Miami Heat: 3 free agent targets to pair with Bam Adebayo

By Jack Simone | Jul 10, 2021

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - MARCH 03: Lonzo Ball #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the Smoothie King Center on March 03, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

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T.J. McConnell #9 of the Indiana Pacers brings the ball up the court in the game against the Brooklyn Nets (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

Miami Heat target #1: TJ McConnell

TJ McConnell is one of the most underappreciated players in the NBA. His playmaking and defense paired together make up the ideal NBA point guard.

Despite only starting three games last year, he finished second on the Pacers in assists. He averaged 6.6 assists per game.

To go along with it, McConnell averaged 8.6 points, 3.7 points, and 1.9 steals per game. He even managed to set a franchise record for steals in a game.

In March, McConnell stole the ball 10 times in a single game. This was only one steal away from tying the NBA record.

This scrappy defense would fit in perfectly with what the Heat are doing, and his playmaking makes him a great player to pair alongside Bam Adebayo.

Jimmy Butler is the only true playmaker on the Miami Heat right now. Adding McConnell would add another pick n’ roll ball handler, and make Adebayo an even bigger lob threat than he already is.

Although he’s never been an elite three-point shooter, he doesn’t need that to be a part of his game. With Duncan Robinson and Tyler Herro around him, all he needs to focus on is making the right plays.

The Miami Heat should definitely look to add him to the roster. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, McConnell would be a great fit.

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