The Miami Heat are just days away from the start of preseason, and the question still remains: what starting lineup will the team use?
The Miami Heat play their first preseason game on October 4, against the Washington Wizards. And although the team has until October 26 to decide upon what starting lineup works best for this new group of guys, many are already speculating the different options head coach Erik Spoelstra has at his disposal.
It can be assumed that Goran Dragic is a lock for point guard. After all, he is really only one of two so-called stars left on the squad. And post the Heat losing both Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, Dragic will certainly be looked at as the group’s alpha.
Having averaged 14.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 5.8 assists a game last year, Heat Nation should expect the 30-year-old to kick things up a notch this upcoming season.
"“I already felt great last year in the middle of the season, and even this year I’m in way better than shape than I was last year. I was playing all summer. I’m ready.”"
The question is, who will he spend most of his time playing beside?
Hassan Whiteside for one.
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There is no question whether or not Whiteside will start for Miami. While Spoelstra did have him coming off of the bench for some time last year, which actually worked out well for the Heat, things are different this time around. For starters, Whiteside was coming off of an injury then. And then there is the fact that the organization lost two of it’s top dogs this summer.
You better believe Whiteside is ready to go, too.
The big man came out of 2015-16 averaging 14.2 points, 11.8 rebounds and 3.7 blocks per matchup. His first full year with Miami was a definite success, with Whiteside only having improved since.
"“This is the first time in my life I’ll be on the same team for more than two years… “I’m looking to dominate. We’ve got a lot to prove. It took me 27 years to get here. What would be the point if I stopped now?”"
Fans should also prepare themselves to see Justise Winslow playing big boy minutes.
(Whether that be as a small or power forward.)
Although on paper it may not seem like Winslow had a solid rookie year (having averaged just 6.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists a contest), he consistently ignited the second unit like not many other players can. And beyond just strengthening his skill set this summer, the young buck showed even more signs of maturity.
"”That’s what I want,” Winslow said Wednesday, when asked if he is ready to be a leader. ”That’s what I’ve been working for my whole life, to make it to the NBA – not only that, but to be a star and have my own team one day. This is the next step in me progressing and getting there, expanding my role and growing as a leader. And I accept whatever the coaching staff throws at me.”"
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The question then becomes, who will take the remaining guard and forward spots?
Well… there is Tyler Johnson, the kid who just threw up over signing a four-year, $50 million contract. While injuries may have kept him out of the game on a few occasions last season, he certainly showed signs of promise. And with a deal like that, it is clear the organization definitely has faith in him. He also has established chemistry with the team, working for him.
However there is also Dion Waiters, an acquisition that seemed to have Heat Nation split down the middle. Perhaps not the obvious choice, Waiters is fully committed to being successful with the Heat. And has already caught the attention of the coaching staff at training camp. He may not yet know what exactly Miami Heat basketball stands for, but no one can deny the interest to find out is there.
And of course we have Josh Richardson, the steal of the draft last summer who emerged as the team’s best three-point shooter. He’s also a good on-ball defender and, with his length, provides the Heat with some versatility.
As for forwards, though there may have been talk of Josh McRoberts sitting pretty in the starting five, that does not seem likely; having admitted to breaking his foot during the playoffs, the 29-year-old is not completely recovered. Which leaves Derrick Williams, James Johnson and Luke Babbitt on the table; the best bet there being simply waiting to see who does best in preseason.
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Hold on tight. 2016-17 is just around the corner.