The 4 Spot
This is the one spot that definitely is not set in stone. And it could most certainly take longer than the pre-season to determine its status. As many as four Heat forwards could take the mantle. Luke Babbitt, Josh McRoberts, Derrick Williams and James Johnson are all in the running. Each brings a different skill-set to the table, and the manner in which they mesh and contribute with the remaining starters will likely determine who takes the spot.
Babbitt impressed in his debut start, scoring 14 points including 4-of-5 from three-point range. With perimeter shooting an achilles heel last season, the Heat could certainly use his ability. His defence and rebounding, however are a different matter, and is a big reason why he yet to establish himself after six season in the league.
McRoberts has several advantages to nail the position. He has two years in the Heat system under his belt, is a solid defender and rebounder and is also very smart at the moving the ball and helping his teammates score. His ability to stay on the floor, however, has been his biggest hindrance. He has played just 59 games in his two seasons in Miami, therefore deflating the confidence of the coaching staff in terms of his reliability and durability.
Williams and Johnson are another two newcomers, who have each struggled to find a niche for themselves since being drafted. With Williams being just 25 years of age and a former No.2 overall pick, he would seem a logical talent to invest in and hence determine whether he could play alongside Whiteside and Winslow in the future. Luol Deng excelled through the back-half of last season as a ‘small-ball- four. If Williams can improve the quality of his spot up shooting, he certainly has the capabilities to replicate Deng’s contributions.
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Johnson on the other hand certainly has the size and toughness to play the four. However, he has a very inconsistent outside game and may not mesh particularly well alongside Whiteside as a result. All four players clearly have plenty to prove, and it will certainly be interesting which players excel the most this coming season in Miami.