Syracuse Basketball: Grading the Orange in the NBA

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B+. . Guard. Miami Heat. DION WAITERS

I was tempted to go with an N/A grading for Waiters as well, whose season ended only 30 games in after Dion was forced to get ankle surgery. However, that wouldn’t do him justice, because, well, Dion is simply too good of a basketball player.

The 6-4 shooting guard put up 14.3 PPG along with 3.8 APG and 2.6 RPG for the Heat per ESPN. These were clearly a step down for what Waiters has averaged in the past. However, had the Heat had him for the entirety of the season, it’s hard to say they wouldn’t of had a better seed.

With everything being said, Waiters didn’t have his best year, but did have his moments. He tallied above 20 points on six different occasions, including a season-high 33 against Minnesota. Waiters scored 26 points and led a charge down the stretch, as Miami ended a Boston 16-game win streak in December.

Although it wasn’t the season that Dion wanted, it should be clear by now that he is one of the best 2 guards in the league. Waiters can score in almost every way possible, and has improved his defense and passing. Expect next season to be an A grade for Waiters.

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