The Miami Heat’s guard core is filled with accomplished guys who can score at will. What should they set out to accomplish in Orlando?
Kendrick Nunn: Prove He’s the Rookie of the Year
Kendrick Nunn is having a strong inaugural campaign in South Beach as starting point guard: 15.6 points, 3.4 assists, and 2.7 rebounds in 62 appearances. But it’s still seen him fall out of the lead for Rookie of the Year behind Ja Morant who’s leading the charge for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Now, the league has already said the annual awards will be based on all games played up until March 11th, when the league was suspended. Yet, if Nunn can have a strong playoff performance for the 4th seed Heat, he might be able to get the last say on who’s the rightful Rookie of the Year.
Duncan Robinson: Prove He’s the Best Shooter in the NBA
One of the most exciting developments in South Beach this year has been Duncan Robinson‘s growth into a top shooter. He entered the league suspension posting a 45 percent shooting average from behind the arc on 3.7 attempts per game.
Robinson’s been shifted to starting shooting guard next to Nunn since early November and has proved a legitimate rotational piece for coach Erik Spoelstra and this Miami offense. If the 26-year old can shoot lights out in Orlando, he may cement himself as the league’s best shooter.
Tyler Hero: Prove He’s More than a Trade Piece
Since being drafted by Miami with the 13th overall pick in last year’s draft, Tyler Herro has been involved in trade rumors almost weekly with the Heat targeting a third All-Star. He’s had a solid rookie season, scoring 12.9 points per game while knocking down 39 percent of his threes.
But still, Herro’s future in South Beach seems as uncertain as any. He could take command of his tenure with the Heat by having a strong showing from the eight regular-season games all the way through the playoffs. Especially after starting out rusty in their three scrimmage games.
Goran Dragic: Prove His Worth in Free Agency
From starter to now the sixth man, Goran Dragic has been a staple in Miami for the last five and a half seasons. But his time with the team may soon come to an end. Dragic is headed for free agency after posting 16.1 points and 5.1 assists off the bench for the Heat this year.
With Pat Riley and this Miami front office looking to preserve as much future cap space, the most likely deal outcome in free agency would be a one-year balloon deal for the point guard. How much that is could very well be determined by how productive he is for the Heat in Orlando.
Gabe Vincent: Prove He Deserves Playing Time
The fourth of the Miami Heat’s guard rotation, Gabe Vincent, has seen little to no time with the team this year. But head coach Erik Spoelstra did confirm he’s with the team in Orlando.
After signing a two-way contract with the team in January of this year, Vincent has seen just 42 minutes on the floor over six games this season. But his numbers with the Sioux Falls Skyforce (Miami’s G-League affiliate) suggest he might be ready for a real role.
Vincent’s 20.9 points, 2.3 assists, and 1.2 steals per game earned him the Most Improved Player award in the developmental league this year. If coach Spoelstra gives him a shot at playing time in Orlando, he’ll need to make the most of it.