The Miami Heat are looking for answers and some think Devin Booker can “reload” the Heat back to relevance (in a few years of course). Dwayne Wade is getting older and there are rumors that he may take his talents out of South Beach. That raises a few questions on Bookers potential development.
David Ramil from HoopsHabit.com had this take:
In scenario #1, Miami’s best hope is to re-tool via free agency without spending too much. If Riley’s overall plan is to still maintain some flexibility for 2016, he’d likely sign someone that can produce but won’t break the bank – San Antonio’s Danny Greenseems like a good fit here. In that case, drafting Booker to learn the nuances of playing shooting guard from Green would be a natural fit. Understanding how to get open, spacing the floor and play improved defense at the NBA level…Green could be a mentor to Booker in much the same way Wade was expected to be.
Scenario #2 speeds up the timetable for Booker’s development. At just 18 years old, he’s likely not ready to step in as a starter, nor would he have to with Wade back in Miami for (at least) one more year. While Wade could potentially leave via free agency in 2016 or retire outright, he would still have a full season to guide Booker to the next level.
But in Booker – an athletic, intelligent player that can provide elite-level shooting that Wade never could – Miami might have their best option at salvaging their future.
