Ranking The Top Small Forwards in the NBA 2015-16 | GFR 17

(Miami Heat)

Luol Deng
SF Rank – #17

Position – SF | 6′ 9″, 220 lbs | Miami Heat
Born – Apr 16, 1985 in Sudan
Drafted – 2004: 1st Rnd, 7th by PHX
College – Duke
Experience – 11 years

Sports Unbiased Staff G.F.R. Analysis

Keith Rivas – Things did not exactly pan out with the Chicago Bulls like Luol Deng was probably expecting them to, but he seems to have had no problem finding a new home in South Beach.

Alongside Dwayne Wade and playing with Hassan Whiteside, Luol Deng is the third piece to a new Miami puzzle as the Heat look to contend in the dismal Eastern Conference.

Last year, Deng dropped 14 points per contest and we can only expect that number to grow as the Heat’s expectations do the same. Deng is what the Miami Heat need to return to contender status. With a promising roster on the horizon, Deng is the best thing to happen to the Heat since LeBron came to town.

Jr. Williams – Deng is clearly a top-15 SF when healthy, and as a member of the Miami Heat his shooting percentage (.469) was the best in seven seasons in the league. The question of the day is how efficient will he be with the return of Chris Bosh to the lineup? Don’t be surprised if Deng experiences a sharp decline in offensive production to the point where he completely drops from the top-20 SF rankings.

Ben Buchanan – Deng is the definition of a role player, he’s not a star but he knows his job and he gets it done. Deng fills the hole at the 3 for Miami where he averaged 14 ppg, 5.2 rpg and 2 apg last season in the absence of Chris Bosh. Deng is spectacular at times but he plays a smaller role which is important to the Heat. Next season, Deng is a UFA also Justise Winslow will be hungry for minutes so I would expect Deng to be working especially hard to make a good impact and maximize his value.