In an ideal world, the Miami Heat would be able to sign LeBron James in an attempt to finalize the supporting cast around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. However, if that doesn't pan out for Miami, DeMar DeRozan could be the Heat's next big pivot.
According to Heat reporter Ethan Skolnick, the Heat are expected to make a strong push to try and sign DeRozan if LeBron ends up signing elsewhere in free agency.
Even though pivoting to DeRozan isn't necessarily a terrible move to make (on paper), it's certainly one of those polarizing decisions that could end up splitting the fan base.
DeMar DeRozan isn't a bad Plan B for the Heat
While I would argue that DeRozan wouldn't be considered a bad Plan B for the Heat, it's understandable that some within the fan base would be concerned. He doesn't help much with the team's spacing and lack of shooting (even if I'd argue that's been blown out of proportion a bit), and, because of that, would be a confusing fit next to Bam and Giannis.
However, in the right role, there's reason to believe that Erik Spoelstra and the Heat could still find a way to make it work. And in a very effective way.
For example, the Heat have to fill the production void that exists now that Tyler Herro and Norman Powell are no longer in Miami. Replacing that won't be as simple as many Heat fans believe. Sure, the addition of Tim Hardaway Jr. and Giannis will help with that.
But DeRozan could also help carry some of that offensive weight, especially in a role as a super sixth man for the team. Bringing him off the bench would also help ease some of the concerns about his fit.
DeMar DeRozan could thrive as a sixth man for the Heat
DeRozan in the starting lineup next to Giannis and Bam will certainly raise some questions. Would they have good enough spacing to run an effective offense? Would DeRozan's lack of shooting hurt the offensive flow? And they're fair.
But bringing him off the bench could add another dimension that doesn't currently exist on this Heat team.
Even at this point in his career, DeRozan could be the head of a snake on a strong second unit in Miami. Considering the Heat lacks natural playmakers, having a player like DeRozan, who could create offense for himself, would be a huge asset. Add in the fact that DeRozan has been an underrated playmaker throughout his career, and this is a pairing that could make even more sense.
DeRozan is not LeBron, but he's far from a bad Plan B for the Heat. It's time for the Heat fan base to get on board with the idea, because it could very well be in the cards over the next few weeks.
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