Bringing LeBron back to South Beach for what could be his final season would be a compelling storyline for the Heat. There’s no certainty, however, that LeBron will choose that path, leaving Miami and other contenders in a state of limbo.
With that in mind, a prominent NBA insider suggested the Heat should have a clear “Plan B” in place if LeBron doesn’t return. The suggested fallback involves adding more shooting to space the floor for Giannis.
Possible targets discussed include shooters like Seth Curry or Doug McDermott. The idea is straightforward: while LeBron’s addition would be transformative, it could also exacerbate a key issue if the floor isn’t properly spaced. Pairing Giannis Antetokounmpo with Bam Adebayo demands reliable perimeter shooting to avoid a cramped offense.
There was also mention of other potential depth pieces such as Andrew Wiggins or Tim Hardaway Jr. entering the market. However, with limited roster spots and the challenge of cracking Miami’s rotation, veteran shooters on minimum deals could still provide valuable spacing without requiring a large commitment.
Seth Curry would bring elite shooting to the lineup. When healthy, he’s known as one of the league’s top shooting guards, knocking down around 43% of his three-pointers on nearly four attempts per game. His presence can help maintain offensive flow without overburdening the playmakers.
Curry is an unrestricted free agent, having spent a recent season with the Golden State Warriors. A move to Miami could be appealing, especially with Giannis’ gravity creating open looks for shooters on the floor.
Another veteran perimeter option is Doug McDermott. Last season with the Sacramento Kings, he shot roughly 39% from three. Across his career, McDermott sits around 41% from beyond the arc, offering reliable floor spacing on a reasonable volume. Like Curry, McDermott is available as a free agent and could be a practical addition for the Heat. If only one of the two can be pursued, Miami would need to weigh the fit and potential impact.
The overarching takeaway is that adding reliable shooters around Giannis should be a priority for the Heat. The path to sustained success often hinges on shooting balance, especially when pairing Giannis with Bam Adebayo. The timing may be fortunate, as two skilled shooters could become available on favorable terms, potentially providing the veteran presence and shooting needed to maximize Giannis’ impact.
In summary, while a LeBron reunion would be a major storyline, the smarter route for Miami could be to fortify the roster with additional floor spacers. Players like Seth Curry or Doug McDermott offer a practical, low-risk path to improve shooting and keep the offense versatile. This strategic focus could help the Heat capitalize on Giannis’ dynamic play and push for a deep playoff run.
