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After a potentially career-killing incident pushed the former Kentucky wing out of the Thunder organization, DeAndre Liggins made his way to the D-League as a way to get a second shot in the Association
With Miami's D-League affiliate, Sioux Falls Skyforce, Liggins certified himself as one of the best all-around wings in the NBADL. As a long, lanky 6'6 wing, Liggins has held on to that defense-first mentality that helped push him to a 2nd round in the 2011 NBA Draft. By utilizing that aforementioned frame and 6'11 wingspan, Liggins is able to be an absolute menace on the D-League opposition which has helped lead him to a stellar 98.2 DefRtg. With that in mind, Liggins has been an absolute ball-hawk as he leads the NBADL with 2.5 steals per game.
As we transition to the offensive end, things get a little shady for Liggins. Again, Liggins has been one of the more athletic guards in the D-League which has should usually help him on the offensive end. However, the NBADL All-Star has really struggled to find a consistent offensive rhythm which has pushed him to be the team's 2nd offensive weapon behind former Heat 2nd rounder Justin Hamilton.
Perhaps because of his somewhat limited role inside the Skyforce offense, Liggins has elevated himself as a solid distributor. By utilizing his athleticism, Liggins is able to cut into the paint as a way to kick it out to a penetrating Hamilton or a perimeter shooter. Sitting behind a completely solid 18.3 AST% which actually puts him in the upper echelon of D-League distributors who aren't starting point guards.
When Liggins has the ball in his hand, he's a pretty inconsistent player. While he's a pretty solid mid-range shooter and is able to cut to the rim, Liggins hasn't been able to be an efficient offensive weapon on a night-by-night basis.
With a Miami team that features a lot of aging wings, Liggins could be serviceable as an athletic, defensive-minded option that can help the team in a reserve role. While he isn't the most effective offensive weapon, Liggins is still able to use his athleticism as a way to help make his Heat teammates more effective.
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