Big lineup
Hassan Whiteside – Kelly Olynyk – James Johnson – Justise Winslow – Dion Waiters
With their present roster construction, one option coach Spelsotra can pursue is an extra-big lineup. And not only is it plausible, it could be downright effective.
Three of the five players listed – Olynyk, Johnson and Waiters – possess three-point range. Also, all five range from good two excellent on the defensive end. Not only does this team possess long-range shooting, all those listed apart from Whiteside are adept at defending the perimeter shot.
One example is Olynyk, who last season as a member of the Boston Celtics averaged 2.7 contested three-point shots per game, good for fourth on the team despite averaging just 21.0 minutes per games and standing 7-foot tall.
Furthermore, Johnson and Winslow each possess the ability to defend multiple positions, meaning they would be able to switch in a variety of situations. This would prove decisive against an elite team such as the NBA Champion Golden State Warriors, as the Heat would be able to match up against the multitude of lineups the Warriors are capable of throwing out.
Offensively, Waiters and Johnson would be the primary ball-handlers, with Winslow also demonstrating in his brief time last season that this is an area that the Heat can further utilise.
Waiters’ playmaking abilities really came to the fore last season, posting seven or more assists on eight occasions despite playing in just 48 games. Notably, the Heat posted a 7-1 record over these games. Johnson for his part posted eight or more assists on five occasions, including a career high 12 against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Heat posted a 4-1 record over these games.
While such as a lineup wouldn’t be used regularly, it nonetheless would be fascinating if and when Spoelstra thought it’d be worth utilising.