#shooting-efficiency

#shooting-efficiency

The Miami Heat have a pressing need for a star. Not even necessarily a specific one, either. A high-end shot-creator would probably be ideal, especially given Tyler Herro's uncertain future with the franchise, but they surely wouldn't mind a true standout two-way wing. And unless they're blown away by the flashes Kel'el Ware has shown, they'd have to give a star big man serious consideration, too.

After beating the Atlanta Hawks in NBA Cup action on Friday night, the Toronto Raptors are above .500 for the first time since opening night, moving to 5-4 after winning their fourth straight game. Once again, it was a collective effort (seven players in double figures) and once again, RJ Barrett was part of that collective. Barrett scored 19 points on Friday, but his second-half effort may have been his best half of the year.

Scottie Barnes' development has not been linear. After winning Rookie of the Year, he didn't improve much in year two. Then, in year three, he made a leap, earning his first All-Star nod. Then, last year was another step back. His efficiency was down, the team was not good, and there wasn't much consistency. He didn't look like someone coming off the best season of their career.

Durant was eligible for a maximum contract extension of $120 million over two years but understood when he chose the Rockets as a trade destination that he would be sacrificing money on a new deal -- in this case around $30 million -- so that the two sides could partner for the long term and give the franchise team-building flexibility.