Miami Heat 1-on-1: Is tanking really the right answer?

Okay, so if the franchise were inclined to throw in the towel this year, what do you hope would come out of that move?

Ebrahim: Everyone on Twitter would surely yell “Zion” or even “Barrett,” after watching Duke highlights from their young season. But let’s be realistic. Even with a full-fledged effort to tank, the Heat are likely not in the race for a top-2 pick (Yes, Zion Williamson is going to the Cleveland Cavaliers and RJ Barrett is going to the Atlanta Hawks). But a top-10 pick isn’t out of the question. I just want to be in a position where the pick could be coupled with an expiring deal, like Hassan Whiteside, and possibly propel the team into slots five through seven. Funnily enough, Atlanta could have three first rounders this year, if I’m not mistaken, and could be a perfect trade-up partner for the Heat. Being in that top-10 range, allows the team to work through many scenarios, even including a top prospect dropping right into their laps. Another hope of mine would be that a higher draft pick could also allow the team to shed bigger contracts and drop back in the draft. I’d be open to going from No. 8 to No. 13 by shedding Tyler Johnson’s contract, but it all begins with having a top pick.

Rahming: Keeping Whiteside is a must. We have seen over the past few years that the key to beating all of these teams that have decided to go small and space the floor, is a bruising big man that will punish people that drive into the lane or get switched onto them on defense. Trading that piece away before he decides on his player option, could leave the roster more broken than it already is. There are plenty of moves that can be made, even if that means not getting back equal value. Tyler Johnson will always be first on my list, although he’s injured currently with a pulled hamstring. There are so many point guards in the league, I would love to see a trade for a pure point guard who is a hard worker like T.J. McConnell. But that’s not possible under his current contract. The Sixers would have to extend McConnell, then look to trade him; and who’s to say they’d even do it? Next up, I’d like to trade Dragic for a proven shooter and defender. While looking over players that match these benchmarks, I came across a lot of guys that I wish were available, which means the Heat would have to let it be known which players are available to trade and see what offers come in. Some deals will be laughable, while others will be able to transform into something the organization can get behind. Next up, James Johnson. I believe the style of play in the league has left him behind the most on the team. Everything on and off the ball is a foul, and he doesn’t always hit his perimeter shots or free throws. Every time he drives the lane, he takes away working space from Whiteside and Kelly Olynyk, who have much better touch inside. While these moves are interesting to think about, I think the framework of this team is locked in until 2020, and there’s not much the team can do to alleviate that, outside of a good player saying “I want to come to Miami. How can we make this happen?”

All aboard the tank train?