Re-ranking Bleacher Report’s “Big 3s” rankings to see where the Miami Heat should actually be
5. Miami Heat: Big Three: Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Kyle Lowry
It might be slightly biased, but the Miami Heat’s new trio deserves to be in the top five. Although they have not played any games together, their chemistry will not be any issue at all. Bleacher Report had this to say on the matter:
"“While most Miami newcomers need an introduction to the franchise’s famed #Culture, Lowry has long cultivated it from afar. All of its key tenets—defensive tenacity, incredible work ethic, selflessness, insatiable appetite for winning—are already part of the six-time All-Star’s arsenal.”"
Lowry will fit right in with Miami’s coveted Heat Culture. He already brings to the table everything you could ask for in a Miami Heat player. It also helps that he has a great relationship with Miami’s leader, Jimmy Butler.
With the addition of Lowry, the Heat will have one of the best defensive trios in the NBA, if not the best. That is without question.
The question that does arise with the Heat is the concern about their offensive production, as BR points out. BR brings up the potential for a lack of spacing, Lowry’s age, and their lack of scoring.
Let’s start with spacing. While Jimmy and Bam are not the best three-point shooters, Lowry is a pretty solid one, shooting about 40 percent from beyond the arc last season. Outside of their Big Three, Miami has an arsenal of three-point shooters, headlined by Duncan Robinson.
Robinson is one of the league’s best in catch-and-shoot situations. The threat that the role players pose will help the spacing issue among their Big Three immensely.
Next up is Kyle Lowry’s age of 35. He probably will not be the All-Star we all remember in Toronto, but he will still be playing at an All-Star level. His playmaking is crucial for the Heat, and he also brings solid scoring production. Lowry has about two more years or so until he begins any true decline.
Finally, let’s address the scoring issue. This is a legitimate concern, as it will probably decide whether the Miami Heat are championship contenders or a first-round exit team. However, the signing of Lowry should allow Jimmy Butler to take over games more naturally. His scoring numbers will likely increase next season.
The Miami Heat will be one of the best teams next season. This trio is a huge reason why.