With the addition of Dwyane Wade and guys returning from injuries, what will the Miami Heat’s future rotations look like?
Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra has dealt with his fair share of struggles so far this season.
Most of which stem from needing to continuously change up not just the starting lineup, but rotations thereafter as well. Between new guys still learning the system and an abundance of injuries, it’s been hard for the team to stay consistent in their personnel usage.
And unfortunately now, things may get even more complicated.
While both Dwyane Wade’s return and guys coming back from injury are certainly positives for the Heat, they also add another layer of difficulty when it comes to figuring out who fits into what role.
Something that is already very much on Spoelstra’s mind, as Rodney McGruder and Kelly Olynk will soon make their way back.
"“I’ve thought about it. We’ll cross that bridge when we get there… I would love to have that challenge as a head coach…. That would be different than what we’ve been dealing with.”"
He’ll have that challenge, all right. Because right now, almost nothing is set in stone.
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Baring any injuries, fans can expect Goran Dragic, Josh Richardson and Hassan Whiteside to keep starting. But beyond that, the roster becomes a bit hazy.
Spoelstra can keep giving Tyler Johnson the start as a shooting guard, or ask him to come off the bench to back up Dragic. Justise Winslow can hold things down at power forward, or make room for Olynyk, once he’s healthy. Bam Adebayo can become a second Whiteside for The Platinum Group, or stand tall alongside him.
Nevermind Wade, who may be the biggest question mark yet.
And it’s very possible that Spoelstra may choose to switch up his game plan depending on the opponent, adding even more difficulty to an already complex problem. But the good news is, the team has his back.
"“I think it’s a little but tougher on Spo right now,” Dragic said. “We have a lot of guys who can play…. We just need to put aside our personal agenda and just be as a team and it doesn’t matter who is playing a lot of minutes or who’s taking a shot.”"
However, truth being told, with only 24 games left of regular season play, the Heat don’t have much time to figure things out. Currently in eighth place with a record of 30-28, it’s do or die if Miami wants a shot at the postseason.
Next: The Miami Heat's three best lineups of the 2017-18 season
Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra has a great deal of weight on his shoulders, but if anyone is strong enough to handle it, it’s him.