The Miami Heat have been among the more active teams in the NBA this offseason. After pulling the trigger on the landmark trade to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Heat have proceeded to make other additions to fill out their roster.
Although Antetokounmpo’s acquisition was noteworthy in every sense, absorbing his $58.4 million salary without necessarily offsetting the same amount left the Heat vulnerable from the perspective of cap flexibility.
Currently, the Heat only have the cap space to sign players to veteran minimum deals. When gauging the market and their specific needs, a couple of candidates come to mind. However, during an interview with Ratings’ DJ Siddiqi, NBA legend Gary Payton said Russell Westbrook may be a great fit for the Heat.
Although Payton emphasized that the Heat need a true point guard, he added:
“In today’s NBA, point guards are basically two guards, so if you go and get a good one that can go and get it, Westbrook, if he goes down there, he still will make a presence known for Miami. Because he’s still going to penetrate, he’s still going to get to the basket, and he’s gutsy, and he’s still in shape, and he’s a basketball player that just got a lot of dog in him that he’s not going to let nothing bother him. I think that still would be a good fit for him. I would pick him up, just be happy on my team to just make something happen.”
Payton mentioned earlier that Russell Westbrook isn’t the type of player to sit around, pass the ball, and then go in the corner and wait to shoot a three-pointer. For all intents and purposes, this could be an ideal profile for the Heat. However, if impact is a priority, the former DPOY still believes Westbrook is a great pickup.
In theory, Russell Westbrook’s mentality would align perfectly with Miami’s culture. But is it really worth it?
The Pros Of Pursuing Russell Westbrook
On paper, the fit makes sense. As an elite slasher and playmaker, Russell Westbrook is more than capable of running an offense, even at this stage in his career.
Last season, during his brief stint with the Sacramento Kings, the veteran point guard demonstrated how impactful he could be. In 64 appearances, Westbrook averaged 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game while shooting 42.7% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range.
Although the nine-time All-Star has very evidently lost the explosiveness he was known for, Westbrook remains effective attacking downhill. While still boasting an elite first step, the guard is more than capable of creating scoring opportunities for himself.
For the Heat, adding a player like Westbrook may not improve the team’s defense, but it certainly adds depth to the lineup. With Davion Mitchell being the only legitimate point guard in the rotation currently, the need for a solid backup will become a priority.
On a low-cost contract, Russell Westbrook could be considered a phenomenal addition if he can contribute the way he did in Sacramento. Since he is on the free agent market, it should be easy for the Heat to acquire him on a minimum deal.
The Cons Of Signing Russell Westbrook
Miami currently has a total payroll of $198.9 million and two available roster spots. After utilizing the 125% salary matching rule to absorb Giannis Antetokounmpo’s contract, the Heat are hard-capped at the first apron. Thus, with only $10.1 million at their disposal, the front office has to be very judicious with making new signings.
On that note, signing Russell Westbrook, even on a minimum deal, may be counterintuitive.
As Payton mentioned, Westbrook is not a true point guard. While his playing style is exciting and is bound to yield results, given how Miami’s roster is constructed, the lack of reliable floor spacing could cause issues for every player on the court.
With only a handful of perimeter shooters on the team, adding another slasher would do more harm to Miami’s offense. When also factoring in his reduced athleticism, the impact would also be less significant.
It is also worth noting that the Miami Heat remain in pursuit of LeBron James this offseason. Barring the poor relationship between James and Westbrook, Miami lacks the cap flexibility to sign both players. Hence, if the Heat commit to Westbrook, they can virtually bid goodbye to any chance of landing the 41-year-old superstar.
Final Thoughts
By pairing Giannis Antetokounmpo with Bam Adebayo, the Miami Heat have formed one of the most formidable frontcourt duos in the NBA. With Antetokounmpo’s defensive upside only enhancing Adebayo’s presence, Miami also boasts the potential to be a phenomenal defensive team. Offensively, however, the fit is questionable.
In an era where teams rely on perimeter shooting as a crucial weapon to create more scoring opportunities around the floor, a superstar pairing that operates near the rim seems arcane. While this undoubtedly has some merit in theory, adding a player like Russell Westbrook, who only brings more of the same, does not seem sensible.
Although Westbrook’s playmaking skills could flourish when paired with athletic and versatile big men like Antetokounmpo and Adebayo, the lack of viable perimeter threats would give defenders the latitude to camp near the paint. This would inevitably create obstacles in scoring.
As an elite floor general, the nine-time All-Star is still capable of being a contributor. Realistically, however, Russell Westbrook would thrive on a younger team with an array of perimeter shooters instead of the Miami Heat.
