Shawne Williams Earning Minutes With Miami Heat

By Jared Doyle @outofboundsjay on October 18, 2014

The Miami Heat were able to notch their first win of the preseason last night by beating the Golden State Warriors 115-108. One of the biggest advantages against the Warriors ironically enough was the Heat’s three-point shooting. The barrage from behind the arc came mostly from six-year veteran Shawne Williams, who’s beginning to prove how vital his presence could be for the Heat’s second unit.

Playing as a hybrid small forward/power forward, Williams’s ability to shoot well from beyond the arc fits perfectly into the Heat’s game plan of stretching the floor. Against the Warriors, Williams shot a perfect 5-5 from beyond the arc and 2-4 from the field. He also grabbed seven rebounds. These are the types of the number the Heat want from their role players, especially at the forward position.

Josh McRobert’s absence has allowed Williams to receive more minutes throughout the preseason, and he has capitalized in a major way. While averaging 24 minutes in five games, Williams has notched 9.4 points and 4.8 rebounds, while shooting 45% from the field and 51% from beyond the arc. Again, averages the Heat could use more of from their role players.

Williams absolutely deserves quality minutes heading into the upcoming regular season for the Heat. In terms of the rotation, if Williams is slotted into the small/power forward position, he could be a key offensive cog for the second unit that also consists of players like Danny Granger, Shabazz Napier and Chris Andersen. There is no question that Shawne Williams will be vital to the Heat’s success this season.

 

Jared Doyle is a Miami Heat writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @outofboundsjay, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.