Miami Heat Roundtable: Reviewing the first 10 games

Once everyone is healthy, what do you think the starting lineup should be?

Frank Urbina: After ten games of Luke Babbitt and Derrick Williams starting at PF, I think it best to take the lineup in a different direction. I say, go with Dragic-Richardson-Ellington-Winslow-Whiteside to open games. That lineup gives you good three-point shooting which opposing teams will be forced to respect, thus opening up the lane for Dragic and Winslow drives, and Whiteside post-ups. Winslow may be a little undersized as a 4, but he’s got a big frame that can take a lot of contact, and his ability as a ball-handler can be a big advantage against opposing PF’s. Sure, Winslow has started the year poorly on offense, but he’s become one heck of a playmaker: his 3.9 assists/game would rank 7th best amongst PF’s. Finally, Waiters coming off the bench with the second unit gives him the freedom to look for his own offense instead of worrying so much about getting everyone else involved. Waiters is at his best when he attacks.

Simon Smith: Dragic – Richardson – Winslow – Williams – Whiteside.

Dragic and Whiteside are the only outright certainties at this stage. Granted Winslow is a terrific defender who should be given ample opportunity to develop, his shooting has simply been abysmal. His recent wrist injury could be a legitimate reason to explain his struggles, and hopefully his shooting form can improve upon return. Having played just three minutes over the first seven games. Derrick Williams should be given some legitimate playing time. But for some reason, he has played just 15 and 18 minutes respectively as a starter these past two games, and that includes the last game which Winslow missed through injury. With the team struggling enough as it is, it can’t hurt to give Williams 4-5 games of 25-30 minutes to prove his worth. And having now played six games after returning from injury, Josh Richardson should soon slot into the starting 2-guard spot.

Allana Tachauer: Sigh. That’s a loaded one. Dragic-Richardson-Winslow-Whiteside, obviously. But as for the 4… maybe Derrick Williams? I know it seems like head coach Erik Spoelstra isn’t his biggest fan at the moment, but things haven’t been working out too well with Babbitt as a starter. Which honestly makes sense, given he’s a bit of a one-trick pony offensively, and isn’t too strong on the other end either. There’s no guarantee that things will be any better with Williams taking over but it’s worth a try for a bit.

Cory Sanning: After the dreadful experience that was Luke Babbitt, many thought the Heat were getting an upgrade in Derrick Williams. Couldn’t have been more off, and by a considerable margin. Yes, Dragic and Whiteside will man the 1 and 5 positions respectively. Winslow will fill the void at Small Forward, and Josh Richardson and Dion Waiters are both capable starters on the wing. The one weakness has been lack of consistent production from the 4, and until that role is filled, it’s going to be difficult for Miami moving forward.

Ivan Mora: Dragic, Richardson, Winslow, J. Johnson, and Whiteside.  With Tyler, Waiters, Babbitt, Williams, and Reed as second unit.  They need to make that lineup work.  James Johnson has honestly surprised me after I had counted him out last month.  He reminds me of Boris Diaw with the Spurs.  A versatile player that can spread the floor.  With that being his primary role, Dragic and Richardson can handle the corners to take threes or pick and roll to Winslow and ultimately Whiteside.  Like I said, they can make it work, they just can’t give up.