Miami Heat Rumors: J.R. Smith Could Be Great Addition For Backcourt

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July 6, 2015: Dale Zanine; J.R. Smith
Dale Zanine- USA Today Sports

Now that all of the preliminary contracts have been agreed upon with the Miami Heat’s primary free agents, the organization can focus on filling in the remaining holes on the roster. The Heat still have some depth issues, primarily in the backcourt, and one player still floating in the free agency pool who could boost the shooting guard position is the erratic J.R. Smith.

Based on how Smith completely deflated in the 2015 NBA Finals, there might not be a huge pool of competitors outside of the Cleveland Cavaliers bidding for his services. During the 2014-15 regular season, Smith averaged 12.7 PPG, 3.5 RPG and 2.5 APG on 43 percent shooting from the field and 40 percent from beyond the arc. He was a key offensive cog in the Cavaliers’ offensive juggernaut entering the playoffs.

Smith was crucial throughout the playoffs until the Finals, where he immensely struggled, shooting under 30 percent both from the field and the 3-point line. This is a major reason why the Cavaliers decided not to convince Smith to opt into his contract for next season, and why Smith might be looking for another franchise to win his first title with.

With the Heat, Smith wouldn’t have nearly as much offensive responsibility as he did with the Cavaliers. He would most likely be backing up Dwyane Wade and steadying the Heat’s second unit on offense. Outside of his knack for scoring off the dribble, what the Heat would mostly be relying on Smith for is his outside shooting and his ability to stretch the floor.

The Heat could only offer the mid-level exception to Smith, and even then, the Heat would be taking a major tax hit for the 11th-year guard’s services. Would acquiring Smith be truly worth it for the Heat? If it gives the Heat a reliable backup option behind Wade and another dependable shooter from beyond the arc, then absolutely.

Jared Doyle is a Miami Heat writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @outofboundsjay, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google

 

 

 

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