Three stop-gap solutions to Heat's point-guard problems

Miami Head head coach Erik Spoelstra hasn't had a reliable point guard since Goran Dragic left the franchise in 2021. Multiple guards have walked through the doors on South Beach but failed to fill the gap. Terry Rozier is the latest casualty, having been unable to acclimate to Spoelstra's system successfully.

Given the Heat's limited draft assets and team president Pat Riley's penchant for adding aging star forwards, Spoelstra could be staring at another season without a true point guard leading the way. Fortunately, some veteran talents are hitting the free-agent market this summer, all of whom could thrive in a stop-gap role.

Here are three ideal veteran guards who could help fix one of the Heat's most significant problems.

3. Chris Paul

Chris Paul is a free agent. His contract with the San Antonio Spurs has run its course. Paul played in all 82 games this past season, impressing with his scoring and playmaking. If Riley can convince him to spend another year away from home, he would be an ideal short-term solution to Spoelstra's guard issues. 

However, Paul is expected to covet a spot with either the LA Clippers or Los Angeles Lakers. Joining either of those teams would allow him to be closer to his family. 

2. Malcolm Brogdon 

Brogdon is just two years removed from winning the Sixth Man of the Year award with the Boston Celtics. When healthy, he's one of the better veteran guards in the NBA. A true three-level scorer who isn't a slouch on defense, Brogdon would easily slot into Spoelstra's system.

The problem is that Brogdon is a huge injury risk. He played in just 24 games this past season and 39 in the year before. The hope would be that by joining a team like Miami, which has a solid track record with aging talent, the medical team would be able to keep him fresh and on the court. 

1. Russell Westbrook 

Westbrook would be the ideal short-term solution to the Heat's guard problem. Adding the veteran guard would allow him to assume a starting role again and would also give him the scope to play the breakneck type of basketball that brings the best out of him.

The Heat need another scorer, and they need someone who can create for others around him. Westbrook could unlock Tyler Herro's offensive game while also taking some of the playmaking pressure off of Bam Adebayo. If Westbrook is willing to sign a veteran minimum, the Heat should do everything in their power to be the first in line.