Miami Heat: Is it time to throw out the blueprint this offseason?
How much of the blueprint should the Miami Heat rip up?
The NBA Playoffs aren’t technically over for the Miami Heat, but the writing has been on the wall since the team missed a huge opportunity in Game 1 of their first-round series against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Since the end of Game 1, the Heat has been outscored by 63 points by the Bucks are now facing a 3-0 series deficit. This is generally the time when it should be brought up that no team in NBA history has ever come back from a 3-0 playoff series deficit.
In essence, the playoffs are over for the Heat, and Game 4 will likely be a crowning of the new-look Bucks as they prepare to face the Brooklyn Nets in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
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The Miami Heat has some big decisions to make
The Heat, well, their next step is somewhat blurry. Less than a year after making an impressive run to the NBA Finals, the Heat will enter the offseason with plenty more questions than answers. And after this showing in the first round of the playoffs, in which they will likely be swept by the Bucks, you can’t help but wonder if it’s time for the team to rip up its blueprint.
There are two constants on this roster – Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. Still, they don’t come without questions. For Bam, can he take the next step as a primary offensive star? His limitations on that end of the floor are one of the biggest reasons why Miami is in a 3-0 series hole at the hands of the Bucks.
Milwaukee clearly made it a priority to stop Jimmy and was forcing Bam to be the offensive star of the offense. He didn’t respond and Miami’s offense has looked like a struggle all season long.
For Jimmy, he’ll be another year older and you can’t help but wonder how many more years he has remaining in his prime. Plus, will he demand a contract extension this summer? If so, how does the Heat navigate through those waters?
After their top two, Miami has decisions to make on Goran Dragic, Duncan Robinson, Victor Oladipo, Andre Iguodala, and Kendrick Nunn. All will be free agents this offseason. Even if they get through those waters, they have to make a decision on which big-name free agent to pursue, and whether one is even worth the full-court press?
Kawhi Leonard is likely the top free agent in this class, but it’s unlikely that he’s leaving Los Angeles. Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan might be the only significant free agents that could potentially move the needle for the Heat. Even then, it might not be enough of a needle move.
Next. Luka Doncic is breaking the LA Clippers as he establishes his own playoff legacy. dark
The Heat have some big decisions this offseason and after realizing just how far they are from contention in the Eastern Conference, this front office can’t possibly bring back this same roster. Fans would riot if they did. Question is, how much of the blueprint does the Heat need to rip up?