Miami Heat California Classic report

The Heat California Classic report is that the team is young but teachable. So far, they have played two games. The first against the Warriors was really bad. The second against the Kings was better. Top pick Kel’el Ware has had one good game and one bad. The team shot 29% the first game. Then, they shot better (56.8%.)

They play one more game in the California Classic versus the Lakers before switching to the Las Vegas Summer League. Look at my article here with details on each league location.

Kel’el Ware needs coaching

The top pick didn’t score much the first game. He had 12 points but six blocks. He was viewed on a video knocking down shots from three point range in practice. But, in the game, he was shooting bricks. He doesn’t appear to have post moves and needs to develop them. He likes to “face up” his opponent on the low block, but may need to pick and choose when he does this. He got blocked by Marquis Bolden on a weak attack to the basket.

The next game against the Kings showed he was “coached up.” He asserted himself better and scored 26 points. Look at this article here on Sunsentinel.com. He got passed “first game jitters,” and showed off his offensive game. Many times I saw that Ware bumped players on screens. Also, he stood “ball watching” too much instead of getting in position for the rebound.

Cole Swider is ready, Isaiah Stevens could be a steal

Pelle Larsson loves to have the ball in his hands. He put up eight shots in the Warriors game. Then put up nine shots against the Kings. Larsson will be great to develop further in the G-League.

Keshad Johnson has a non-stop motor and finds his way to the ball without plays getting called for him. He was “coached up” from one game to the next. He put up 10 shots in the Warriors game and six in the Kings game. He shot much better the second game.

Zyon Pullin has a great burst of quickness and can penetrate the defense. 10 day contract signee Isaiah Stevens also played very well. Look at this article here on the Sports Illustrated Heat fan site announcing the signing. The Heat needs athleticism at the point guard position and scoring, so both of these players are needed.

Alondes Williams is not very good on defense and gets easily “blown by” against quick point guards. He had a better game against the Kings, with 9 points and 5 assists. Cole Swider can fill up the bucket. Look at the box score here on NBA.com. Swider went 50% from three point range and looked very good.