After shocking the world with a run to the NBA Finals this summer, the Miami Heat proved that they are still relevant in the East. Now, with Damian Lillard likely on the way, there is strong optimism that Miami can do even better next year and win the whole thing.
Interestingly, Celtics legend Paul Pierce has taken the opposite stance regarding the Heat, and he actually believes that they’ll be a play-in team at best.
“To acquire a player like that, you’re gonna lose so much of the other pieces you had that helped you get to where you needed to go,” Pierce said. “The team, with those pieces, yeah they made the Finals, but people seem to forget that team was a play-in team. That don’t make you a contender when you get to the Finals.”
While Pierce does raise some good points about depth, it’s wild to say a team with Damian Lillard, Jimmy Butler, and Bam Adebayo wouldn’t contend for a title in the East and veteran point guard Austin Rivers made sure to let the world know what he thought of Pierce’s take on it.
“For someone like Paul Pierce to be that good, to say comments like—Spo as your coach, Jimmy alone, as your wing, Dame as your PG & Bam as your 5 wouldn’t make the playoffs. Like bro are your out of your mind? And he’s just like ‘They lost all those key players…'”
“For someone [like @paulpierce34] to be that good, to say comments like—Spo as your coach, Jimmy alone, as your wing, Dame as your PG & Bam as your 5 wouldn’t make the playoffs. Like bro are your out of your mind? & he’s just like ‘They lost all those key players’ @AustinRivers25 pic.twitter.com/mR2GOpY68D
— Dru (@dru_star) July 23, 2023
In defense of Pierce, star power isn’t everything in the NBA and we aw this season how depth and balance across the roster can sometimes get the edge over top-heavy teams. Still, the Heat have far too much talent and experience to be bad after getting a guy of Dame’s caliber.
At this point, the only uncertainty for Miami is not whether they should go after Dame, but if they’re even able to strike a deal at all…
As Portland continues to play hardball with them, Pat Riley is feeling increasing pressure to make something happen. Eventually, something will give, but if the Heat do land Lillard, don’t be surprised to see them competing with the best.
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