The success of Rodney McGruder and Derrick Jones Jr. shouldn’t come as a surprise.
The Heat has an impressive track record with undrafted players like McGruder and Jones. The list of Miami’s undrafted success stories includes Udonis Haslem, Tyler Johnson, Bruce Bowen and Mike James.
What makes the Heat’s player development program so effective under coach Erik Spoelstra and team president Pat Riley?
“Just how consistent the coaches are,” McGruder said, with the Heat now turning its attention to Saturday’s home opener against the Hornets. “Just bringing us in and encouraging us and watching film with us.