Miami Heat: They Should Be, Especially With Kyle Lowry Aboard
Although his attempts from the line weren’t as high last year, Lowry remains as one of the more gifted players at drawing fouls — as he had nearly six free throw attempts per game (among all guards) in the 2019-20 season.
Retaining a good amount of perimeter shooting will help Miami’s star-trio, as they’ll bring back Duncan Robinson, keep Tyler Herro amid trade-rumors, and signing quality floor-spacers, PJ Tucker and Markieff Morris. Of course, shot-execution must be consistent for the success of penetrating the defense.
Offensively, the Heat should be just as assertive and nasty as they’re expected to be on defense. The reward?
An increased chance of getting to the line. Controlling the pace of meaningful games are important and it’s a great strategy, if they, hypothetically, match-up with other teams (Milwaukee, Philadelphia) that consist of a larger front-courts.
This would allow the Heat to get them in foul-trouble. Though the Heat are a top-tier jump-shooting team, their main strength is getting to the rim.
Despite reports of the NBA zeroing-in on officiating foul shots, it shouldn’t change their mentality to draw contact. There are multiple players who can rely on cutting and driving, a traditional-style offense which serves them best.
Whether the whistle gets blown or not, isn’t the endgame. It’s simply trying to make it happen.