As the Miami Heat evaluate their free-agent options, they must decide whether to go out and target stars or focus on building up a more cohesive roster. With Russell Westbrook among the names on the table, it is clear that the team is looking to make an upgrade. Yet even with potential additions, it will be impossible for them to completely ignore their internal assets.
Hard decisions need to be made over who to keep and who to let go, what positions they want to focus on adding talent to, and how they plan on using their newly reconstructed cap space. The Miami Heat have a lot of options ahead of them in this reshaping process and it will be interesting to see which one they ultimately choose.
Potential Additions to the Miami Heat
At the top of the Miami Heat’s list of potential acquisitions is Russell Westbrook, a former MVP whose combination of power and ball-handling skills could be a game-changer. Will Barton is another option – he proved his worth with the Washington Wizards last season and could help to fill any shooting deficiencies. But there are also other needs that must be addressed, namely the addition of another power forward or big man for added depth or extending Orlando Robinson‘s two-way contract before it expires.
Adding a player that can penetrate and draw attention to the middle of the floor is an effective tactic for the Heat to attack the paint while also invigorating their existing shooting. It’s all about getting the right guy, though, as each team should consider how this new addition may affect the old guard. Players need to be evaluated on their individual merits and contributions for the team to have success.
If a more impactful player can be acquired, then grabbing them should be the goal rather than depending on an old favorite. This allows teams to keep up with their competition while not sacrificing production in doing so. Ultimately, it will come down to analyzing Miami’s current roster and determining what positions require reinforcement for the Heat to have an even chance of competing in a strong Eastern Conference next season.
Kyle Lowry InjuryUpdate
Despite the Miami Heat’s efforts to move veteran point guard Kyle Lowry ahead of the NBA trade deadline, it appears there was not enough interest in the aging baller. This could be due to the injury he is currently nursing.
The 36-year-old star point guard has been out of action since January with a knee issue, and coach Erik Spoelstra has admitted that only Victor Oladipo stands a chance of returning before the All-Star break. Thus, if Lowry is to make his return, we may have to wait at least another week.
With no firm timetable for Lowry’s return, Miami Heat fans are hoping to get him back after this year’s All-Star break. Sadly, there is no guarantee that the veteran point guard will be able to make it, given his injury history and the lingering effects of a knee problem.
It is no secret that his contributions on the field have been underwhelming since joining Miami this season, adding fuel to many speculations made before his trade deadline date – including shifting him to another team or trading him altogether, yet, such offers never emerged.
Miami Heat Odds
After the trade deadline, the Heat remains to be an average team with +4000 odds to win the 2022-23 NBA Title per BetMGM Sportsbook. They are listed as +1300 to win in the Eastern Conference and relatively the favorites to win in the Southeast Division with -275 odds.
None of the Heat is a serious contender in terms of NBA MVP, Rookie of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year, and Most Improved Player. However, Bam Adebayo is currently +650 to win the Defensive Player of the Year, just behind Jaren Jackson Jr. who is listed as -200.
With less than 30 games remaining in the regular season, they have a sound opportunity to work their way up the standings and toward a more competitive playoff setup. They will no doubt be aiming for stronger results to ensure postseason play is a genuine possibility come April.