The Miami Heat keep improving.
LeBron James’ departure last summer threw the franchise into a brief rebuild, but Miami missed the playoffs because of Chris Bosh’s season-ending medical issue. Bosh is set to return, and the Heat front office just gave their superstar a much-needed perimeter shooter.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports, Miami signed Gerald Green, a 6’8″ swingman who buried 38.0 percent of his three-point attempts in 2013-14 and 2014-15 combined.
Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald notes Green’s deal is a minimum contract.
Green shared the Phoenix Suns backcourt with now-Heat point guard Goran Dragic for 136 games, so there was an obvious draw to Miami. Most importantly, though, the franchise added Green at a tremendously low price to fill a noticeable shortcoming.
Dwyane Wade and Dragic are solid players and routinely attempt three-pointers, but neither is an efficient long-range weapon. Mario Chalmers shot a career-worst 29.4 percent last season, so he cannot be relied upon moving forward.
Additionally, the Heat are exploring trading Shabazz Napier—also streaky from beyond the arc—per Grantland’s Zach Lowe. While Tyler Johnson is a willing shooter, he’s certainly not a volume guy.
Green, on the other hand, knocked down the third-most three-pointers by a reserve in 2014-15, according to Basketball-Reference.com. When Wade inevitably rests his tired knees, Green is capable of stepping either into the starting lineup or a featured scoring role off the bench.
15-point games off the bench last season:
All Miami Heat reserves, 23
Gerald Green, 26— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) July 9, 2015
Although Green isn’t a perfect addition, he provides additional depth necessary for a title run. Green’s defense can be a problem, but his three-point shooting and eight seasons of NBA experience will come in handy down the stretch.
If Bosh stays healthy, the Heat are headed back to the playoffs. And with a couple three-pointers each night, Green will contribute to helping Miami return to the Finals.
Photo: USA Today Sports