Back in June, Miami Heat president Pat Riley told reporters the addition of Luol Deng was "one of the most important free-agent signings that we have ever had in the history of the franchise."
But for Heat fans who'd been spoiled by two championships and the promise of more, Deng was little more than a two-year, $20 million consolation prize (wherein the second year is at the player's option). He was the guy Riley brought in to be the new small forward.
Not the new LeBron James.
Deng has twice been named an All-Star, and he's earned a reputation as one of the league's most skilled all-around weapons on the wing. He defends, shoots, cuts and rebounds. Given the options available on the 2014 free-agent market, the 29-year-old was a nice find.
He'll make the most of Dwyane Wade's remaining prime without threatening Miami's long-term financial flexibility. He'll ensure head coach Erik Spoelstra's team remains competitive in a relatively weak Eastern Conference, perhaps its third- or fourth-best team if one assumes the Cleveland Cavaliers and Chicago Bulls will claim the first two seeds in some order.
He ...
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Article written by Stephen Babb
Luol Deng Won’t Replace LeBron James, but He’s a Critical Piece for Miami Heat
November 4th, 2014 by Stephen Babb Leave a reply »
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