The Miami Heat have been one of the bigger surprises thus far this NBA season with Jimmy Butler leading the charge. They are the reigning Eastern Conference champions, losing to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games in the Orlando Bubble. However, they have yet to look like that team thus far this season.
Miami had some roster turnover, losing key rotation piece Jae Crowder in free agency. Thus far, the players they brought in to help replace him, Avery Bradley and Maurice Harkless, have yet to really contribute on the court. The Heat are currently tied for 10th place in the Eastern Conference along with the Atlanta Hawks.
Despite their current record, everyone knows Miami is a dangerous team. They have one of the best coaches in the NBA in Erik Spoelstra and a roster made up of tough players led by Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. Could there be some help on the way soon?
According to Sam Amico of FortyEightMinutes, the Miami Heat are considered a ‘definite darkhorse’ for Andre Drummond.
“One league source also told FortyEightMinutes that the Miami Heat are a ‘definite darkhorse’ in the Drummond sweepstakes. They have the salaries to make a deal work and would pursue Drummond in the event of a buyout, the source said.”
As pointed out in the tweet, the Heat will pursue Drummond if he makes it to the buyout market. There is a chance Drummond doesn’t reach that buyout market, as the Cavaliers and Drummond agreed he would be sidelined until they can find a new home for him.
Drummond is having a great season statistically, averaging 17.5 points, 13.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks in only 28.9 minutes per game. Despite that, there are legitimate concerns about whether Drummond’s production leads to wins for his team. They’re productive, but many NBA analysts would consider them ‘empty stats’.
As for his fit with the Miami Heat, that is questionable. Drummond does not space the floor at all, which would make for an awkward fit in Miami. The Heat offensive is predicated on spacing and 3-point shooting, something Drummond doesn’t excel at.
Also, the Heat have a star at center already in Bam Adebayo. Would Drummond even be willing to come off the bench behind a player of that caliber?
The Miami Heat have been hit hard by injuries this season, but the fit for Andre Drummond could be awkward given their style of play. Unless he is willing to fill a role with the second unit, where he could provide some energy and defense, Miami does not look like a legitimate landing spot for the former UConn product.
