The majority of supporters believe that the Miami Heat must make some changes in order to reestablish themselves as a contender in the East. Despite having made two trips to the NBA Finals this decade, they currently feel as though a lot of teams have moved on from them. The expectation is that this time around, the Heat will be considerably healthier. But even if it proves to be true, they won’t be able to go far in the playoffs. Naturally, the Heat might immediately put themselves back in the running if they can make the appropriate move.

The Chicago Bulls’ Zach LaVine has been strongly associated with them as a potential trade target. However, Brandon Ingram of the New Orleans Pelicans would be a better choice. According to Eddie Bitar’s post on FadeAway World titled “5 Best Targets For The Miami Heat Ahead Of 2024-25 Season,” Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Haywood Highsmith could be traded for Ingram.

Regarding Ingram’s suitability for the Heat, Bitar wrote: “By acquiring Brandon Ingram, the Miami Heat would have a versatile scorer who can play well with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. During the 2023–24 campaign, Ingram shot 35.5% from three-point range and 49.2% from the field, averaging 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game. Among his offensive weapons are his deft mid-range technique, his one-on-one scoring skill, and his talent for setting up teammates for baskets.

With a wingspan of 7’3″ and a height of 6’8″, Ingram’s defensive versatility is enhanced by his ability to guard several positions, which complements Miami’s switch-heavy defensive strategy.” Not too long ago, Herro was thought to be a potential superstar. However, throughout the past three seasons, his numbers have plateaued, raising questions about whether he has already reached his limit. Even if breaking up with Herro would be a tough decision, many Heat supporters are becoming more accepting of the move in recent years.

Jaquez Jr. had an outstanding first campaign, so it would undoubtedly be difficult to trade him away. If he gains some more experience, he has the potential to be an excellent player. Highsmith is a reliable backup for the Heat; in fact, he averaged 25.1 minutes per game throughout the playoffs last season and started a respectable number of games. Nevertheless, of the three, he would be the simplest to replace overall.

The Present Is Inspired by the Past Era.

There was some good in the Paul George era. The Indiana Pacers had more highs than lows in 2010. George, David West, and Roy Hibbert remind us of a lost game that occurred prior to the current Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam era. On social media, the Pacers wished West, their former forward, a happy birthday. On Thursday, West turned 44. It is impossible to discuss West without bringing up his time with the Pacers.

Only one club regularly faced the Miami Heat until they lost 2-2 in the NBA Finals during the years when LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh dominated the Eastern Conference. Two straight Eastern Conference Finals berths were secured by the Pacers.

Naturally, both excursions were made in opposition to the Heat.

West is a major throwback man. The former Xavier player spent much of his time smearing up the paint on both sides of the ball, while having a passably good mid-range game. Superstars like Dirk Nowitzki experienced the wrath of the physically intimidating West while he was a member of the New Orleans Hornets. West made contributions on offense and defense against Miami. During the playoffs, West averaged 15.4 points and 7.5 rebounds for the Pacers. With 16.4 points against the Heat, West exceeded such averages. During the Big Three era, the Pacers never defeated the Heat in a series, but in 2013, they forced them to seven games.

Reflecting on the Pacers’ 2024 postseason run, keep the recent past in mind. The previous postseason performance need to serve as a reminder that the team is capable of fielding a winning squad, and supporters ought to keep pressuring the executive level to put in more work.