An Early Look at Possible Miami Heat Reserve Rotations

Mar 27, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward

(33) dribbles the ball between Dallas Mavericks guard

(25) and forward

(9) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Clippers won 109-103. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

1^st Substitution: Danny Granger in for Dwyane Wade

Lineup on the floor: Chalmers/Granger/Deng/McRoberts/Bosh

Notes:

While Wade is expected to play a significant number of games this season, there will still be a need to preserve his health as the season goes on. Even if he starts 70+ games as projected (hoped for?), he’ll need bouts of rest, both in between and during games.

Here’s where the veteran Granger can contribute as the Heat’s 6^th man.

He won’t make mistakes, can help space the floor better than Wade can and still gives the team an experienced scorer. The team will feature a lineup of five shooters with this lineup, averaging no less than 33% (Bosh) from 3-point range last season. This could be deadly.

Possible caveat: A monkey wrench to throw into this plan is the reported interest in guard Leandro Barbosa. He could find himself as the first player off the bench if he signs with Miami. And this wouldn’t be a problem at all. Although he’s in his 12^th season in the NBA, Barbosa still shoots the ball very well and has deceptive stop-and-go speed, shifting gears in traffic to get to the rim.