Miami Heat Roundtable: So many questions to be answered

MIAMI, FL - OCTOBER 24: Tyler Johnson #8 of the Miami Heat handles the ball against the New York Knicks on October 24, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - OCTOBER 24: Tyler Johnson #8 of the Miami Heat handles the ball against the New York Knicks on October 24, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
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MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 22: Dion Waiters
MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 22: Dion Waiters

Honestly, do you see Dion Waiters realistically having a future with this team?

Rahming: If he isn’t included in a trade for Jimmy Butler, yes. He is the star player this team needs. I don’t see him included in a deal that isn’t for a star player. Rodney McGruder and Josh Richardson are being groomed for that role, but unless Richardson explodes before the trade deadline, Waiters should remain with the team for the rest of the season.

Eyrich: It feels like this could go either way. It would be easier to ship off Waiters for less than he’s worth, considering the situation, and not have to worry about sharing minutes with another player. Realistically, if Waiters will be healthy and can play like is former self, the Heat could use him as the go-to scorer that they are missing. So there is a future for him, but he has to play far better than what he did in the few games he played last season.

Gewirtz: If by ‘future’ you mean a few years, then yes. Otherwise, that’s up to the Heat’s front office. I assume a lot of his future with the team will depend on how he plays once he returns from his injury this season.

Nurse: That’s tough. Waiters does not have a realistic future in Miami, because they seem hellbent on shopping him after signing him to a horrible deal. But there is no doubt the Heat’s stale offense could use someone that could at least create their own shots. He seems like the sole option outside of Dwyane Wade flashing back.