Tag Archive for: Moe Harkless

Miami’s Free Agency Acquisitions: Adjusting Some Things

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Not to dive into one preseason game too much, but newcomers finally hit the floor for Miami, which gave a better look on how they should probably be utilized.

To start off with Avery Bradley, he’s a solid player who even showed some things that weren’t expected. He’s a much better passer than originally expected, as well as his ability to facilitate on offense.

One thing that stood out as well though was shot selection. Now, he may just be trying to get some shots up to get back into the swing of things, but some jumpers weren’t shots the coaching staff would want him taking on a regular basis.

I believe he has some offensive limitations, but he didn’t look bad when running the pick and roll, which goes back to his passing abilities.

I also believe his defensive presence was looked at in a different way than what he actually is. Many portrayed him as the point of attack defensive fix, but he actually strived in other areas. Obviously it seemed crazy when Spo said he can guard 1-4, but what he meant is that his physicality allows him to do it.

Overall though, you can see how he can fit in with this group, and just wait until he gets the other veterans around him.

Moe Harkless, on the other hand, has been getting called the Jae Crowder replacement since his signing in Miami, while I’ve been saying that he’s much more of the Derrick Jones Jr replacement. And that mostly has to do with the physical aspect, since he just doesn’t have the same size that Crowder had to guard bigger guys.

Moe hit a corner three early in the first quarter, and that’s exactly what you need him to do. If he can hit the open corner three efficiently throughout the season, then he’s automatically fit the role.

Both of these guys are “plug and play” guys, as Coach Erik Spoelstra has said, but I feel like seeing them on the floor finally means they will adjust some things in their game.

Don’t be surprised if we see Spo utilize them both in different ways than they were last night, and that ultimately can be a huge leap for this team before the beginning of the regular season.

Moe Harkless: “It’s A Brotherhood”

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Moe Harkless spoke with media on Thursday afternoon following training camp, after having the day off on Wednesday.

When asked about being a part of a Miami Heat training camp compared to others, he said, “It’s probably a little bit better than expected. The guys really put their heart and soul into it.”

But when asked a follow up about the exact grittiness in Miami’s camp, he added, “People exaggerate a bit.”

He then talked about the chemistry of this Heat team, saying “I have to give credit to what they’ve created here. It’s a brotherhood.”

He also mentioned that many of the guys have embraced him, which was clear since both Goran Dragic and Duncan Robinson said that they fit right in. Erik Spoelstra discussed that earlier in the week, which he said that they’re the type of players who fit in anywhere.

Moe then got into detail about Pat Riley, saying that he called his mom following the first meeting and told her he reminded him of the Godfather. He added that Pat’s door is always open, and that he doesn’t say much but when he does people listen.

Another person that Moe mentioned is important to listen to is Jimmy Butler, saying that he is the “head of the snake.”

He ended off his session talking about the unique bond of this team, mentioning that it’s all serious when they’re on the floor, but off the floor it is all laughing and smiling. He said, “Kind of like a family.”

Duncan Robinson and Goran Dragic each had quick media sessions, but one thing stood out in each.

Goran said that his “foot is fine,” and that he feels great. He mentioned that coaches have urged him to take some reps off to pace him a bit, but today was the first day of 5 on 5.

Duncan briefly mentioned the development of his game, saying that using one or two dribbles into a mid-range can “diversify” his game, which is something I’ve been saying all off-season.

The mutual takeaway from all of today’s zoom calls is the word chemistry, since every player believes it is important with this current Heat team.

Media Zoom Call with Heat’s Moe Harkless, Avery Bradley

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Both of Miami’s free agency acquisitions spoke with media today, and there was one word that floated around frequently.

Culture.

Moe Harkless talked about picking Miami, saying “You look at the culture, you look at the way they play.” He mentioned that there were a few teams that he was considering, but Miami was the clear fit.

He discussed the team’s success last year as well, saying “When things got harder, they fought harder.” And with the entire league watching from home, that clearly shot through the television screen.

He singled out Jimmy Butler, since he mentioned he’s exited to learn from him, since he’s “one of the hardest working players in the league.”

Moe was also asked what intrigues him the most about playing with Jimmy and Bam. He responded, “They leave everything out there on the floor…You watch Jimmy play, he’s constantly pointing to his teammates. Bam does the same thing.”

Avery Bradley also talked about his excitement for joining the Miami Heat, saying “I always felt if I ever had an opportunity to play here, I’d fit in perfect.”

He also made sure to set his goals straight, which are led by a personal goal of being on the All Defensive team once again, as well as winning a championship.

Avery also mentioned the team’s success this past season, saying “I feel like a lot of people aren’t even talking about our team. And they were just in the Finals.”

And well, that’s gonna be the case at all times when you join the Miami Heat.

To end it off, he gave some love to bunch of people individually. He praised Erik Spoelstra and his coaching staff for his success in the past, as well as getting the most out of every player.

Then when discussing the Miami Heat’s stars, he said, “Jimmy being one, Bam being one, and Tyler being an emerging star.”

Both Bradley and Harkless are very ready to get started with this Heat team, and lucky for them, training camp beings in exactly one week.

Moe Harkless Signs with the Miami Heat

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Moe Harkless just agreed to a one year deal with the Miami Heat, worth $3.6 Million.

For one, it’s a very good price for a player of his caliber. We had an eventful opening night of free agency, which included a lot of overpaying and questionable contracts.

Miami is not looking to overpay on a defensive wing, which is why this deal makes sense.

Now, as a fit with this team, I like that even more. I don’t see it as a Jae Crowder replacement as much as I see it as a Derrick Jones Jr replacement. Of course Heat fans are waiting for the emergence of KZ Okpala, but Moe is the bench filler.

They surely aren’t bringing Moe in for the shooting aspect, but he definitely can hit the occasional three ball. And as pointed out here, he has the same three point percentage as Jae Crowder had before joining Miami.

But most importantly, they’re bringing Moe in for defensive purposes. As I mentioned prior to free agency, Miami is looking to add defensive wings that are versatile, mostly to complement their offensive talents Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson. And by the way, that does not mean they’re building around these two.

The difference between Moe and Jae’s defense is that Moe is more of a perimeter guy while Jae is more physical. And as of right now, perimeter defense is what Miami needs most.

This deal does not rule out a Jae Crowder return. They will still have around $14 Million to spend, so there’s still a possibility. And you have to remember who is crunching these numbers.

But it wouldn’t be a surprise if Jae Crowder was to move on, and once again, Miami will be prepared.

As stated here, I do believe that this may indicate they will look to make a trade at the deadline possibly. The decent sized salaries will be expendable, while these cheap deals they will look to make the most of.

There’s a lot to unpack with this signing, but the overall consensus is that it makes sense in all aspects for Miami.

Cheap. Versatile defender. They were prepared to make a deal like this, instead of giving Marcus Morris $18 Million a year.

Moe Harkless, welcome to Miami.