Miami Heat- Grade: B+
Additions:
- Jaime Jaquez Jr.
- Josh Richardson
- Thomas Bryant
- Damian Lillard
Losses:
- Kyle Lowry
- Gabe Vincent
- Max Strus
- Victor Oladipo
- Cody Zeller
- Tyler Herro
This is assuming Damian Lillard gets traded to Miami, but the only questions are what day, and if Tyler Herro will be involved. To me, the Heat made a big mistake losing Max Strus and Gabe Vincent; they should have kept one, Strus preferably. If not traded away in acquiring Lillard, I could see Jaime Jaquez as a rookie starter, but the Heat’s depth will be poor after the trade. Regardless with Lillard, Miami can win a title.
Signings:
- Kevin Love- Grade: A
- Josh Richardson- Grade: B+
- Thomas Bryant- Grade: A-
Trades:
- Damian Lillard- Grade: A-
Heat’s 2023 NBA Draft – Grade: B-
- No. 18: Jaime Jaquez Jr., SF, UCLA
To me, the 18th pick was a bit too soon for Jaquez. This in no way means I dislike him; there were just a number of players I liked more. He won’t be making the all-star team, but you have a big-time role player in him right away, and a potential starter in 2024. With Kyle Lowry, Max Strus and Gabe Vincent gone, the Heat wisely got themselves a versatile young talent who can help them.
