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Erik Spoelstra, Miami Heat are still figuring out their rotations

By Allana Tachauer

MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 23: Head Coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on December 23, 2017 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 23: Head Coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on December 23, 2017 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Due to injuries, the Miami Heat are still figuring out their rotations.

It seems the injury bug just won’t stop biting the Miami Heat.

With Rodney McGruder’s leg fracture marking the beginning of another injury-filled start to the season, the entire starting lineup was sidelined just as recently as a week ago, before Hassan Whiteside finally made his return on December 26.

Obviously, this has thrown a wrench in the team’s plan to build off last year’s 30-11 run, instead sitting at just 18-16.

But it isn’t just the lack of available bodies that has made Miami worse for the wear. It’s the fact that with so many players coming in and out, it’s been impossible to rely on a steady stream of rotations. Instead, head coach Erik Spoelstra has been forced to constantly find new combinations, some that have been more successful than others.

For example, Tyler Johnson and Josh Richardson have been thriving as of late.

While both Johnson and Richardson have each averaged 18.6 points over the last three games, Johnson also averaged 4.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists, while Richardson averaged 5.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists.

Bam Adebayo and Kelly Olynyk have also complimented each other nicely.

In the Heat’s December 22 win over the Dallas Mavericks, Adebayo finished with 14 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists, shooting 6-of-9 from the field. In the same game, Olynyk recorded 11 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists, and shot 4-for-7. Because while they both may be big men, they have an entirely different set of skills.

"“They both can pass the ball extremely well,” teammate Wayne Ellington said. “It’s fun for guards to play with those guys. They’re always looking to set the screen. Bam can get to the rim and K.O. opens things up with his three-point ability.”"

The question is, what happens now that Whiteside is back? Well, Spoelstra has some more tinkering to do.

"“To do what we want to do, it should be very competitive for minutes, and guys shouldn’t just be gifted minutes, but expected to produce. I think it’ll all work out, because of the skill set. I just need to figure out what the best fits are for each guy.”"

A task that should be made a little easier due to the fact that Whiteside’s strengths also differ from the other two Miami centers. While Adebayo makes every opponent work hard for the shot and Olynyk is a lights-out shooter, Whiteside is a threat at the rim on both sides of the floor.

Next: Miami Heat: Another start to the season plagued by injuries

The Miami Heat may have to spend a little more time figuring out their lineups, but between Erik Spoelstra leading the charge and a roster full of talent, fans should expect big things moving forward.

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