After finally seeing playing time for the Miami Heat in Game 4, will point guard Kendrick Nunn get more run in the next round of the playoffs?
When the Miami Heat rolled out a starting five without Meyers Leonard, fans were confused.
But when head coach Erik Spoelstra started rolling out lineups without Kendrick Nunn, fans were entirely unsure what to think. The undrafted guard had been a legitimate candidate for the Rookie of the Year award and finished the regular season as one of three finalists.
In each of the Heat’s first three games in their first-round series against the Indiana Pacers, Nunn was nowhere to be found, listed as “DNP-Coach’s Decision.” It was a left shoulder strain suffered by Jimmy Butler in Game 4 that saw the point guard make his playoff debut.
And Nunn, well, he came out ready. He had a three-point make and assist to Kelly Olynyk within a minute of being on the floor. The guard was engaged on both ends of the floor, ultimately finishing with seven points, three rebounds, and two assists to aid Miami in their sweeping victory.
It was just 14 minutes for Nunn, but those that may have changed everything going forward. The Heat are set to face whoever wins the series between Milwaukee and Orlando, with Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks heavy favorites, currently leading 3-1.
Will coach Spoelstra call Kendrick Nunn’s number again in the next round?
Nothing’s guaranteed going forward, Miami’s head coach cemented that as truth when benching both Leonard and Nunn, two of the team’s full-time starters upon arrival in Orlando.
But it’s hard to see Nunn not playing at all in the Heat’s next playoff series. His play (albeit brief) on the floor against Indiana on Monday should be enough to earn him a short leash going forward.
Coach Spoelstra may honestly not have a choice, given the uncertainty of Butler’s shoulder. If he’s going to miss even one game, or need to play on any kind of minutes restriction, it will be Nunn who sees a larger role in his potential absence or limited minutes.
Having someone else capable of initiating the offense will be crucial for Miami, and while Tyler Herro has impressed in his minutes at point guard, but may be better off focusing elsewhere.
Few things are less certain than Nunn’s role with this Heat team going forward. After serving the entire season as Miami’s starting point guard, he’s found himself fighting for a role off the bench.
The NBA has released the schedule for Friday and Saturday, without mentioning the Miami Heat and either of the Milwaukee Bucks/Orlando Magic. It seems they’ll be moving forward with the expectation of playing again on Sunday, Monday, or even Tuesday at the latest.
Kendrick Nunn finished the regular season averaging 15.3 points, 3.3 assists, and 2.7 rebounds. He’s a Rookie of the Year finalist and can operate as a key contributor in this postseason run. Whether or not he’ll get the opportunity, well that’s the question we’re all asking.