The Miami Heat are concluding their offseason and gearing up for training camp. This summer did not feature any big swings for the organization. Instead, it consisted of acquiring complimentary players while moving off others.
According to Bleacher Report, one word can describe the Heat’s offseason: Opportunistic.
“It might be time to retire the idea that the Miami Heat are calculating big-game hunters who always hold out for blockbusters,” the outlet wrote. “Jimmy Butler was the last such acquisition, and he skipped town last February. Not to worry. The Heat showed this offseason that they can win on the margins.”
“They couldn't compete in a bidding war for Kevin Durant, but the Heat exit the offseason with Norman Powell, Simone Fontecchio, intriguing rookie Kasparas Jakucionis and a re-signed Davion Mitchell.”
Whether it has been Shaquille O’Neal, the acquisitions of LeBron James and Chris Bosh, or Butler, Miami has historically positioned itself as a superstar destination. However, the organization just finished up an ugly standoff with Butler on his way out the door, and All-Star caliber players Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro remain on the roster. Given the outcome of recent events, the Heat are choosing a different path forward that costs less and avoids drama.
“Fontecchio replaces Duncan Robinson for $10 million less, and all it cost to bring in Powell was Kevin Love and Kyle Anderson—a pittance for a fringe All-Star last season. Miami didn't shoot for the stars, but it hit all of its more realistic targets, taking advantage of smaller opportunities wherever they arose.”
Coming off a career-high scoring season (21.8 ppg) Norman Powell is a champion and a proven get-a-bucket guard. The 32-year-old became a pillar of offensive production for the Los Angeles Clippers in place of the often-injured Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, demonstrating his capabilities in both the regular and postseason.
Despite coming off a down year, Fontecchio has proven he can be a double-digit scorer. He’s also a career 36 percent 3-point shooter, giving Miami the proper spacing and perimeter production needed to succeed in today’s NBA. As Bleacher Report mentioned, the Heat also saved money on having Fontecchio on the roster over Robinson.
The acquisitions along with extending up-and-coming role player Davion Mitchell and the introduction of Kasparas Jakucionis into the organization proves the intentions of Pat Riley and the front office are set on winning, the route to get there is just different than what the basketball world is seeing. Heat fans may feel frustrated over not pursuing a star, but the good news is that Miami possesses the allure to pursue big names consistently.
Maybe, at least for this season, it is better to switch things up.