The Miami Heat made the bold move to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo. In doing so, they gave up most of the depth they had built over the last few years. Now, they are risking the future of the franchise on his ability to stay healthy.
Antetokounmpo played just 36 games a year ago in Milwaukee. He wasn’t able to stay healthy for the second straight year. However, he is clearly a top-five player in the league when he is right physically. Pat Riley took the gamble to bring him to Miami.
One writer believes they had one of the best offseasons in the NBA by making that one massive move.
HeavyMiami Heat forward Giannis Antetokounmpo talks to the media. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Heat Given Second-Best Offseason Grade After Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade
According to David Aldridge of The Athletic, the Heat had the second-best offseason of anyone in the NBA. Aldridge believes the gamble to trade their package for Antetokounmpo was the right one.
“Pat Riley never flinches. He hunts stars. And Miami’s chief recruiter, ably assisted by his longtime consigliere Andy Elisburg, again kept at it until Miami bagged the Greek Freak to reset the Heat as legit contenders. Miami gave up a lot for the 31-year-old Antetokounmpo, who’s had all manner of injuries the last couple of years. But respect for taking the swing,” Aldridge wrote.
Aldridge also believes that the combination of Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo will be a menace of the defensive end of the floor.
“Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo will be a terror defensively. The spacing on offense will certainly challenge Erik Spoelstra — yes, Adebayo can shoot it, but a steady diet of his jumpers isn’t optimal. Spo, though, always figures out the best way to use whatever he’s got every season. He’ll do so again,” Aldridge noted.
GettyMiami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins dribbles the ball in a game. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
Miami Needs Role Players to Step Up
While adding Antetokounmpo was the main course of the offseason dish, they need some of their role players to step up. Antetokounmpo thrives when he has jump-shooters who can hit open shots from outside the 3-point arc. Miami brought in Tim Hardaway Jr. to help out with that.
Davion Mitchell needs to turn into a better long-distance shooter, as well. After failing to land LeBron James, Miami still has a roster spot open. The Heat are trying to bring in another wing who can help fill that final spot in the starting lineup that they had reserved for James.
Keeping Antetokounmpo healthy is also going to be something the Heat prioritize. He hasn’t been healthy in two of the last three postseasons that he has played in. Last season, his unavailability was a big reason why the Bucks missed the playoffs entirely.
Ultimately, the Antetokounmpo era in Miami will be judged by how many titles the Heat win. Anything less than bringing home at least one title will be considered a massive failure.
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