Miami Heat: Rodney McGruder poised to breakout, a case for Butler

It’s only preseason, but you can’t help but notice the improvement of Rodney McGruder and question how he affects the Miami Heat’s landscape.

Game after game, Rodney McGruder continues to look like a player that belongs.

And not just a player that belongs anywhere; this preseason, he looks like a starter on many teams. In fact, he’s even making an argument to be a starter for the Miami Heat, pending a few injuries to start the season.

We’re almost asking where did this come from? Or, how real is this?

Miami’s shooting guard is averaging over 15 points per game in the first four preseason games so far. That’s a huge jump, considering he’s averaged 6.1 points in his first two seasons.

With his numbers far greater than what they’ve been the last two years, McGruder has even improved each night.

The first preseason game of 2018-19, we saw him shooting 38.5 percent from the field, going and 1-of-6 from behind the arc. With four fewer minutes to work with against the Orlando Magic last night, the former Kansas State Wildcat shot 58.3 percent, and was 3-for-5 from downtown.

His last performance not only gave him a preseason high of 19 points, but also eight rebounds and five assists.

It was a complete game as McGruder gets ready for his third season.

Where does he fit?

McGruder is showing that he deserves minutes. The question is where will they come from?

With head coach Erik Spoelstra using more of a positionless scheme, there are ways that favor sliding McGruder into the rotation.

Miami first has to swallow their pride, despite how much Tyler Johnson is being paid; because plain and simple, McGruder has outplayed him.

Right now it sounds like Dion Waiters will not be ready for the start of the season. And there is a chance that James Johnson will be out as well.

This could mean Justise Winslow will be starting at the four and Josh Richardson at the three.

Leaving the shooting guard role completely open for McGruder.

Could this make an impact for Jimmy Butler?

Another question McGruder is forcing, is how this may affect the Jimmy Butler trade situation.

Yes, somehow the trade talks are still lingering three weeks later. Who knows how much life it has left now that the Minnesota Timberwolves have reportedly continued to ask for too much.

A bump in the potential trade was that the Heat were unwilling to deal Richardson.

No one in the Heat’s program wants to see Richardson with another team. He is a young player that the Heat have developed, with no ceiling in sight.

But McGruder is playing well enough that the issue could be pushed.

If Richardson was dealt in exchange for Butler, it might not be as bad as it first seemed. McGruder alongside Butler, could actually compliment each other well.

A big reason for not wanting to trade Richardson is that you want him playing alongside Butler; so switching the two wouldn’t make much sense.

McGruder isn’t at the level of Richardson just yet, but he’s showing that he could be. And him, teamed up alongside Butler, could be the push Miami is looking for.

Regardless, the shooting guard is poised for a breakout season. The talent is there.

McGruder will just have to keep up this consistency heading into the regular season, and take advantage of the pieces set in place.