A former NBA All-Star says the Miami Heat will be better than the Philadelphia 76ers despite the acquisition of Jaylen Brown and LeBron James
One of the best things about today's media climate is everyone gets to have to their say.
It's no longer just media members. It's current players. It's former players. It's fans. Basically, anyone can build a platform to give their takes.
While most times they can be agreed with, there are other instances of the "new media" being a bit off base. That's how it felt hearing former NBA All-Star Jeff Teague talking about the Eastern Conference on his podcast.
Teague was discussing the change in power atop the conference after the Philadelphia 76ers brought in Jaylen Brown and LeBron James during free agency. Despite this haul, Teague said the Miami Heat will be better than the 76ers this season.
Now, the Heat could eventually leap the 76ers if they make more moves this summer before the season begins. With limited flexibility, they won't be able to get much. And they need a lot more if they are going to compete with the Sixers.
Just look at the expected starting lineup:
James - an aging but still capable player who brings experience
Brown - a rising All-Star who has already won a championship
Joel Embiid - a former MVP who is still hungry for a title
Tyrese Maxey - one of the league most exciting young players
VJ Edgecombe - a rising star who will only get better.
Sure, the Heat can counter with the frontcourt combo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. But what else do they have at the moment? They lost scorer Tyler Herro in the trade for Antetokounmpo. They also lost Norman Powell Jr., in free agency.
The Heat are reportedly interested in acquiring a veteran player like Klay Thompson, Bradley Beal or DeMar DeRozan, but is that enough to compete against the loaded squad in Philly?
Only DeRozan would give the Heat a real chance but he is 36 and has lots of miles. This isn't eliminating Miami's opportunity to surpass the Sixers but there is work needed for that to happen.
At least at the moment.
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Shandel Richardson is the publisher of HeatRoundtable. He can be reached at [email protected]
