
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 18, 2021; Sacramento, California, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) shakes hands with guard Duncan Robinson (55) and forward Andre Iguodala (28) during the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Feb 18, 2021; Sacramento, California, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) shakes hands with guard Duncan Robinson (55) and forward Andre Iguodala (28) during the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Miami Heat were one of the winners from the NBA’s trade deadline. Without giving up a lot, they brought in another All-Star in Victor Oladipo, and also acquired Nemanja Bjelica. With the Eastern Conference getting tougher, the Heat are strengthening their roster as well.
Oladipo is now the third All-Star on the team after Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. He was linked with a move to the Heat since the start of the season. It took a few months, but it has finally happened.
After their game against the Hornets, Butler spoke about their new arrivals. He said, “I think both of those guys help us in numerous amount of ways. Spacing the floor. Being able to get their own shot. We’ll be able to do a lot of switching with those guys. Can’t wait for them to get here, to introduce them to the squad and culture.”
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And in his next answer, Butler praised Oladipo. “He’s a hell of a player in this league, we know that,” he said.
Can Victor Oladipo be the difference-maker for the Miami Heat in their quest for a title?
The Heat reached the NBA Finals last season, for the first time in six years. However, similar to the 2014 Finals, they were on the losing side. But it was still an outstanding campaign for them, since no one expected them to reach that stage.
But this season, they have been far below expectations. They are barely hanging onto a playoff spot currently and are on a six-game losing streak.
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USA Today via Reuters
Mar 4, 2021; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) congratulates forward Jimmy Butler (22) after he was fouled hitting a 3-point field goal in the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
So Oladipo is a huge addition in such circumstances. The Heat need him to partner Butler and get them out of the current mess, and form a deadly partnership for the playoffs. Oladipo only has 16 games of playoff experience. While that isn’t ideal, the Heat did a lot with much lesser experience last season.

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Jan 22, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Houston Rockets guard Victor Oladipo (7) dribbles past Detroit Pistons center Mason Plumlee (right) during the first quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
They need Oladipo to be a closer alongside Butler and be the two-way force he has shown to be over the years. He has been inefficient this season, but that was because of a high usage rate. He won’t have to do that in Miami, and will just have to play his role as the Heat aim to do the unthinkable this season and go on to win the title.
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ALSO READ – How Does The Starting Five For Miami Heat Stack Up After the Trade Deadline?
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