Dwyane Wade likely sees a mirror image of himself in Kendrick Nunn, who stands 6-foot-3, but is a feisty defender and scoring machine, at least from what he’s shown this summer.
When asked on Twitter if he would mentor Nunn, Wade simply expressed admiration for his fellow Chicagoan.
After going undrafted in the 2018 NBA Draft, the Miami Heat signed Nunn to a contract on the last day of the 2018-19 regular season. He previously played in the G League with the Santa Cruz Warriors.
“It’s kind of surreal,” Nunn said. “To be honest with you, I knew it was going to happen. I was just being patient and sticking to the grind. I’m just blessed to have the opportunity, and everything is coming together for me.”
Nunn didn’t play for Miami until the Summer League, and he didn’t disappoint. In six games, Nunn averaged 22.0 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game and was named to the 2019 NBA Summer League First Team.
He now has a guaranteed roster spot on the Heat, but Nunn will have to compete for a regular rotation spot when training camp opens next month.
“Not at all,” Nunn said about expecting a part-time role with the Heat. “I could’ve taken some two-ways (from other teams), but I belong in the NBA. I know what I bring to the game. I want to contribute to this team. My game translates perfectly. Everyone knows that I like to compete. I want to show that every night.”
If his Summer League play is any indication, Heat fans should expect to see much more of Nunn when the regular season begins.