The Miami Heat just lost out on LeBron James, who decided to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers. Now, as they pursue other potential options, one name that stands out is DeMar DeRozan. But the Heat should avoid signing him at all costs. He just doesn’t fit what the Heat need heading into next season.
DeRozan isn’t a great three-point shooter. And right now, the Heat need to add three-point shooting more than anything else. James would have been an exception, because he’s one of the best offensive organizers the NBA has ever seen. But DeRozan’s shot profile and lack of defensive presence would not fit in well alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
Miami needs to look elsewhere. It cannot fall into the trap of seeing a big name like DeRozan and just wanting to sign him.
Heat should avoid signing DeMar DeRozan
At this point in his career, DeRozan is not the player he once was. He’s not the scorer he was with the Chicago Bulls, nor the passer he was with the San Antonio Spurs. And he’s certainly not the defender he was at any stop.
Right now, as the Heat look to build out their roster around Antetokounmpo and Adebayo in the post-James chase world, three-point shooting and defense should be their top two priorities.
They need more shooting, because right now, their starting lineup lacks it. Andrew Wiggins can shoot, and if Tim Hardaway Jr. starts, so can he. But that’s not enough.
And on top of that, at this point, the Heat might as well lean into their defensive identity. They have two of the best defenders in the NBA, so why not double down on that trait?
DeRozan doesn’t bring either of those things to the table. He can create shots for himself, but leaning into the mid-range game with two drivers and paint presences like Antetokounmpo and Adebayo doesn’t make much sense.
Instead, the Heat should scour the trade market for other options. For better shooters. For better offensive creators. For better defenders than DeRozan, who will be 37 years old by the time next season begins.
Bradley Beal is a better perimeter shooter than DeRozan, and he would probably be cheaper. Jamal Shead – a restricted free agent – is a better ball-handler and defender.
What about the trade market? Could they target Cameron Johnson in a deal with the Denver Nuggets? What about a deal for Saddiq Bey? Kris Dunn?
The point is, there are so many better options than an aging DeRozan. The Heat need to avoid signing him.
Add us as a preferred source on Google