With Meyers Leonard poised to hit free agency, the Miami Heat need to fortify one of the positions that ruined their NBA Finals.
When it comes to clichés the sports world is a haven for them. Teams go to war, players are soldiers and organizations are families. But above all basketball is a business. Expect the Miami Heat to show that as soon as the offseason hits.
Throughout Miami’s run to the NBA Finals, fans–and the team alike–attempted to sell onlookers on the vision that the team had enough to win the franchise’s fourth championship. In the same breath, they would allege the team was not supposed to make it this far in Jimmy Butler‘s first year.
Ultimately the Heat did great but were not fully equipped to push the Los Angeles Lakers past a Game 6. They overachieved if you ask some.
Regardless of which side of the spectrum one stands on, the Heat are likely well on their way to starting a search towards an equation to win.
Truth be told, Miami is one star away. Question is, does it make sense for Pat Riley to wait an extra year to pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo or for the team president to make a move now, while the Heat are so close?
Rebuilding around a core will still be key as the Heat continue to fill in the pieces of the roster.
Expect Goran Dragic and Jae Crowder to be the only rotation players back on at least one-year contracts—possibly with team options for a second. As for Meyers Leonard’s spot, either one of the big men on the next two slides would be a welcomed replacement.