The Heat could benefit from testing Andre Iguodala at starting power forward for the foreseeable future, Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel opined in his recent “Ask Ira” mailbag.
Iguodala, who was acquired by the Heat last February, has started two straight games after coming off the bench in his first three contests. Miami has started five different lineups in five games, seeking to finalize its group while juggling injuries.
The Heat started Jae Crowder alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo in their run to the Finals last season, though the team opted not to re-sign Crowder with intentions of maintaining salary-cap flexibility for this season and next summer. The club has also tried Meyers Leonard and Maurice Harkless in that position thus far.
Should the Iguodala experiment not pan out (he’s a former Finals MVP, but he’s also turning 37 this month), Miami could test Jimmy Butler alongside Adebayo and start a player such as Avery Bradley instead. The team could also examine the trade market and pursue players such as P.J. Tucker, LaMarcus Aldridge or Blake Griffin ahead of the March 25 deadline if it so chooses.
There’s more out of Miami tonight:
- Erik Spoelstra isn’t making any excuses for the team’s poor offensive start to the season, Khobi Price of the Sun Sentinel writes. Miami currently owns the third-worst offensive rating in the league at 101.8, according to Price, though the campaign is still young. “It is so early,” Spoelstra said. “You know what we did today? We worked on it. It’s going to get better. We know it will. But there’s no point in me talking about all the little details.”
- Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald examines how Tyler Herro has adjusted to his new role as the team’s starting point guard. Goran Dragic unquestionably remains the best point guard on the roster, but Miami has tested Herro with hopes of finding a long-term fit at the position.
- Ira Winderman ponders in a separate “Ask Ira” mailbag whether another level of play is needed from Duncan Robinson, who’s likely been at the top of opposing teams’ scouting reports this season. Robinson established himself as one of the league’s top three-point shooters last season, with rival teams working to slow him down after a productive campaign. He remains an underrated passer, though his game inside-the-arc is a work in progress.
Miami is getting away from what got them so far last season. Solid team defense, running, and letting Jimmy take over late..
How about these 3 options
1. Kelly Olynyk, Kendrick Nunn and 2 second round picks for Aaron Gordon
2. Kelly Olynyk and Kendrick Nunn for Thad Young
3. Kelly Olynyk, Kendrick Nunn and 2 second round picks for Myles Turner
1. Don’t think the Magic do it and I’m not sure if the Heat have many picks but Aaron Gordon would be a good fit in Miami.
2. I think would be the best and most likeliest trade. Young before going to Chicago was a solid 3 and D PF and he could be that for the Heat. Not to mention the Bulls might like Nunn as a possible PG.
3. Again a long shot but Turners spacing would be really good. Think he suits Miami also. Plus the 3-2 zone defence would be so good with 3 on the perimeter, Butler on the best and then Turner and Adebyo in the paint
Why would Indiana trade Myles Turner? They don’t have a replacement for him and Olynyk and Nunn aren’t good fits for the Pacers.
The same goes for Aaron Gordon. Maybe the Magic would consider something around the trade deadline but not six games into the season.
Myles Turner for LaMarcus Aldridge swap.
Miami can take Demar DeRozan.
That’s a nice move. Spurs get a young centre in Turner with good potential to improve. He’s already a good floor spacer and shot blocker.
Indy gets Aldridge a nice vet and can play well in tandem with Sabonis. Makes Indy a better team and bigger playoff threat. Plus it opens up more cap space for them too
Aldridge sounds interesting. Achiuwa was a great pick. Last yr Heat were kind of under radar. Not this yr. I think we should just wait it out. Give it 30 gms. Don’t get why folks freakin so soon. To me what Heat need most is a rim protector.
Another rim protector aside from Bam?
You saw what he did to Tatum in the playoffs, right?
Bam is great and that was a great play. But he’s 6’9” and 255 LBs. That’s Bron size. He’s more Amare than than a center. A rim protector controls the game on D. Even if he plays 20-25 mins. He can help the team immensely. Look at Lakers last yr with McGee and Howard. Leonard has true size but not a real rim protector. It’s just another weapon to have is all. Heat pretty much have it all. Just saying
If MIA really is gonna go with Iggy or Buckets as a PF… one must wonder… are thy gonna even make it into the playoffs?
Just imagine Butler or Iggy trying to stop AD or Giannis!!!
I mean Jimmy and Adebayo got last Giannis last year …but I see what you mean. Have a big hood to fill for sure
I mean how are Iggy & Buckets gonna go day in day out against proper PF’s like AD, Giannis, Sabonis, KP6, Zion, JC & so on… outrageous how silly has got about playing shorties when you can have a real tall force down there!
Why,why,why, did the heat keep Meyers L. At 10 million a year. That amount could have gotten someone who solves soo many issues.