Originally signed as one of the marquee moves of the Miami Heat's 2014 offseason, Josh McRoberts stands to be one of their biggest additions in 2015 instead.
McRoberts had a disappointing first campaign with the Heat after arriving on a four-year, $22.7-million contract, missing the start of the season due to a toe injury and later tearing his meniscus, ending his season in December. He appeared in just 17 games, and a rumored late-season return was scuttled after the Heat fell out of the playoff race.
McRoberts deemed himself close to 100 percent in early August, and the power forward has now been fully cleared ahead of training camp, head coach Erik Spoelstra said Wednesday.
"He's moving fluidly. He's stronger than he's ever been in a Miami Heat uniform. In terms of moving and getting on the court, he's been able to do that for a while. He will be cleared, but we will be judicious with how much he does," Spoelstra said.
Somewhat forgotten among the team's core, the savvy-passing McRoberts could see time backing up each frontcourt position with Amar'e Stoudemire.
A gifted playmaker and strong outside shooter, McRoberts is a fairly unique offensive weapon and a flexible piece for an offense that should be able to throw several different looks at opponents. He can function as a fulcrum from the elbows or provide some much-needed spacing if Dwyane Wade and Luol Deng are manning the wings, and he should be able to hide next to Chris Bosh or Hassan Whiteside on defense.
The season prior to signing with Miami, McRoberts averaged 8.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.3 assists, shooting 36.1 percent from long range. Those numbers dropped to 4.2, 2.6, and 1.9, respectively, last season, albeit in far fewer minutes, and with a 42.1 percent clip on threes.
