The Miami Heat need to sign Jamal Crawford this offseason
By Ivan Mora
The Miami Heat aren’t that far from being a threat in the Eastern Conference. Is Jamal Crawford the missing piece?
The Miami Heat have literally been MIA this offseason and some wonder if Heat fans should be worried or basically used to it by now.
It’s no surprise this Heat team hasn’t made a splash since the summer of 2010, but that doesn’t mean their rebuilding year hasn’t slowly been making progress. It’s a dense but bright outlook designed by president Pat Riley. He never gives his fans any reason for doubt, but frustration might finally be settling in after back to back no-shows in the offseason.
This past year saw a more-than-needed reunion with Dwyane Wade, and while the rest of the team waits for his future plans (if he comes back on a one-year deal or decides to retire), Miami has to think ahead with their young talent intact.
As it currently stands, Miami is looking to stand pat this offseason, only signing Derrick Jones Jr. to a 2-year, $3 million contract.
Despite the anger and desperation of not taking advantage of any free agency action, this might be the best move considering they still have Dion Waiters coming back. A healthy Miami Heat team can be a threat in the Eastern Conference, they just need to maintain that notion and let the young core develop while the co-captains lead the way.
But for the sake of the free agency frenzy, let’s say Miami was actively pursuing free agents.
Out of the few left, one name stands out in terms of experience and veteran presence: swingman shooter Jamal Crawford.
If the Heat do indeed lose Wade to retirement, they need a solid sixth man to cover his spot with great playmaking abilities and quick shooting. Crawford fits that bill. Regardless of his age (38), he had a solid year with the Minnesota Timberwolves, despite claims of declining productivity.
He averaged 10.3 points, 2.3 assists and 1.2 rebounds per game, numbers that don’t spark great highlights, but show he’s a great asset off the bench.
In fact, the young core of Josh Richardson and Justise Winslow can learn a thing or two from an experienced player like Crawford. He’s been in the league for 18 years and can still twist ankles on any given night, a threat from both inside or outside the arc.
However, his value will only spark great interest for teams looking to sign one-year deals.
Miami can definitely fit that bill.
2019’s free agency class will have big names ready to make some changes, and if the Heat can shed Tyler Johnson’s contract and maybe even Hassan Whiteside’s, then they will be in prime position to make a run at a legit All-Star.
The only issue that stands in the way this offseason are lengthy contracts and no space. A one-year deal for Crawford seems like a low risk, extremely high reward deal that Pat Riley can get behind. The only issue would be the abundance of guards the Heat currently have.
That doesn’t seem a major hurdle, but it can certainly be a roadblock if management doesn’t figure out a way to deal with the logjam.
Regardless, Miami should still definitely consider this signing.
Jamal Crawford is useful for any contender on either conference. He just needs to be given the opportunity.
Next: Miami Heat 1-on-1: Time to trade Goran Dragic, before he declines?
It’s your move, Miami.