With training camp only a month away, the Miami Heat still have a roster spot available. Whether or not a Damian Lillard trade gets done before opening night, Miami has to add a 14th player, per league rules. Fortunately for them, there are some former first-round picks who could make sense.
1. Stanley Johnson
Johnson has been bouncing around the league since being drafted in 2015 by the Detroit Pistons. He averaged 6.7 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists throughout his NBA career. Last season, Johnson played three games for Miami’s G-League team, the Sioux Falls Skyforce, before the San Antonio Spurs snatched him up for the rest of the season. Yet Johnson remains a free agent.
Defensively, he’s a good fit. Tough, physical, with the ability to guard multiple positions. Even though Johnson struggles shooting from 3-point range (career 30.5% from distance) he has tools that Miami likes. At the minimum, he could be someone worth considering.
2. Justise Winslow
Since leaving Miami after the 2019-20 season, Winslow has had difficulty finding a team, let alone staying healthy.
If signed by Miami, Winslow would have a minor role. The former lottery pick was a successful backup point guard for the Heat in the 2018-19 season, and could play a similar role if signed. Defensively, Winslow is an ideal fit. He’s always been able to defend multiple positions and would be perfect for pressuring ball handles full court.
Winslow already has some familiarity with the roster. Bam Adebayo and the returning Josh Richardson have played with Winslow and still have an off-the-court friendship. A reunion would make sense and could benefit both sides.
3. Kelly Oubre Jr.
Another member of the 2015 draft class, Oubre, has the most promise of this group. Though inconsistent on both ends, Oubre averaged 20 points per game for the Hornets last season. Oubre has always been better when he attacks the rim and makes quick decisions. He’s a streaky shooter and probably takes too many 3s (7.2 attempts per game over the last two seasons despite making just 33.5% of them), but there’s definitely the potential for him to steal a regular-season game or two with an offensive explosion.
On the defensive end, Oubre has left his four previous teams wanting more. Though he has the athletic ability and body type to be a high-end perimeter defender (6-foot-7 with a 7-foot-3 wingspan), he has never fully locked in.
The Heat have managed to get more out of subpar defensive players in the past, and the bet here is that they’d manage to motivate him to give more effort on that end. If Oubre were willing to accept a minimum contract at this point of free agency, he could be a low-risk, high-reward pickup.
The Heat mindset going into this season is championship or bust. It’s why they are so motivated to trade for Lillard. With or without Lillard, they need to add more talent to the roster. Though Johnson, Winslow, and Oubre are still free agents and come with their share of red flags, they all bring a skill set that the Heat need and are undeniably talented. Signing either one could be worth the gamble.