2. Gordon Hayward, SF, Utah Jazz
The first few players I mentioned are all power forwards. With good reason too; that’s by far the team’s biggest need. Though some may suggest looking toward the draft for a four, this class is deep everywhere but in big men (because, of course).
Regardless, that’s not the only area where the Heat require an upgrade. The team is also in desperate need of a wing player who can score. Winslow is not that guy, and won’t be for the foreseeable future.
Also, it’s starting to seem like Richardson’s plateau is that of a 3-and-D specialist (which is perfectly fine, those still aren’t that easy to find). And Waiters is a one-year plug-in at the 2-guard. Which leaves Miami still searching for a guy with the ability to score 20+ a night from the perimeter, aside from Dragic.
The best one available through free agency this summer is Gordon Hayward. The six-year veteran out of Butler is currently enjoying his best season as a pro. He’s averaging 22 points, to go with five rebounds and six assists per game. Hayward is a 39 percent three-point shooter, and 87 percent from the line.
He currently ranks 15th in the NBA in Win Shares, despite having missed the first few weeks of the season with a dislocated finger. He’s been the total package for Utah, and is starting to prove himself as one of the best wing players in the league.
Hayward is exactly what Miami needs to solve their scoring woes. If Riley manages to add a player like Fultz through the draft, to go with Hayward, and his current core? That would be a grand slam offseason. Fultz-Dragic-Hayward-Winslow-and-Whiteside is good enough to fight for a top four seed in the East. And possibly more.