The Miami Heat find themselves short on bodies and decided to keep Henry Walker for the rest of the season on Friday.
Walker has given head coach Erik Spoelstra plenty of minutes when they were needed most. While Walker hasn't put up All-Star caliber numbers, the Heat felt he has done enough to earn the new contract. Prior to the new deal he signed on Friday, Walker had been on a pair of 10-day contracts in Miami.
When Hassan Whiteside was suspended for Miami's last game, a depleted roster became an even bigger challenge for Spoelstra. Walker made the start in that one in what has become almost the norm. Walker was not expected to start games when he originally joined the Heat but he's done just that multiple times. His minutes have reached a season-high of 36 last Saturday and Walker has played 30+ minutes in five of his ten games.
In his ten contests with Miami, Walker has averaged 8.5 points, and 3.4 rebounds. The highlight of his season came on February 25th when he sank a pair of three-pointers down the stretch. That game would go overtime after Walker's second trey and the Heat eventually came away winners.
Miami will need to make a decision on Michael Beasley after next Monday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Beasley is on his second 10-day deal and would need to be signed for the rest of the year.
The Heat sit in eighth place in the Eastern Conference entering Friday's game against the Toronto Raptors.
