After a disappointing first-round playoff exit at the hand of the eventual champion Boston Celtics last season, the Miami Heat are aiming to remind the NBA world why they were in the Finals just one year ago. This summer, however, the Heat had an interesting offseason. Arguably their biggest move was signing center Bam Adebayo to a long-term contract extension. However, as far as external moves go, they made a lot of solid ones. The team signed Alec Burks and Josh Christopher. Furthermore, they drafted Kel’el Ware, who looked like a steal during Summer League. One of Miami’s most underrated moves, however, was their recent addition of Nassir Little.
The 24-year-old signed with the Heat a week before the start of training camp. Little worked out with multiple teams this summer, including the Golden State Warriors and Celtics. However, he ultimately ended up in Miami. In a recent interview with Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald (subscription required), the Florida native opened up about why he signed with the Heat, despite having “other opportunities.”
“With Miami, I just feel like they valued the type of player that I am the most,” Little said when asked why he chose to sign a non-guaranteed deal with the Heat. “Yeah, there were other opportunities. But I just felt like the reputation that Miami has with players like myself and just the conversations that I had with the staff around here, it wasn’t to that extent with any of the other organizations. “I just felt like they wanted me and I think that’s kind of what matters. When it comes to making decisions like that, you want the team that you’re considering to want you as much as you want to go there. I definitely feel like they wanted me the most.”
Miami Heat Signee Reveals Why He Joined the Team
Where Nassir Little Fits With the Miami Heat
Little is on a non-guaranteed contract. Naturally, he is not a lock to make the team’s roster to start the regular season. Nonetheless, Little offers a lot to the Heat, if they decide to keep him around. He is a dynamic player and slasher. Furthermore, although he is not a legitimate three-point threat (career 33% shooter from beyond the arc), Little has improved his perimeter game a lot since entering the league. Additionally, he is a solid defender, though far from elite. At 6’5″, Little is naturally a small forward. However, he is versatile and can play power forward as well if needed.
Even if he makes the roster, the former first-round pick is not a lock to crack the rotation. However, he provides solid depth and can be useful on the court.
The Last Word On Nassir Little
Little is a talented player and deserves a spot in the NBA. Miami seems like a good spot for him as well. The Heat know how to get the best of hidden talent, and Little fits that mold.
