The Miami Heat continue to reinforce their newly rebuilt core with solid veteran free agent signings in the wake of LeBron James departure to Cleveland. They were able to bolster their front court with the addition of Luol Deng, Josh McRoberts, and Danny Granger. Now they turn on strengthening their back court depth starting with the signing of Shannon Brown, per USA Today's Sam Amick:
Free agent guard Shannon Brown signed a contract with the Miami Heat, Priority Sports, the agency that represents Brown, announced Wednesday. The deal is for one year and $1.3 million.
Brown, a 29 year old veteran guard who holds a career average of 8 points per game, provides the Heat roster with more depth in the back court and could prove a solid signing if the team continues to supervise Dwyane Wade's minutes in the coming season. Tyler Conway of Bleacher report points out the importance of Brown's addition to the Heat:
Prior to signing Brown, the Heat had no one on their depth chart listed behind Dwyane Wade at shooting guard. With Wade a near-guarantee to miss 10 or more games next season, that was obviously a less than ideal situation. Brown is nowhere near an adequate replacement for a healthy Wade in the event of an injury, but there is some hope his lost 2013-14 campaign was a fluke.
The Heat have been pretty serious in their pursuit for a veteran shooting guard this summer. Just recently, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported that the Heat expressed strong interest in free agents Jordan Hamilton, Chris Douglas-Roberts, Leandro Barbosa and Jordan Crawford. Shanon Brown's signing therefore is "a natural fit, as Pat Riley has been looking to bolster his wing depth" in the words of Conway.
A superior athlete, solid defender, and above the rim finisher and creator like Shannon Brown could give the Heat a unique weapon off the bench. If the Heat can manage to replicate Brown's production during his career with the Phoenix Suns where he averaged 10.7 points as a part-time starter and sixth man, then they will have a nice back up for Wade as he takes a breather or scheduled rest before the playoffs. Brown also won two NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers and his post-season and championship experience could prove beneficial for the Heat if they manage to make a deep run in the playoffs.
Join the Conversation