NFL
By: Monte Perez
The Miami Heat have a record of 28-23 which is 6th in the Eastern Conference. They are chasing the Celtics, 76ers, Bucks, Nets, and Cavaliers with the Knicks one game behind them in the East. The Heat are starting to get healthy and playing better but, does this team have enough to make a deep playoff push?
Bam Adebayo has been the team’s most consistent player all season long. He is averaging 21.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. He does all the little things to make this team better and has played in 46 of 49 games. Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro are averaging 42 points and 10 rebounds combined.
Pat Riley has a ton of decisions to make by the NBA Trading deadline. As constituted, this team is not better than Milwaukee of Boston. They may not be better than the Brooklyn either so, does he become super aggressive and make moves to strengthen his team or does he start building for the future? Riley is 77 years old; he does not want to rebuild; he wants to retool. Here are some possible players he can trade for.
Buddy Hield (Indiana Pacers): Hield is a quality veteran shooting 42% from three and averaging 17 points per game.
Marvin Bagley Jr. (Detroit Pistons): Bagley has struggled to stay healthy but when he is on the floor, he can shoot the three, block shots, and grab rebounds. He is 6’10 235 lbs. and only 23 years old.
Harrison Barnes (Sacramento Kings): Barnes is a 10-year veteran who can provide offense and defense. He is averaging 15 points and 4 rebounds per game. He would be a perfect No.4 option or a great player off the bench. He won a title with the Golden State Warriors in 2015.
JaVale McGee (Dallas Mavericks): Riley once said: “No Rebounds, no rings” The Heat are 26th in the NBA in rebounding. McGee would provide rim protection, shot-blocking, and rebounds. He is riding the bench in Dallas so Miami would not have to give up a lot to get him.
Butler has 3 years left on his contract extension. He will make $45, $48, and $53 million over the next few years. He wants to win now and so does Riley. If the Heat do not make moves at the trading deadline their championship window could be closing. Their NBA Finals appearance in the bubble seems so far away. Riley is a deal maker, let’s see if he can add pieces to this team and get them back to the NBA Finals. In Riley We Trust.
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