Bring back 41% career 3-point threat Luke Babbitt for another (almost) story-book ending

The Miami Heat escaped with a win against a tough Philadelphia 76ers team fighting for post-season playoff positioning.

The Heat overcame a power outage by the forwards who combined for a total of 0-6 from the 3-point line, 3-15 shooting overall, and -8 net rating.

Enter Luke Babbitt, who delivered the goods time and time again last season with his floor-spacing buckets.

Per basketball-reference, Babbitt has career 3PT% of 41% and FT% of 75%.

At 28 years old, 6’9”, 225 lbs, 8 years experience Babbitt gives Miami an in-his-prime role player who doesn’t dominate or make many mistakes, but contributes whatever he can.

In the 76ers game Miami fans saw not all Heat players are perfect, and sometimes seem mentally fatigued on the court.

Last season Babbitt’s TS% of 56.3% compared well to Wayne Ellington’s 56.5%, while Luke’s DReb% of 13.5% was better than Justise Winslow (12.7%), Tyler Johnson (12.5%), Rodney McGruder (9.2%), Josh Richardson (9.2%), or Wayne Ellington (8.5%).

With Ellington hurt, McGruder and Kelly Olynyk still easing their way back into the lineup, Babbitt is an overlooked player who can space the court for his teammates and get rebounds for the team.

Luke knows the Miami Heat culture, clicked well with McGruder, at 28 is experienced and athletic enough to help Miami win down the stretch.