In the latest episode of Locked On Heat, hosts Wes Goldberg and David Ramil dive into the Miami Heat's potential trade scenarios, focusing on the possibility of trading Bam Adebayo for Philadelphia's Joel Embiid.
David Ramiland Wes Goldberg here, the hosts of the daily Locked On Heat podcast, with your daily Locked On Heat newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Heat and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Miami Heat’s Trade Dilemma: Bam Adebayo for Joel Embiid?
Nov 17, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images|Trevor Ruszkowski/Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
In the latest episode of Locked On Heat, hosts Wes Goldberg and David Ramil dive into the Miami Heat’s potential trade scenarios, focusing on the possibility of trading Bam Adebayo for Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid. With the 76ers facing internal struggles, the idea of acquiring Embiid, an MVP-caliber player, is tempting. However, the hosts express reservations about Embiid’s durability and the hefty contract that could become a financial burden for Miami. They argue that while Embiid’s talent is undeniable, his injury history and the changing dynamics of his game make the trade risky.
Tyler Herro vs. Damian Lillard: A Worthy Swap?
The discussion shifts to another hypothetical trade: Tyler Herro for Damian Lillard. Despite Lillard’s impressive scoring ability, his age and substantial salary raise concerns. The hosts highlight Herro’s growth and potential, suggesting that trading for an older, more expensive player might not align with Miami’s long-term strategy. They emphasize the importance of financial prudence in the current NBA landscape, where managing salary cap space is crucial.
Lineup Adjustments: The Case for Benching Terry Rozier
The episode also explores lineup changes, particularly the idea of benching Terry Rozier. The hosts note Rozier’s defensive struggles and suggest that he might thrive in a sixth-man role, providing energy off the bench. They argue that this move could improve Miami’s starting lineup’s defensive efficiency and overall performance.
Bam Adebayo’s Role: Point Guard Potential?
Adebayo’s role in the offense is another focal point. The hosts contemplate whether Bam should take on more of a playmaking role, akin to Nikola Jokic or Draymond Green. They propose that allowing Bam to initiate the offense could unlock new dimensions in Miami’s game, especially if his scoring isn’t as consistent.
Strategic Moves: To Add or Wait?
As the episode progresses, the hosts debate whether Miami should make immediate roster additions or wait until the summer. They consider the potential benefits of acquiring a high-level role player but caution against sacrificing future assets for short-term gains. The conversation underscores the importance of aligning any new acquisitions with the team’s core of Bam and Tyler Hero.
Playoff Push or Draft Focus?
Finally, the hosts tackle the strategic decision of whether to push for the playoffs or focus on securing a valuable draft pick. With Miami’s first-round pick protected, missing the playoffs could allow them to retain it. However, the hosts express skepticism about intentionally tanking, given the unpredictable nature of the draft and the team’s competitive spirit.
The streak had to end sometime. Even the 2015-2016 Warriors only (“only”) got to 24 wins to start their season. Ironically, they’d go on to lose the title to the Cavs that season.
That Cleveland lost to the Celtics, in TD Garden, without Isaac Okoro and with Darius Garland shooting 3-21 — well only the first half of that stings. If Garland made two more of those field goals the Cavs would’ve taken the game, and Okoro, out with an ankle sprain, will be back.
This game was a tester for the Cavs. Beyond a match against the defending champs and a potential Eastern Conference Finals preview, it was an opportunity to see how the team responded to pressure, unfavourable conditions and expectation. NBA basketball is about winning, we all know this refrain well, but that the Cavs scoring dried up in crucial stretches while the team also fell into bad habits of turning the ball over in momentum-leeching moments, and they still managed multiple runs to come back within two, speaks pretty well to this group’s ability to respond.
What makes the Celtics so good, and a bit like a dream-crushing machine, is their ability to capitalize on and invert what usually brings their opponents wins. In the Cavs case, it’s their speed. Not just pure speed without aim, but their ability to push the pace within their offensive possessions because not one player tends to move in isolation from anyone else. Their lightning quick passing, their flashing cuts and counter-cuts, it’s all predicated on ball movement capitalizing on intuitive communication. A sixth sense of understanding where their teammates are on the floor at any given moment.
Boston was able to jam that up. Not entirely upend it, but chase with pace of their own enough that Garland at times appeared to be the pursued and not the pursuer. Where Garland rushed an offensive possession, where he went in for a fastbreak ISO drive to wrest the pace of the game back into his team’s hands, he bungled it. He’d botch an easy layup and go careening past the baseline, having to expend more energy to get back down the floor in the transition already underway. And the more he botched it, the faster he went. The Celtics saw this and upped the pressure on him, taking advantage of forced turnovers by draining three after three and all but eliminating a huge component of what’s made the Cavs so formidable — their rebounding.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Analysis Heat fans, you might want to shield your eyes. The team has a history of giving up on players too early. This analysis highlights nine such instances, shedding light on potential missed opportunities. (All U Can Heat)
Stat Tyler Herro is making a strong case for All-Star consideration, bolstered by a key advanced stat that highlights his impactful performance this season. (Sports Illustrated)
Analysis How the Cavaliers’ offseason plan has turned them into the top team in the league so far this year. (ESPN)
Milestone Russell Westbrook becomes the first player in NBA history to record 200 triple-doubles. (CBS Sports)
Must Read The NBA’s three-point revolution has gotten extreme, begging the question: How many is too many?(The Washington Post)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Can Dalton Knecht Keep Up This Run?
Nov 19, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht (4) react after scoring a three point basket against the Utah Jazz during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images|Gary A. Vasquez/Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Dalton Knecht has recently become a focal point in NBA fantasy discussions, thanks to his electrifying performances on the court. In a standout game, Knecht scored 37 points, including nine three-pointers, with an impressive 75% shooting accuracy. This remarkable display has fantasy managers buzzing, as Knecht’s shooting streak positions him as a valuable asset in leagues.
Knecht’s Shooting Streak: A Fantasy Goldmine
Over the past four games, Knecht has been on a tear, shooting 22 of 33 from beyond the arc, equating to a 67% success rate. Such efficiency is rare and highlights his potential as a sharpshooter. For fantasy managers, Knecht is a must-add player, especially given his current role in the Lakers’ starting lineup. However, while his shooting spree is impressive, it’s important to manage expectations, as maintaining such a high percentage is challenging over the long term.
Injury Updates and Their Impact on Fantasy Rosters
Knecht’s rise comes at a time when injuries are shaking up NBA rosters. Norman Powell’s hamstring injury, for instance, has left a gap in the Clippers’ lineup. With Powell likely sidelined for at least a week, players like Kris Dunn and Amir Coffey might see increased roles, offering potential value for fantasy managers seeking replacements.
Click the button below to get updates on Zach Edey’s ankle injury, and how Bradley Beal’s calf continues to cause problems for fantasy managers
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Heat podcasts.
Miami Heat: Would You Trade Bam Adebayo for Joel Embiid? A fun episode today! Wes Goldberg and David Ramil play “Would you...?” And frame several scenarious about various trade ideas (including Bam Adebayo for Joel Embiid and Tyler Herro for an All-Star guard), Miami Heat role changes and big picture questions about how the Heat should build the team going forward.
How Miami Heat’s Road Trip Performance Shapes Their Season The Miami Heat’s recent 2-4 road trip performance raises questions about their contender status, especially with Jimmy Butler’s absence. Key players like Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro are stepping up, with Bam showing an offensive resurgence and Herro delivering clutch fourth-quarter heroics. However, rebounding issues persist and rotation debates continue. Wes Goldberg and David Ramil react to the Heat’s loss to the Indiana Pacers and ask if they are encouraged after a six-game trip.
Signs That Bam Adebayo & the Miami Heat Will Be Better It’s been a difficult start to the season for the Miami Heat and Bam Adebayo’s offensive struggles are front and center. With two road games coming up against the Indiana Pacers, fans are eager to know if and when Adebayo will bounce back. Join Wes Goldberg and David Ramil as they drill down into Bam’s advanced stats before moving on to some of the most troubling advanced stats impacting the Heat, Jimmy Butler and others.
