The season hasn't even started and already, Dion Waiters of the Miami Heat is already in the center of a drama-filled spat between himself and his team. On Sunday, the Heat announced that they were suspending the 27-year-old for his conduct that was deemed detrimental to the team.
According to reports, the 6-foot-4 shooting guard has not been happy with his lack of playing time in the preseason. Heat team president Pat Riley had to act swiftly following what appeared to be a temper tantrum from Waiters on the Miami bench.
“There were a number of unacceptable incidents this week, culminating with his unprofessional conduct on the bench (Friday) night,” Riley said in a statement released by the team, via Shandel Richardson of The Athletic. “As a consequence, I feel we had to suspend him.”
Team captain Udonis Haslem also shared his two cents worth on the current issue. According to the 39-year-old veteran, he believes that it would be in the best interest of the team to deal with matters internally instead of airing their dirty laundry in public.
“I understand through an NBA season you’re going to have some ups and downs and you’re going to have to deal with some stuff,” Haslem said. “We hope to get him back as soon as possible. I love Dion. I love (James Johnson). I love all these guys. I tell these guys … to use me, use me as an example and somebody you can come to and ask a question and confide in and listen to.”
In his third year with the Heat last season, Waiters saw his role on the team reduced significantly. From averaging upwards of 30 minutes per contest in his first two season with Miami, the former fourth overall pick logged only 25.9 minutes per game last year, averaging 12.0 points (on 41.4 percent shooting), 2.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 0.7 steals. His production from beyond the arc, however, saw a considerable uptick, as he drained a career-best 2.5 three-pointers per contest on a 37.7-percent clip (also a career-high).
This season, Waiters is expected to be given the nod as the team's starting two guard, with rookie Tyler Herro serving as his primary backup. Last June's 13th overall pick has actually had quite an impressive preseason, and coupled with Waiters' attitude problem, Herro might just have a crack at taking over the starting gig sooner than anticipated. The former Kentucky standout was expected to challenge Waiters for the starting spot anyway, and this recent meltdown by Waiters only exacerbates the situation.
Waiters has not had the best of careers in the NBA after being selected as the fourth overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers back in 2012. He has not been a bust, but many believe that he has fallen below what was expected of him early on.
This season should prove to be a good opportunity for Waiters to revitalize his career, with Dwyane Wade's recent retirement opening up minutes, as well a larger role for him on the squad.
Waiters just needs to get his mind right and avoid any future meltdowns in order to give himself the best shot at this goal.
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