The Miami Heat overachieved in the playoffs, but that doesn’t mean they’re far off from being this good for real.
Erik Spoelstra is one of the best coaches in the game by a long stretch, and Jimmy Butler is a two-way star and leader who only needs a sidekick to finally win a championship.
That’s why Stephen A. Smith urged Pat Riley’s team to go after Damian Lillard if they lose the NBA Finals this season.
Smith claimed that he’s repeatedly stated that Lillard should leave the Portland Trail Blazers and go to a major market where his talents are appreciated and lauded, citing that people seem to forget or ignore how good he is because of where he plays.
.@stephenasmith says Miami needs to pursue Damian Lillard if they lose Game 5 tonight 👀 pic.twitter.com/LoeWYrUrUv
— First Take (@FirstTake) June 12, 2023
He called him a closer, a sniper, and one of the best shooters and scorers in the game, adding that the Heat would’ve won this NBA Finals if he, Butler, and Bam Adebayo were all on the court.
Lillard recently admitted that he would choose the Miami Heat as his No. 1 destination if he were to leave the Blazers, adding that he’s quite close with Adebayo.
His charisma, mindset, work ethic, leadership, and approach to the game seem tailor-made to play alongside Butler and for Heat Culture, and he’d become a fan favorite right away.
Of course, putting together a trade package for a guy like Lillard would be a tricky task for a team like the Heat, but this looks like a match made in heaven, and they need to find a way to make it happen.
NEXT: Stephen A. Smith Has A Clear Opinion About Jimmy Butler
