The Miami Heat Won’t Overtake The Milwaukee Bucks Next Season Even With Damian Lillard, Per Kendrick Perkins

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Craig Mitchelldyer

Coming off an NBA Finals appearance, the Miami Heat refuse to accept anything less than an NBA title. In pursuit of this, reports suggest that they are actively pursuing a trade for Portland Trail Blazers superstar Damian Lillard, who has made it clear that he wants to go to South Beach.

As talks progress, all attention is centered on the Heat and the question of whether they can land the 33-year old offensive point guard. Should they secure Lillard, the Heat might indeed be projected as clear favorites in the Eastern Conference next season.

However, former NBA big man and current NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins holds a different perspective on Miami’s ceiling for the upcoming season. According to the player-turned-analyst, whether the Heat secure Lillard or not, they would find it tough to overtake the Milwaukee Bucks next season.

“They’re not the favorites, nor will I would have them the favorites even if they picked up Damian Lillard,” Perkins said of the Heat. “The Milwaukee Bucks, the way that they’re currently constructed, we know what Giannis [Antetokounmpo] is going to bring to the table.”

“In order to get to the Finals and win the championship, you have to be lucky with health,” Perkins said. “We know that Giannis Antetokounmpo missed a few games in that series. Even when he came back, he still wasn’t 70 percent healthy. So now you look at Khris Middleton, he finally gets an offseason. I have everything invested into the Milwaukee Bucks as far as representing the Eastern Conference.”