Miami Heat target #3: Lonzo Ball
Lonzo Ball and the Pelicans could not agree on a contract extension, meaning the young guard will be a restricted free agent this offseason. He would be the perfect point guard to put next to Bam Adebayo.
He’s one of the best passers in the NBA and also a top-tier defender on the perimeter. This would allow Adebayo to put his best skills on full display.
Offensively, the duo of Ball and Adebayo would be one of the next pick n’ roll threats in the league. Ball’s ability to find open teammates and throw lobs plays right into Adebayo’s freakish athleticism.
In terms of defense, this adds another perimeter defender to Miami’s scheme. Ball can lock down the opposing team’s best guard and keep some of the pressure off of both Adebayo and Jimmy Butler.
Ball’s best trait is his elite playmaking abilities, but he has also turned himself into a knockdown shooter. He shot 37.8% from deep on 8.3 attempts per game.
If given the keys at point guard, Ball could legitimately average eight assists per game while also shooting super efficiently from deep. This is exactly the type of player Pat Riley should try to put alongside Adebayo.
Butler wouldn’t have to take on as much of the playmaking duties, and Ball would provide more floor spacing. It’s a win-win for all parties involved.