Veteran shooting guard Deandre Liggins is heading back to South Beach. The Miami Heat announced on their website yesterday that they signed Liggins, though there was no information released regarding the deal. It is going to be his second run in Miami.
Liggins began his professional career as the 53rd overall pick of the Orlando Magic in the 2011 NBA Draft. He saw limited action for the Magic before signing with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2012. During the 2012-13 season, he represented the Thunder, while also suiting up for the Tulsa 66ers. The Thunder waived him in July 2013.
Four months later, he was acquired by the Heat's NBA G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce.
In 2014, Liggins signed two 10-day contracts with Miami, but he only played in one contest for the squad. Following this, he rejoined the Skyforce. Later that year, he had stints in Russia and Germany. It was in November 2015 when Liggins returned to Sioux Falls. The 29-year-old helped the Skyforce win a championship in his comeback and also captured his second Defensive Player of the Year award.
The Cleveland Cavaliers added Liggins in November 2016. He played 61 games (19 starts) for the Cavaliers in the 2016-17 season. After his time in Cleveland, Liggins was included in several deals that saw him become a part of the Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, and the Atlanta Hawks.
All of these took place ahead of his reunion with the Heat.
G League assignment
It is good for DeAndre Liggins to have another opportunity in the NBA. Unfortunately, it might not be a full-time job. A report by the Sun Sentinel suggested that the Miami Heat are expected to assign the guard to the Sioux Falls Skyforce. When this happens, he is going to split time with the Heat and the Skyforce, something he already did in 2014.
At this moment, the Heat's backcourt is almost set, with the season approaching. At point guard, the Heat have Goran Dragic and Tyler Johnson. Meanwhile, Dion Waiters, Josh Richardson, and Wayne Ellington are taking on all responsibilities at the shooting guard position.
Potential contribution
Once DeAndre Liggins gets called up by the Miami Heat to the main roster, his defense will be his best contribution, as that is what he is known for.
The former Kentucky Wildcat can score too, but his defensive prowess will be his true calling card and the Heat are hoping that his talent will translate into excellent play during the regular season.
