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Miami Heat: Are Jimmy Butler and Victor Oladipo the right duo for the team?

By Zamir Bueno

MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 27: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers greets Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat after the game at American Airlines Arena on December 27, 2019 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 27: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers greets Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat after the game at American Airlines Arena on December 27, 2019 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Miami Heat, Jimmy Butler, Victor Oladipo
Miami Heat, Jimmy Butler, Victor Oladipo (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

How Jimmy Butler and Victor Oladipo would mesh as a duo for the Miami Heat

Butler hasn’t changed his mindset upon arriving in Miami as he is responsible for 32.4 percent of the team’s pick and rolls averaging 6.9 per game over his first 56 games this season. Consequently, Oladipo will be forced to play off the ball as a floor spacer, which is not his strong suit.

Oladipo has a career 3 point percentage of 35 percent on 4.4 attempts. Therefore, opposing teams can back off of him whenever he doesn’t have the ball opening the door for a double team on Butler.

Even if the organization can convince Butler to give up some of his ball-handling duties, the same issues will persist due to Butler’s shooting struggles. Butler has a career shooting percentage of 33.3 percent from behind the arc on 2.6 attempts. Consequently, his defender can leave him wide open to provide help defense to teammates if necessary.

For example, Butler’s defender can stand around the elbow as the second line of defense if Oladipo gets past his defender. An extra defender increases the likelihood of Oladipo taking a contested shot or passing the basketball to reset. Both outcomes would be good for the opposing team.

Butler and Oladipo’s inability to thrive off the ball will make it harder for them to succeed as a duo.

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