The Miami Heat need time to build around Giannis Antetokounmpo after depleting their resources to acquire him. In order to successfully support him, however, they should learn from how the Milwaukee Bucks' best seasons with him included guard depth and often even star power in the backcourt.
If the Heat are successful in improving their guard play, Antetokounmpo should be able to rediscover the postseason success that helped define his legacy as a generational player.
Milwaukee won at least one playoff series in every season between 2019 and 2022. That includes winning the 2021 NBA championship and reaching the 2019 Eastern Conference Finals. There were several constants along the way, but depth and quality at guard were a big part of it.
In 2019, for instance, all three of Eric Bledsoe, Malcolm Brogdon, and George Hill averaged double-digit scoring numbers during the playoffs—ranking third, fourth, and fifth on the team, respectively.
Fast forward to 2021 and Jrue Holiday's 17.3 postseason points per game, as well as the context of his midrange heroics, proved essential. Donte DiVincenzo and Bryn Forbes also averaged double-digit scoring numbers during the regular season, while Pat Connaughton stepped up with big shooting nights late in the playoffs.
If the Heat are going to help Antetokounmpo contend at some point over the next two seasons, then they'll need to create the type of guard play that can thrive in a similar capacity.
Giannis typically needs a strong rotation of guards to optimize his impact
Miami's guard play isn't necessarily poor, as Davion Mitchell is a top-tier defender and quality playmaker, and Pelle Larsson has clear two-way potential. There's a glaring lack of depth, however, and an even more unforgivable absence of a truly reliable scoring option in the backcourt.
Until that issue is resolved with a player who can at least flirt with scoring 20 points per game, the Heat will struggle to put Antetokounmpo in the optimal position to succeed.
Thankfully, the trade market is always rich with talented players on bad teams and/or expiring contracts come the February deadline. Additionally, the 2027 class of free agents is on pace to include big names such as Stephen Curry, Holiday, and Kyrie Irving, as well as a deep pool of starting-caliber talent.
Miami simply must be proactive in building out its perimeter with guards who can create offense for themselves and others if they're going to make the Antetokounmpo era as great as it can be.
In the meantime, developing talent internally will be a top priority. That starts with Larsson, who's already a high-level defender and explosive athlete. If he can improve as a shooter and straight-line finisher, then the Heat can at least have an ideal environment to bring a shot creator into.
It simply can't be overstated how important it will be for Miami to add the type of guards Antetokounmpo has consistently thrived alongside.
Add us as a preferred source on Google