’t want to live in bright lights of Miami? And who doesn’t want to play with the hardest working organization to compete for a title?

But how would this fit truly look with this Miami Heat team?

For starters, the only issue that people seem to have with this acquisition is the fact that their three best players wouldn’t be able to shoot. And I can guarantee that thought won’t cross the front office’s mind once.

Jimmy Butler doesn’t shoot threes since he feels he can impact the game in every other part of the game, which is also why Erik Spoelstra bought into that. But with Giannis, I feel that they’d definitely find a way for him to improve his shooting.

I believe that starts with having play-makers on the floor who can make him feel comfortable. In Milwaukee, he’s the primary play-maker on the floor at all times, and he also has to play a bunch of one-on-one ball. But in Miami, he will be the third play-making option behind Butler and Bam, which I think could open up his shooting abilities.

Even if he doesn’t improve the shooting it’s not an issue. If Miami is running Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson in the starting lineup with those three, it’ll definitely make up for the lack of shooting.

But Miami is not trying to acquire Giannis to improve on the offensive side of the ball, it’s to overload on defense. Giannis is debatably the best defender in the league, who can guard any position on the floor.

The switches between Bam and Giannis on defense would be incredible, but the zone could be one of the deadliest things for this team.

The reason Bam thrived so well with the zone is that he has the ability to constantly move and can guard the perimeter. Giannis is all of that and more, which would definitely make the bottom of that zone a scary sight.

I also don’t believe a fit next to Bam has to revolve solely around a player who can shoot. It actually is about finding a player who can keep their offensive spacing while still playing to their strengths.

While Bam operates from the free throw line extended, Giannis would have no problem roaming the baseline for back-door passes and put-backs.

That doesn’t mean he won’t be their number one option on offense, since he’d probably be utilizing his abilities with his back to the basket as he did in the playoffs. That also takes some pressure off of Bam since he clearly doesn’t enjoy backing down defenders.

I don’t think there’s any question this fit wouldn’t work. As mentioned previously, this team would be the number one defensive and passing team in the NBA. And as long as you have Duncan Robinson, the shooting will be just fine.

Not only is he a fit with this organization and the Miami Heat’s players, more importantly I believe he’s a fit for Erik Spoelstra. Spoelstra has already dealt with a top player in his prime taking his talents to South Beach and he will do it again.

A new big three could be brewing in South Beach.

(Oh and by the way, get your Giannis-Bam 21 shirt here)

Goran Dragic to Tyler Herro: Passing It Down

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“I’m gonna say I learned everything from you.”

That’s what Tyler Herro told Goran Dragic mid-game while being mic’d up, after Goran told him he’s going to be watching all of his games when he is 40.

Learning everything from Goran is clearly a stretch, but learning a lot of things seems pretty accurate.

Obviously Tyler’s overall offensive game he’s had his whole life, but when you begin to look at the small things in his game, you begin to see some similarities.

For starters, the ability to use a soft touch off the glass. For many young guys, using the backboard doesn’t always seem to be their first priority. Usually players develop that part of their game as they age, but for Tyler Herro, it’s clear Goran has showed him that already.

Not only from the mid-range area, but mostly when attacking the rim for a layup. This was on full display once Tyler entered the bubble, where he’d throw the ball off the top of the backboard when driving for a soft touch off the glass.

Another thing that stood out was utilizing the floater off the pick and roll. The reason Goran is such a great pick and roll player is because he uses fundamentals when doing it. That includes patience, quick decision making, a floater, and the ability to throw the lob.

And now, these four things seemed to have been passed down to Tyler Herro in his rookie season. Tyler began to be comfortable with his decision making when throwing it up for Bam to catch the lob, but more importantly his natural feel around the rim allowed him to utilize his high arcing floater.

It’s also obvious that Goran Dragic is not afraid to use his off arm when going up for a layup to gain a bit of an advantage. And funny enough, Tyler began to do that as well when driving to the rim, except he doesn’t get the veteran calls like Goran does from the refs.

These two guys played next to one another all season since they both came off the bench, and it was clear that there was automatic chemistry between them on the floor.

Now that Tyler may be switching over to the point guard position, Goran may have a few more tips to add to his game. Obviously it is essential for Miami to bring back Goran Dragic this offseason, but it may be even more essential for them to bring him back for the continued development of Tyler Herro.