The Decision 2.0
With Dwyane Wayne and LeBron James long gone, and Chris Bosh’s contract just waiting to be taken off the books, the Heat were expected to be a lottery-bound team this season.
Instead, Waiters Island has returned, and the Heat (as I write this) are on the longest winning streak in the NBA this season at 13 games after starting the season 11-30.
The Heat should be buyers at the trade deadline. A report came out recently that the Heat are interested in big man Serge Ibaka, and I think he would be a great fit in Miami. However, the Heat have some serious team chemistry right now, and am not convinced they need to make a major move; especially adding a flight risk. Whatever they have going right now with their ragtag group is working, and I’m rooting for them.
Just a reminder for you – Justise Winslow is out for the year. No Chris Bosh. Wade is gone. Josh Richardson hasn’t played since January 8th. And the Heat just went on a 13 game-winning streak.
Dragic has been playing like he was in Phoenix a few seasons ago, and Whiteside is a stat sutffer. The Heat have been getting production out of guys they took fliers on in James Johnson (who I’ve always liked) and Willie Reed.
What the Heat do need is a true backup PG… and I think I’ve found just the one.
Ennis currently is buried on the bench in H-Town, but it’s not really his fault.
When Houston traded for him in the offseason, many thought he would spell Harden/ease his load if he didn’t adjust to the position change. Instead, Harden is averaging 36.6 MPG and has 14 triple-doubles on the season.
Naturally Ennis is just averaging a mere 6.2 MPG, and could use a change of scenery despite already being on 3 teams already at the age of 22.
Miami has an established starting PG in Dragic, but none of the listed layers on the roster are true PGs. Spoelstra has used guys like Richardson, McGruder, and Waiters as pseudo-PGs; but that’s not their natural positions. (They also don’t have a lot of trade assets to begin with), so adding a young guy like Ennis to just give Dragic a breather could go a long way when they make playoffs.
Houston gets a poor man’s version, of well, rotation cast-out Corey Brewer in Babbitt. He’s on an expiring deal and could ‘take’ Ennis’ 6.2 MPG. More importantly, he would create cap space when the Rockets go hard after some of the top FAs in this year’s class.
It’s a minor trade, but one that could go a long way for both teams.