The Miami Heat brought Meyers Leonard back and gave Bam a huge extension. Will they be the starting combination again this season?
Bigs:
Who else? The Miami Heat just offered Adebayo a five-year max, so get used to him being a starter in Miami.
Adebayo just had one of the best seasons and arguably was robbed from winning the Most Improved Player Award. The beautiful part about that for us is that he may be up for it again this season and that’s the scary part for opposing teams, as he may just have another big improvement jump in him.
He does a little bit of everything on the court. He is the team’s most impactful defender, he can facilitate (he even led the team in assists in the conference finals), and now, hopefully, he can add some range to his game.
He is the reason the team can go small with his ability to stay and defend guards on a pick-and-roll. His dribble handoffs with Robinson was one of the most efficient plays in the league last season.
His ability to get others involved and make the right pass gives the team another weapon. Now, with a max under his belt and being the face of the franchise, it’s also time for him to take yet another step further(the fanbase doesn’t want another get-your-money and stop trying player).
That’s where his jump shot comes in. He has taken a gradual step in the playoffs, most noticeably at the free-throw line, but also making shots from the mid-range.
If he has improved that area, then this starting lineup goes to a whole other level with everyone being able to space the floor. Now, apart from Adebayo and Butler being locks, the rest of the lineup is up for grabs.
Dragic, is again, very likely to play limited minutes and come off the bench for much of the year to make sure he is fully healthy. Robinson is most likely somewhere in there because of his historic 3-point shooting.
The only thing that could change it all is if Herro will start at the one. He’s been working on his game and he actually showed us a bit of that last season.
It looks like Erik Spoelstra will have some decisions to make to maximize this team to the fullest. Don’t worry though, because if there’s anybody you should trust to do it, it’s him.