The Miami Heat left the 2024 NBA Draft with two players: Indiana center Kel’el Ware, who they drafted No. 15 overall, and Arizona guard Pelle Larsson, who they selected No. 44 after trading back one spot with the intradivision rival Atlanta Hawks.
But they got right to work right after, similar to what they–and all other 29 organizations–do every year with the undrafted pool. One of the first players who found a home right after the final pick was announced was Arizona forward Keshad Johnson, signing a two-way deal with the Heat.
It’s hard to make clear assumptions through a Summer League lens, but Johnson has more than justified his two-way contract through three Summer League games. After his outburst on Wednesday, Johnson wants to justify his fit in #HEATCulture™:
“I wasn’t drafted, but the Miami Heat–they chose me, they bet on me,” he said after Wednesday’s 80-76 win against the Los Angeles Lakers in their final California Classic contest. “I feel like I’m a Heat Culture guy and I just want to display that as I go on this court.
“The opportunity that the coaches are giving me, the trust that the coaches are giving me, I’m just trying to do my job. I know my role and I want to perfect it. I want to be the best player for the team–whatever it takes to win.”
The Heat did not suit up Ware, Cole Swider or undrafted guard Isaiah Stevens, who was one of the team’s best guards through their first two games. That allowed Keshad Johnson–in addition to Alondes Williams, Josh Christopher and Zyon Pullin, Miami’s other two-way–to expand their wings.
Johnson was the best player on the court Wednesday. He finished with 21 points on 8-of-14 shooting, eight rebounds, three assists, three blocks and three steals. He was everywhere on the defensive end while making a sizable impact offensively.
He’s made the most of his limited opportunity. In three California Classic games, he averaged 13.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 1.3 blocks on 50.0 percent shooting, including 33.3 percent (4-12) from 3-point range with a 58.1 true-shooting percentage.
It’s a minor sample, but he’s the type of player that sticks in the Heat organization. With Jaime Jaquez Jr. expected to play the first two summer league games in Las Vegas, Nev., it will be interesting to see how Johnson capitalizes on his role alongside Ware and Larsson. In the end, he wants to continue to prove he can fit #HEATCulture™.
“I feel like I’m raw. I got a raw talent,” he told reporters after Wednesday’s win. “There’s still a lot of stuff that’s unstretched. You’ll see a glimpse of me doing stuff instinctual.
“Throughout my career, I want to keep making an emphasis that I’m willing to do everything, that I’m gritty. I want that to be my identity. I want to make an example of how much of a Heat Culture guy that I am. I really mean it.”
*********
Purchase NBA League Pass now to stream every Summer League game. Sign up now to get 50% off the League Pass Premium Seasonal Package. Use Promo Code “SUMMERLEAGUE50″ to support HHH!
