The Miami Heat struggled mightily with the three ball last season. In 2015-16, they ranked 27th out of 30 NBA teams in three-pointers made. Unfortunately, with the way today’s NBA works, every team needs solid three-point shooting to make it deep into the playoffs. Successful teams like the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers play further from the basket these days, and that’s just the way it is.
Due to the fact that the Heat don’t have a pick in this year’s NBA draft, they must look to free agency to bring in a solid three-point specialist or two before the 2016-17 season begins. Obviously, if the Heat could sign Kevin Durant, it would take care of much more than just the three-point problem, but as far as role-playing three-point specialists are concerned, there are a number of them entering free agency that Miami would be lucky to get their hands on.
Here are several three-point shooting free agents that Miami should look to pursue:
1. Jamal Crawford
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Crawford is a three-time Sixth Man of the Year who is the definition of instant offense. Though he’s getting up there in age, Crawford’s game has not slowed down much. Crawford averaged 1.5 threes and 14.2 points per game coming off the bench this past season. He’s a guy that can still create his own shots as well as knock down catch-and-shoot long balls with the best of them. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent after the NBA season ends and the Heat should consider looking into him. Who knows? He may even be willing to take a pay cut to come to Miami. Older, veteran players like himself tend to consider less money in order to be a part of contending teams toward the latter parts of their careers.
Next: J.R. Smith
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2. J.R. Smith
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Smith is something of an anomaly and has been since he entered the league 11 years ago. This is a player who is capable of getting so hot that he lights arenas on fire, but also a guy that has been known to disappear for games on end. He is the definition of a streaky shooter, but when he’s on, boy, is he on. Smith averaged 2.6 threes a game in the regular season this year while shooting 40 percent from beyond the arc. He’s upped that percentage to 44 throughout these NBA Playoffs. Smith has value as a three-point specialist and his overall game, including his defense, has been improving over the last couple of years. He has a player option with the Cavaliers after their season ends. The Heat could undoubtedly use his talents in South Beach in 2016-17.
Next: Courtney Lee
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3. Courtney Lee
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Lee is a solid perimeter player that could fit very well in Miami next season. He shot 37 percent from three in his 2015-16 campaign but upped that average to 44 percent in the playoffs before getting knocked off by the Heat. Lee is a 6’5″ shooting guard that would excel coming off the bench behind Dwyane Wade. Though his numbers have never been flashy, the Heat could use a player like Lee in a variety of ways. The problem with Lee, is that the Heat simply may not be able to afford him.
According to David Baumann of Basketball Insiders:
“The versatile shooting guard (Lee) could garner somewhere around $11-$14 million per year on the open market.”
That would make it tough for the Heat to sign him as they already have the tall task of re-signing max player Hassan Whiteside and the veteran Wade. If Lee is willing to take less money, the Heat should certainly look into getting a deal done.
Next: Kevin Martin
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4. Kevin Martin
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Another veteran role player who has played in the league for years, Martin is more than capable of knocking down the three ball. He’s a very good perimeter player when utilized as such, but he’s rarely played extended minutes in his NBA career. He holds a career average of 38 percent from beyond the arc and is an excellent free-throw shooter to boot. Though he’s already 33 years old, he’s had plenty of rest throughout his NBA career and still has enough left in the tank to be a solid contributor on any team that gives him a chance. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Next: Mike Conley
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5. Mike Conley
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Though Goran Dragic is the team’s starting point guard, now and moving forward, the Heat can’t afford not to sit down with Mike Conley. He’s an unrestricted free agent after this season and is likely tired of falling short every year in Memphis. Though he may not be dominant at any one facet of the game, he’s a brilliant game manager and a very good shooter from beyond the arc. Conley is only 28 years old and in the prime of his career. If Miami could find a way to sign him, it would not only help their three-point game, but would boost the team’s overall potential considerably. Granted, they would first have to find a way to fit him into the lineup, and perhaps more concerning is the fact that he may be offered max contracts from around the league. Miami would have trouble matching any max deals offered to Conley if they wish to re-sign Wade and Whiteside.
The Heat have always found ways to lure top players and crafty veterans despite not being in the best financial situations. They will have to work more of that magic again this offseason if they hope to sign high-caliber shooters in addition to re-signing Wade and Whiteside. There are so many priorities for Miami to handle before they enter next season, and adding a reliable three-point shooter should be high on the list.
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