Udonis Haslem, Miami Heat
Photo by Elsa/Getty Images
Udonis Haslem, Miami Heat
Kevin Durant continues to be linked with the Miami Heat. The 37-year-old superstar is on his way out of the Phoenix Suns. Durant is the sort of star talent Pat Riley will covet.
During a June 13 episode of “The Pat McAfee Show,” Heat legend Udonis Haslem explained why Durant could thrive on South Beach.
“I mean Kevin Durant would fit in anywhere, but definitely I feel like he fits in the Miami Heat culture and I can’t speak too much on it, but I would say he’s a guy who comes in and just has to be Kevin Durant,” Haslem said. “…They already have leadership, they already have a culture, they already have a helluva a head coach who’s a figure. Is Kevin Durant going to respect the guy? His accolades, MVPs, Hall of Famer, scoring championships… you can’t just have anybody coach Kevin Durant.”
Durant would instantly become the focal point of Miami’s offense. Tyler Herro would continue his role as primary ball-handler, while Bam Adebayo could thrive as an offensive creation hub and defensive juggernaut. The trio of stars would ensure Miami is a postseason threat moving forward.
However, Riley would need to ensure he rounds out the roster with viable talent. He must create a deep and talented squad. Otherwise, Durant will have the same struggles that led Jimmy Butler to grow disillusioned with life in Miami.
Heat Urged to go “All In” on Durant
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith believes Kevin Durant would be the ideal addition to Miami’s roster.
“Need all the help they can get,” Smith said via ESPN’s First Take. “They need a No. 1 option, they can play defense, and Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo ain’t no scrubs. They just need a No. 1 option…We love him, but that wasn’t him. That’s KD. He’s gonna give you 27 a night.”
The hard part for Miami will be acquiring Durant without giving up the farm. Erik Spoelstra needs more than three high-level players to win a championship. Depth is becoming more and more important in the modern NBA. Still, an opportunity to acquire Durant is too good to ignore.
Riley Has no Problem Adding an Aging Player
One of the biggest concerns regarding a move for Durant is his age. He may still be an elite talent, but he is clearly in the final stages of his career. Nevertheless, Riley has made it clear that he isn’t against trusting aging talent.
“I think an aging great player, who may not be able to carry a team together, can rise to the occasion in the playoffs,” Riley said. “…I still think that an aging player can play. Look at LeBron [James]. I mean, look at these players. It’s incredible. Players like LeBron and others who have played into their mid to late 30s and produced at a high level can help teams win championships. You have to pick out the right one, but I’m not against that, no.”
Sooner or later, the Durant situation will resolve itself. It will be interesting to see if Miami is the team that wins the sweepstakes. If so, Riley must then turn his attention toward the free agency market. If not, then Miami has to figure out a way to pivot, and that will be interesting to watch unfold.