The Miami Heat may be on to something. On a three game winning streak, they have actually played their best little stretch of basketball throughout the entire year over their last three.
Now, we all know that this has everything to do with Jimmy Butler finally being able to find a rhythm and his footing, but there are other factors involved. The team is finding their identity, which again, is nudged along by having Jimmy consistently in the lineup.
They are tinkering to figure out the rotation, for example, with Tyler Herro shifting back to a bench role. Getting fully healthy for a decent stretch is the only other real hurdle to leap outside of this last one I’ll mention, but I see that happening pretty soon as well.
The only other thing that has been puzzling the Miami Heat is who will be the fifth member of the starting lineup. Trying a myriad of different combinations this season, for the lead guard and power forward slots, they finally settled on Kelly Olynyk as the starting four, for now.
As far as that lead guard spot though, that’s been a game of musical chairs. Tyler Herro has started there and so has Goran Dragic.
Over the last few contests though, a familiar face from last season has manned that starting role. That would be Kendrick Nunn and I think he’s the best guy for that job, here’s why.
The Miami Heat should continue to start Kendrick Nunn and here’s why.
The Miami Heat look normal with him in the starting lineup. While that could be taken a few different ways, here’s what we mean.
They flow with the most consistent regularity when he starts. That means that Goran can come off the pine and lead the second unit.
That also means that Tyler Herro can come in with the bench unit and have freedom. That also looks like more free reign over the rock when he’s on the floor.
Basically, the second unit needs Goran to be their best selves. Tyler Herro needs the second unit to be his best self.
Goran helps the bench continue to be a potent unit. Tyler Herro plays better when he’s one of the main guys on the court with which the offense runs through.
Though it doesn’t matter for Goran, as he can find a way to get his wherever, Tyler can better serve the Heat when he’s able to do his thing, without taking touches from Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler on the first unit, all the time. Also, I actually like Kendrick Nunn as a catch and go type guy, more than I like Tyler as that type of guy.
Whether it be catching to shoot or to drive, Kendrick Nunn has shown that he can be his best self like that. Tyler is his best self when he can pat the rock, feel it, and feel what his defender wants to do.
These are the reasons why I feel like it would be best to start Kendrick Nunn. Him there, makes it so that everyone can be the best version of themselves in roles that also best help this Heat team.