The Small Forward Situation
The Miami Heat have a deep, crowded backcourt with two established starters and a host of other options for that third starting guard position. Next to Goran Dragic and Dion Waiters, the final backcourt spot is up for grabs with Justise Winslow, Josh Richardson, Tyler Johnson and Rodney McGruder all competing for the starting job in camp.
With James Johnson likely to anchor the frontcourt with Hassan Whiteside, the Heat have some options for the third starter. The ideal situation would be for Winslow to return to form and grow into the franchise’s centerpiece moving forward (he recently told the Palm Beach Post that his injured shoulder is “100 percent”), but if he isn’t ready and needs to start the season on the bench, the odds then favor fellow third-year player Richardson.
A wildcard in this race will undoubtedly be McGruder, who held the position for much of last year and proved to be one of Spoelstra’s most consistent options throughout the turbulent season. McGruder will add a defensive flare next to the offensive output of Dragic and Waiters. Teaming him with Johnson on the defensive end could also prove beneficial to the Heat, coming out of the gate with a stout defense. Plus, McGruder is looking to improve his 3-point shooting, adding another weapon to his growing arsenal.
The decision on the third starter will likely come down to a couple of things, including how Spoelstra wants to play early in the game or what type of style he’s looking for. Last year, it was James and Tyler Johnson who came off the bench and led a strong second unit despite being worthy of starting solely on talent alone.
Whether its Winslow, McGruder, Richardson or Johnson, the Heat will not have a depth problem in the backcourt this year to help Dragic and Waiters lead the team, but who emerges as the leader will be one of the most intriguing storylines in camp.