A look at five under-appreciated forwards who could make an impact. With less than three days until Thursday’s trade deadline, the Miami Heat find themselves in a sort of purgatory.
The eighth-seeded Heat are playing well enough to make the playoffs but not at championship level. They lack two key components for a substantial acquisition: draft cash and huge, transportable contracts. However, the Heat are masters at spotting and developing underrated talents.
Here are five forwards that might provide the Heat with low-cost variety and offensive upside.
1. Simone Fontecchio.
The Utah Jazz’s part-time starter averages nine points per game while shooting 45.2 percent, including 39.4 percent from three. That efficiency, especially off the Heat bench, may have a significant influence. Fontecchio’s scoring potential was on display in two 24-point games, both of which the Jazz won.
- Santi Aldama
The Memphis Grizzlies’ 7-footer is the epitome of a stretch four, shooting 34.8 percent from three on 4.8 shots a game. A big man who can shoot from long range is usually desirable. The 23-year-old averages 10.5 points and 5.7 rebounds in 24 minutes per game, but recorded a game-high 28 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists against the mighty Boston Celtics.
- Naji Marshall
Mostly a defensive specialist rather than an attacking threat. The New Orleans Pelicans have a defensive rating of 114.5, which puts them ahead of Jimmy Butler (115.7). Marshall does not shoot often, but he is relatively accurate. The 6-foot-6 forward averages 7.4 points per game, shooting 44.7 percent and 37.1 percent from outside the arc.
- Saddiq Bey
The Atlanta Hawks’ swingman is the most well-known member of this group. In 2021, Bey was named to the First Team All-Rookie. The 24-year-old has been unable to reclaim that magic and has struggled with efficiency. Bey averages 12.9 points per game but shoots 41.3 percent, including a career-low 30.3 percent from three. The Heat have a well-deserved reputation for rehabbing players like Bey.
- Yute Watanabe
Watanabe is the least likely of the five to make a difference. He has slipped out of the Phoenix Suns’ rotation and is averaging just 3.7 points per game. Watanabe, who shoots 36 percent, contributes little offensively. Despite his weaknesses, he has good stature (6-foot-9) and a strong defensive work ethic.
