Derrick Jones

Jones managed career-high averages in points (7.0), boards (4.0), steals (0.8), dimes (0.6), treys (0.5) and minutes (19.2) while matching his best contribution in blocks (0.7) through 60 contests in 2018-19. He's still a work in progress from beyond the arc, but he shot a career-best 30.8 percent from deep this past season. Miami has a deep roster, and Jones is fairly likely to continue coming off the pine. With that being said, the Heat have a good track record of developing talent, and Jones is an exceptional athlete who has made steady strides on both ends of the court. In the event that Jones takes his perimeter shooting to another level, he could be an intriguing statistical contributor thanks to his high motor and defensive versatility. If that doesn't happen, Jones is most likely to remain in a reserve role, slotting in behind Jimmy Butler, Justise Winslow, and perhaps even James Johnson.

Jones was a member of the Suns until being waived in early December. The Heat seized the opportunity, signing the UNLV product to a two-way deal later than month. He only appeared in 14 games (eight starts) with the parent club, averaging 3.7 points and 2.4 rebounds in 15.2 minutes. His upside shined through more in the G-League. Between both organizations’ respective G-League affiliates, Jones averaged 17.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and a combined 3.0 blocks/steals. Notably, he flashed an improved three-point jumper, hitting 1.6 threes per tilt at 33.8 percent after shooting 25.5 percent during his rookie year. Still, despite tangible improvements, it will be a challenge for the top-flight athlete to garner a significant role at the NBA level considering the Heat’s logjam on the wing.