DeMar DeRozan could be the volume scorer that the Miami Heat needs to replace Tyler Herro and Norman Powell. Even though he may not be a clean fit in the starting 5 next to Bam Adebayo and Giannis Antetokounmpo, there is a role that would play to what DeRozan does best.
And that's putting the ball in the basket.
Even at 36 years old, if there's one thing that DeRozan can still do at this point in his career, it's score the basketball. Last season in Sacramento, DeRozan still managed to average 18 points per game on 50 percent shooting from the field. He's also a bit of an underrated playmaker, averaging four assists per game.
In the right role, there's a reason to believe that he could help the Heat answer some of their concerns heading into the first season of the Giannis build.
DeMar DeRozan would be a move for the Heat if LeBron James is off the table
After all that, make no mistake, LeBron James should still be the target. As Pat Riley alluded to in Giannis' introductory press conference, the Heat is waiting to see if they can land the LeBron plane.
But if, for whatever reason, LeBron doesn't choose to sign with the Heat, DeRozan could give the team a pretty interesting plan B. Sure, the fit wouldn't be as clean as adding LeBron would, especially given where the roster stands at this point, but, again, DeRozan could help calm some of the concerns about who else on the Heat is putting the ball in the basket.
Honestly, losing the production from Powell and Herro won't be easy for the Heat to replace. Sure, Giannis will carry some of that burden, as will expected leaps from Davion Mitchell and Pelle Larsson, while also the infusion of Tim Hardaway Jr.
However, it also wouldn't be that foolish of a move for the Heat to add another player who's made a career out of scoring the basketball. While DeRozan has certainly had his limitations over the years, whether it's the defensive issues or his lack of a consistent 3-point shot, he's still managed to be one of the most consistent scorers in the league over the last decade-plus.
The DeMar DeRozan concerns are completely understandable
It's completely understandable for Heat fans to have their concerns about DeRozan, especially with the way the modern game has evolved, but in the right role and circumstance, there's reason to believe that he could truly be a positive addition to this team.
Having that option, especially off the bench, for Miami could be an underrated secret weapon to have heading into the first year in the Giannis era. When you look at it through the right lens, DeRozan could end up making a lot of sense for Miami.
Many won't admit it, but the addition of DeRozan may be the best realistic option for the Heat at the moment. And it could end up paying off in a big way.
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