After landing Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason, the Miami Heat have put together a strong bench unit. With their final roster spot, which veterans should the team target?
The Miami Heat are just about wrapped up with their offseason moves. They made one of the biggest moves of the offseason by sending four players and picks for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis of the Milwaukee Bucks. The team did lose Norman Powell to the Chicago Bulls in free agency but made multiple signings to build out their depth. In just the last week, they signed Klay Thompson and Nick Richards while also bringing in Tim Hardaway Jr. on a one-year deal earlier this offseason. Simone Fontecchio also returns to the rotation on a one-year deal. Now, there is one remaining roster spot available. The Heat could opt to hold that spot open for flexibility purposes for later on this season or they could add someone to fill it. If the latter is the direction they go, here are three options to fill that role:
1. Nicolas Batum, Los Angeles Clippers
The Heat are becoming a spot for veterans so why not add Batum to the rotation? Batum, 37, is coming off a solid season with the Clippers, shooting 40.4 percent from three-point range in 74 appearances. It's always good to have outstanding three-point shooters off the bench. As a 15th man, Batum would most likely not earn a lot of playing time but if the team gets decimated by injuries at some point this season, there are far worse options to have come off the bench. His experience could be valuable as well.
2. Victor Oladipo, Wisconsin Herd
Oladipo, 34, last played in the NBA in 2023 but most recently played for the Milwaukee Bucks' G-League affiliate, Wisconsin Herd, this past season. Oladipo would never fully recover from his injury suffered in 2018, returning to the NBA a full year after the injury. He played for the Heat from 2021-23. With the Heat, Oladipo was a bench player who saw career-lows in multiple statistical categories. He has been advocating for a comeback and has even been training in Miami's practice facilities. If he returns to the NBA, Oladipo has the chance to change the narrative surrounding his career.
3. Kevin Love, Utah Jazz
His best days are certainly behind him but he is one of those players who could be a strong mentor. Entering his age-38 season, Love has been a part of some great teams and can bring playoff experience. Most importantly, he played for the Heat from 2023-25 and is familiar with Erik Spoelstra and his system. Similar to Batum, it would be unlikely Love earns a lot of playing time but as a 15th option on the roster, he could be a good option to have off the bench.
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