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Miami Heat: 3 crucial X-factors for the 2021-22 NBA season

By Dalton Sell

MIAMI, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 04: Tyler Herro #14 of the Miami Heat runs back to play defense against the Atlanta Hawks in the third quarter of preseason action at FTX Arena on October 04, 2021 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 04: Tyler Herro #14 of the Miami Heat runs back to play defense against the Atlanta Hawks in the third quarter of preseason action at FTX Arena on October 04, 2021 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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Milwaukee Bucks: P.J. Tucker
Miami Heat (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

P.J. Tucker will be an X-factor for the Miami Heat in 2021-22

Perhaps the most surprising signing of the offseason for the Heat was P.J. Tucker. After playing a pivotal role for the Bucks during their championship run, they opted not to re-sign the forward, which allowed the Heat to swoop in and get him in free agency. Not many expected the Bucks to let him walk in free agency, but fans will welcome him with open arms down in South Beach.

He should fit like a glove with this Miami team. He brings toughness and veteran experience, in addition to robust defense. The former second-round pick has carved out a role in this league due to his defensive excellence, which was on display in his time with Milwaukee in the playoffs. That should make him a useful piece for the Heat. When opposing players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant, or LeBron James come to town, it will be Tucker’s job to guard them. The Bucks do not win the title without him, and the Heat are hoping for some similar magic.

Offensively, Tucker could also be a difference-maker if his shot is falling. The forward has built up a reputation as one of the greatest corner 3-point shooters this league has ever seen, which was not exactly the case with Milwaukee. While he provided tough defense in the postseason, he was a liability on the offensive end by knocking down 32.2 percent of his triples across 23 games. According to NBA.com/stats, he shot an abysmal 9-of-27 (33.3 percent) from the left corner and 8-of-26 from the right corner (30.8 percent) in the postseason. One bad stretch does not mean he has lost his touch entirely, and the Heat will need him to regain that hot hand with the forward on their side now.

At 36-years-old, there are some questions about how much Tucker has left in the tank. With the Heat handing him a two-year deal worth $14.3 million, they have faith he can help contribute to their championship hopes at this stage in his career. If he is playing high-level defense and hitting his corner threes, he will prove the front office right for doing so. When he is doing both of those things, there is no doubt that Tucker can be a difference-maker for a contending team.

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