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.