The Miami Heat should be emboldened in their pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo after watching what the New York Knicks have been able to do in the NBA Playoffs.
As the third seed in a "weaker" Eastern Conference, the Knicks have had their way with the San Antonio Spurs through two games in the NBA Finals so far. A lot can change between now and the end of the series, but it just goes to show that Miami may not be that far off from contention.
Perhaps most importantly, the Heat could very well be one big Giannis move away from emerging onto the championship scene once again in the NBA.
Heat should push harder for Giannis after watching the Knicks
I don't think anyone would pencil in the Heat as "favorites" if they were to add Giannis via trade this offseason, but he's the type of monumental move that could help shift everything for the franchise.
After all, if the Heat is going to make a pivot in the East, they need THE guy first. And while Bam Adebayo is a great culture guy and a good leader, he's not a tier 1 superstar. That's where Giannis comes into play.
For as good as Bam is on both ends of the floor, Giannis is better. And he's the type of superstar who could change the entire culture (again) in Miami, for the better.
Giannis is the type of player who makes everyone on the roster better. That's the type of player that the Heat haven't had on their roster since Jimmy Butler left. It's a player they've desperately needed, and a player that will be required if Miami is going to emerge as a championship contender again.
Pat Riley should be reinvigorated by New York's success
So even as one of the Heat's bitter rivals inches closer to an NBA Championship, not all is doom and gloom for the Heat. And, on the contrary, Pat Riley and the Heat should only have more of an incentive to go all-in for Giannis.
Even if the Knicks win the NBA Championship this season, the Eastern Conference is going to be considered wide open, and there for the taking. That's where a new-look Heat team, headlined by Giannis, could really alter the landscape in the Eastern Conference.
And if there are any fans who think otherwise, they're either missing just how important superstar players are in the league, or they're just being critical just for the sake of it.
Are there natural concerns about trading for Giannis? Absolutely. However, at the same rate, I'd rather have a top 5 player in the league on my team than not. And, ultimately, that's what the Giannis question comes down to for the Heat.
Now, it's time to figure out how to get him.
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