Coup’s Notebook Vol. 95: A Summer of HEAT Moves, Davion Mitchell and Norm Powell, Summer League for Kasparas Jakucionis, Kel’el Ware and Pelle Larsson
- wgclients01
- Jul 14, 2025
- 2 min read
The Miami HEAT are in the middle of their Summer League slate, about to wrap up their stint at the California Classic in San Francisco before heading to Las Vegas. Here’s what we’ve been noting and noticing so far.
The HEAT have made two significant trades. Duncan Robinson has been traded to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Simone Fontecchio, and Norm Powell has been acquired from the LA Clippers in exchange for Kevin Love and Kyle Anderson. Robinson, one of the longest-tenured HEAT players, was known for his shooting prowess and ability to create gravity on the court. Fontecchio, a 6-foot-8 forward, brings shooting and spacing to the team, while Powell is a versatile scorer who can finish efficiently at the rim and attack closeouts.
Davion Mitchell has also been brought back, providing defense and playmaking abilities. Mitchell’s defense will be key, especially in stabilizing the backcourt defense, and the added shooting from Powell and Fontecchio will make life easier for the youngsters in the rotation.
Kasparas Jakucionis has shown impressive passing skills, making plays that could unlock the next level for the HEAT's offense. His ability to read the defense and throw passes to the weak side could be a game-changer. While the offense has been slow, with some players struggling to find their rhythm, Jakucionis' passing could truly change things.
Kel'el Ware has been dominant in the paint, with his teammates giving him opportunities to high-point lobs and finish at the rim. Coach Eric Glass wants Ware to dominate in various categories, including protecting the rim and rebounding. While the offense has been up and down, Ware's flashes of brilliance are promising.
Pelle Larsson has taken on a new role in Summer League, showcasing his scoring abilities and playing as a primary decision-maker in pick-and-rolls. He led the team in scoring with 18 points in one game and is gaining valuable experience.
Other notable performances include Bryson Warren, a 6-foot-3 guard who put up 18 points in a game, and Keshad Johnson, who has taken on a leadership role, offering advice and encouragement to teammates.
Overall, the HEAT's Summer League performance has shown promise, with players like Jakucionis, Ware, and Larsson making significant contributions. The team's offense has been a work in progress, but with the right adjustments and development, they could become a formidable force in the upcoming season.