Miami Heat: Does Chris Paul Make Them Instant Contenders?

Phoenix Suns forward Torrey Craig (12), guard Chris Paul (3) and forward Dario Saric reach for a rebound(Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
Phoenix Suns forward Torrey Craig (12), guard Chris Paul (3) and forward Dario Saric reach for a rebound(Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
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Miami Heat
Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) shoots the ball over Miami Heat forward Precious Achiuwa (5)(Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports)

The Miami Heat should be interested in Chris Paul if he opts-out, but why?

Paul can score at the rim and from deep, but his midrange game is especially smooth. Having someone to help Jimmy Butler with ball handling responsibilities is also something that Paul could do.

After seeing what Paul’s presence was able to do for Deandre Ayton, the Heat will be hoping he could have the same effect on Bam Adebayo. Bam is already an insanely talented offensive player, but having Paul there to set him up at the rim would be a lethal combination.

Paul’s presence would let Jimmy Butler and Bam both focus on being more aggressive in terms of scoring, as he could focus on setting up the Heat’s players. Defensively, a trio of Paul, Butler, and Adebayo would lock down opposing teams on all three levels.

Paul averaged 1.4 steals a game last season and adding that to a team that is already full of defensive stalwarts should make sure the Heat lock down any team they come up against. Butler led the league in steals last season and Bam is a lock to be a candidate for Defensive Player of the Year , again, next year.

Adding Paul’s defense at the guard position would make the Heat defensive juggernauts.