The Miami Heat are 13-8 and as of right now are the third-seeded in the Eastern Conference standings. With Miami having a tough schedule to start the year, including a ton of road games, you’d have to say that say Miami’s 13-7 is a good start.
But, having said that, there are always things to improve on. Miami has a roster spot open that could help the team down the road.
With Caleb Martin being on a two-way contract and being in the rotation, they will have no choice but to make his contract a standard contract at some point. Does that hurt Miami’s buyout chances?
Well, it would mean that Miami would have no roster spots left. That’s unless they look to trade KZ Okpala to free up a roster spot.
When the time is right, you also have to think that Miami will look to trade him and free up that roster spot.
It might not be a good situation anymore, as this Miami Heat team is in win-now mode.
Miami Heat: Do They Still Need To Look Into Adding A Piece?
If Okpala can’t find minutes on this team, then Miami should look to move him for a guy that can come in to play. With that and say, in a couple of months, if Okpala is gone, and Martin is off his two-way contract with a standard contract, Miami would then appear to have a single roster spot available.
What type of player should they use it on? Another factor to that whole equation would be what is going on with Markieff Morris.
Could Miami move on from Morris if he can’t play this year or will have to miss most of the rest of the season? That is something to watch out for if Morris continues to miss time.
Another guy who many(including myself) have been hard on is Gabe Vincent. Vincent has been playing great lately, especially when it comes to shooting, which has been his biggest issue.
In the past couple of games, Vincent has been shooting the three-ball well. If Vincent keeps this up, does Miami need another guard?
Playing well in the regular season is one thing, but playing in the postseason is another thing. Time will only tell for Vincent.
Miami Heat: With Victor Oladipo Still In The Air, Who Else Could Help?
Victor Oladipo is one of the biggest X-Factors in the league, let alone in Miami. Oladipo is another guard who can create his own shot, shoot well from three, get to the rim, and is a really good defender.
If he can be at 80 percent of what he used to be, then Miami won’t need another guard. John Wall could be an option if he gets a buyout, especially if Oladipo doesn’t return to look right.
However, Miami could also stand to add a four who can play the five as well as needed. Kevin Love could be an option if bought out and the same with Derrick Favors.
Love would be perfect in Miami. You never thought you might hear that, but there it is and primarily because Love can pass and spread the floor.
That’s exactly what the Miami Heat need. Teams can never have enough shooting.
Favors would be a good fit as well. He can rebound at a good level and be insurance for Bam Adebayo.
Dewayne Dedmon is a fan favorite and has been playing well this season, but Favors might be an upgrade and there is nothing wrong with having more depth.
Miami has a lot of options on where they could attack the buyout market. Besides, there are still some things to figure out about this team, to see where they might or might not need something.
Either way, Miami is in a good position right now, but they’ll surely look to do whatever it takes to make sure they finish in the best position. At least you think they’ll try.