Even though one could argue that they’re not exactly the most talented team in the NBA, the Miami Heat have still made it to the NBA Finals two times in the past four years.
They’ve been huge underdogs both times — precisely because of that apparent lack of talent — but they’ve still put up a big fight.
That’s why NBA analyst Joy Taylor believes there’s absolutely no doubt that adding a player of Damian Lillard’s caliber would make them a big candidate to come out of the Eastern Conference.
.@JoyTaylorTalks: Damian Lillard would make the Heat one of the favorites in the East. pic.twitter.com/WSYK7yfRFE
— Speak (@SpeakOnFS1) July 14, 2023
That’s not much of a hot take, as Lillard is — by far — one of the best scorers in the league, another tough and hardheaded leader, and a guy who’d instantly be the best offensive player on a team that has craved a bucket-getter for years now.
Jimmy Butler always takes his game up a notch in the playoffs and he can definitely score the rock, but he’s not a natural scorer like Lillard is.
A big three of Lillard, Butler, and Bam Adebayo would give the Heat two elite defenders and three guys who could combine for 75+ points on any given night.
It would also be the first time in Lillard’s career that he actually plays for an elite tactician and solid coach like Erik Spoelstra.
If they’ve gotten this far without him against all odds, just imagine how good they could be with him.
Even if the Heat lose depth to get Lillard, they have to do whatever it takes to get him to South Beach.
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