Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Nunn ‘right back in like I never left’
The surprising thing about Kendrick Nunn’s return to the Miami Heat lineup is that there was nothing surprising.
“I just came right back in like I never left,” the second-year guard said of his first appearance in seven games, when he scored 15 points in Sunday night’s 107-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers at the start of the Heat’s four-game trip.
It was the third time this season that Nunn has contributed after being held out of three or more prior games.
“It just shows you his competitive character,” coach Erik Spoelstra said, with the Heat turning their attention to Tuesday night’s game against the Phoenix Suns. “Not everybody can do that. But this league isn’t easy. And sometimes you’re put in situations where you just have to show some resilience, or it could go the other way.
“And Kendrick’s a tough kid, tough minded, and he really wants to be there for his team. So he’s handled it the right way, really put in a lot of time behind the scenes. And when he was given this opportunity again, he was ready for us.”
For most players, going from zero to a rotation role requires at least a degree of adjustment. For Nunn, Sunday’s 32:25 of action marked the third time this season he has played at least 27 minutes after being held out of at least three prior games.
“I mean, I knew it would come around.,” he said of this latest next shot. “I’ve seen it happen multiple times. Whatever I’m needed, I’ll be there, for sure. You know it.”
Nunn said candor from Spoelstra makes the relationship and readiness work.
“The communication is straight forward,” he said. “You know the depth we have on this team, and whenever my number is called, I’ll be there to step in.”
With Victor Oladipo expected to miss at least the final three games on this trip, and possibly more, due to what the team is listing as a sore right knee, Nunn’s time not only has come again, but likely again will endure.
“I mean, I’ve been here,” he said. “I’ve been in practices, walkthroughs, so it’s nothing new. I know what’s going on. I’m just ready to step in and help the team win.”
As to how he has thrived in a situation that can beat others down, Nunn laughed.
“I don’t know,” he said. “I got to keep that a secret.”