Tennessee basketball: Former Vol Jarnell Stokes signs with the Miami Heat

After an impressive NBA Summer League, former Vol Jarnell Stokes signs with the Miami Heat for the 2018-19.

Former Tennessee basketball player, Jarnell Stokes received good news on Monday by signing a deal with the Miami Heat. By signing Stokes, the Heat have 18 players on their roster.

Remember the NBA rule, teams can only take 20 players into training camp, and the Heat still haven’t agreed on contracts with Dwyane Wade and Udonis Haslem.

But, just having that opportunity is a tremendous achievement for Stokes. Not to mention he is back with former teammate Josh Richardson, who is becoming a big-time player in the NBA.

Stokes played for the Chicago Bulls in the Las Vegas Summer League where he only averaged 5.0 points per game with 2.8 rebounds. However, if you take a closer look at the numbers, he didn’t have much time to prove himself.

The 6-foot-8, former five-star recruit spent time with the Heat during the 2015-16 season. Stokes only played five games and averaged 1.4 points per game. His most success in the NBA came in his rookie season where he played in 19 games for the Memphis Grizzlies and averaged 3.0 points per game.

Stokes did play for the Sioux Falls Skyforce, the affiliate team of the Miami Heat, in the 2015-16 season where he led them to an NBA D-League Championship. He also named the D-League regular-season MVP and Finals MVP.

There is no telling if Stokes can make the roster. The NBA allows teams to hold two spots for two-way players and that is probably where Stokes will fall.

However, having another opportunity to prove himself is all a player can ask for. If he can continue to work on his outside jumper, he could be a decent role player off the bench for any team. Like always we will keep you update on what happens with all former Vols throughout their careers.