Heat assign Hammons, Walton to Skyforce

The Miami Heat announced today that they have assigned A.J. Hammons and Derrick Walton Jr. to their G-League affiliate the Sioux Falls Skyforce.

Derrick Walton Jr. was signed to a two-way contract, so this comes as no surprise. The Heat will have him there most of the season, and he can spent up to 45 days with the Miami Heat.

The new two-way contracts allow players to be on the team, and spent up to 45 days with the team before either being released from that contract or signed to a full contract with the rule that they are one of the 15 regular roster spots.

So Walton hasn’t racked up any of his 45 days yet, as today is the first day of training camp for the SKyforce.

However, Hammons will join the team to allow Miami to get a better look at what he can offer. He’s been sick and away from the team. We haven’t seen him play much at all. But what sending Hammons does, and by virtue keeping Matt Williams Jr. is begin the clock on Williams’ 45 days.

Remember, Matt Williams Jr. also has a two-way contract. So Miami is starting his clock as he stays with the team. The Heat like his ability to shoot.

On the other hand, Hammons may need to prove himself to keep that roster spot from Williams in the future.

Here’s the official release:

MIAMI, October 23 – The Miami HEAT announced today that they have assigned center A.J. Hammons to their NBA G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce. Derrick Walton Jr. will also join the Skyforce as part of his two-way contract.

Hammons, who was selected in the second round (46th overall) by Dallas in the 2016 NBA Draft, appeared in 22 games with the Mavericks last season and averaged 2.2 points and 1.6 rebounds in 7.4 minutes of action while shooting 40.5 percent from the field. Additionally, he was named the 2016 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and to the All-Big Ten First Team during his senior season at Purdue.