If the Miami Heat were truly concerned about the depth behind Davion Mitchell, the perfect veteran to solidify their backcourt has suddenly become available. After being waived by the Memphis Grizzlies, D'Angelo Russell should be able to join a contender before the start of the new season.
Question is, will the Heat be interested?
Again, if the Heat want to add another playmaker before the start of training camp, Russell seems like a pretty safe move. Even if it is just a training camp invite, there's reason to believe that Russell could be a veteran fit.
D'Angelo Russell could offer a playmaking boost off the bench
Even though he's no longer in the prime of his career, Russell is a consistent playmaker. He has concerns on defense, but the Heat could have a supporting cast where many of those concerns could be masked.
In a limited role last season, playing in just 26 games (19 minutes per contest) for the Dallas Mavericks, Russell still managed to average four assists per game. Over the course of his career, Russell has been a six-assist-per-game player.
That would be an unfair expectation for Russell, but he could help cover up some of the Heat's concerns in the backcourt.
If that exists in a significant way, this seems like a move the Heat would consider. But again, we don't know how concerned the Heat are about their backcourt depth. Their inaction so far this offseason suggests that they're comfortable with Mitchell (and Dru Smith).
However, the \ argument could be made that the ideal veteran just hasn't been available. Until now. This is not to say that Russell is a no-brainer fit for the Heat, but it does scream a move that they'd make.
Russell is a "name" player who is still just 30 years old. In Erik Spoelstra's system, there could be a clear role (and just enough potential) for Russell. Playing next to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo would certainly make things a lot easier.
Does the Heat want to add another player before training camp?
The big question, of course, is whether the Heat wants to add another player before the start of training camp.
There are arguments for both sides of the coin. If Miami wants roster flexibility heading into the start of the season, it does make sense to stand pat. But if the Heat believes their playmaking needs supersede their preference for roster flexibility, then perhaps making a move for Russell now makes more sense.
After all, you'd expect him to sign somewhere before the start of the season, whether the Heat are interested or not.
One thing that can't be argued is the fact that the Heat's confidence in Mitchell will be revealed over the next few days. If they pass on Russell, then perhaps they do trust Mitchell to be a capable primary playmaker for the team. If they sign Russell, well, it says they may need some extra insurance in the backcourt.
And that's not necessarily a bad thing, but it would speak volumes.
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