Why The Miami Heat Do The Deal
First-round picks hold particular value in the modern NBA. Generally, they’re used as currency – if you want a star player, you can normally trade a bundle of picks for one.
With that said, all first-round picks are not created equal. For example, a pick coming from a contender doesn’t hold the same value as a pick coming from a team who could land in the lottery. With that in mind, the Heat shouldn’t value their upcoming selection over a distinct win-now upgrade.
After all, they’re contenders. Bogdanovic will help to solidify their status as such. In fact, he’ll do so in a couple of key ways.
Firstly, he’s a pure talent upgrade. That’s the obvious advantage here. With this deal, the Heat make their roster better. On the other hand, they also replace a key player from last year’s Eastern Conference Finals run.
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P.J. Tucker was instrumental to the Heat’s success last year. He’ll hope to play the same role in any success the Philadelphia 76ers have next year as one of their newest members. Granted, Bogdanovic isn’t a perfect replacement. He’s not nearly on Tucker’s level as a defender.
On the other hand, he’s a much more dynamic offensive player. All things considered, the Heat have a positional need for Bogdanovic and a general need for talent – this deal scratches both itches.
