Rodney McGruder has received a guaranteed contract from Miami Heat after seeing him perform in several games as starter. The Heat offer him a contract for one season.
McGruder began to play as fixed starter in the game against Oklahoma City Thunder on Dec. 27 in the shooting guard position. He posted 7 points in 36 minutes in the 94-106 lost at the American Airlines Arena, Miami. Despite their losses, coach Erik Spoelstra found a good material for a wingman in him.
Afterwad, he began his journey as a starter for the Heat. According to Sun Sentinel, he became an accidental starter as the Heat need any good players available. In remark to McGruder’s journey, Miami Heat General Manager Andy Elisburg said that his achievement is a great story for player who began from the D-League and a terrific testament for him.
“First of all, it's a great story for Rodney,” Elisburg said. “He was able to get an opportunity to get on an NBA roster and be productive on an NBA roster, stay on an NBA roster, find a way to get into the rotation on an NBA roster.”
According to FOX Sports, McGruder now receives a guaranteed contract from Miami Heat to pay him $543, 471 until the end of the season. Previously he only had a partially guaranteed contract for three-year with the Heat since July.
After being undrafted in 2013 NBA Draft, he joined Orlando Magic in the NBA Development League, then Golden State Warriors D-League team for the following year. He became member of the Miami Heat D-League in 2015-16 season and 2016-17 season before guaranteed contract as starter for the Heat.
He now has a promising career with Miami Heat. In his 35 game with the Heat, he plays as starter for 22 games this season, averaging 5.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. Watch McGruder’s amazing dunk over the 7’0” Celtics Tyler Zeller from the NBA official YouTube channel below:
