Miami Heat: Should Kelly Olynyk be starting in the playoffs?

Is it time for a change in the Miami Heat’s starting lineup?

The Miami Heat‘s 2017-18 season has been marked by constant lineup changes.

And now, two games into the first round of the playoffs, many are wondering if head coach Erik Spoelstra should make some more.

Specifically, if Kelly Olynyk should be inserted into the starting five.

Olynyk had a career-season, having averaged 11.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game, and is already off to a great start against the Philadelphia 76ers. In Game 1, he totaled 26 points on 9-for-13 shooting in 31 minutes, also grabbing seven rebounds. In fact, it can be argued he was the only positive thing to happen for Miami that night, the team having taken an ugly 130-103 loss.

Right now, the 7-footer is coming off the bench, a member of the so-called Platinum Group. But with Hassan Whiteside‘s inconsistent play and rookie Bam Adebayo not quite ready for the big stage, there’s an argument to be made that Olynyk belongs out there earlier.

After all, he did start 22 regular season games for the Heat, playing just as efficiently.

The question then becomes, how?

Spoelstra has used 25 different starting lineups this year, in large part due to injury. So it’s safe to say Olynyk would be comfortable playing alongside just about anyone. But does he take Whiteside’s place? Or can Miami stand to have two big men out there at the same time?

Taking Whiteside’s spot doesn’t seem likely. For one, management didn’t max out a player, only to limit him to the second unit. This would also undoubtedly cause the center to go on another media rant, and cause tension within the organization. Plus, when it comes down to it, Olynyk may have the size of a five, but his game is still that of a forward. Especially against a guy like Joel Embiid.

It could be interesting to see Olynyk out there with Whiteside however, sending James Johnson back to the bench. After all, Johnson thrived in the second unit last season, and had some experience in that role this year too.

The problem with that though is it adds pressure on Adebayo, to hold things down by himself. Something that the first-year isn’t equipped to handle yet.

Next: Miami Heat Roundtable: And just like that, 2017-18 comes to an end

So while in a vacuum, Olynyk could work as a starter, he’ll probably remain coming off the bench during the rest of the Miami Heat’s postseason run. For better, or worse.