https://www.si.com/nba/heat/.amp/mi...re-a-10th-seed-in-east-without-damian-lillard
SI's Chris Mannix Says Miami Heat Are A 10th Seed In East Without Damian Lillard
Sports Illustrated writer Chris Mannix thinks the Miami Heat could struggle after losing Max Strus and Gabe Vincent
The Miami Heat have waited patiently this offseason to acquire Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard.
But have they waited too long?
With training camp a month away, the Heat now face the possibility of entering this season without Lillard on the roster. Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix said
on The Crossover podcast the Heat could regret the loss of Max Strus and Gabe Vincent if they are unable to sign Lillard.
"You do have to start wondering how much pressure Miami is starting to feel," Mannix said. "Because look, let's just say the Heat do nothing else and go into the season with the roster they have. Are they even a playoff team? I mean, they got in last year through the play-in, by the skin of their teeth. To their credit, [they] stream-rolled into the Finals. But they lost their starting backcourt, two key guys."
Mannix went far as saying the Heat are headed toward being another play-in tournament team should they fail to land Lillard.
"I look at this Miami Heat team," Mannix said. "I understand Heat Culture is great, Erik Spoelstra, best coach in the NBA, Jimmy Butler, clutch as they get. In an 82-game season, I'd probably have them penciled in at 10th in the Eastern Conference right now."