Miami Heat: Predicting the starting lineup for next season
By Jack Simone
The Miami Heat have multiple guards entering free agency this offseason. Who will make up their starting backcourt next season?
PG – Free agent
With Kendrick Nunn entering free agency, he’ll likely get a higher offer than the Heat are willing to match. In addition, Goran Dragic’s team option is probably a lot higher than the Heat are willing to pay for him.
Even if Dragic works out a cheaper deal to stay with the Miami Heat, he would be better suited coming off the bench. The same can be said for young star Tyler Herro (who only started eight games last year). Due to this, the Heat could be welcoming in a new starting point guard to the roster this offseason.
Two of the most expensive options are Kyle Lowry and Lonzo Ball. Both would cost upwards of $20 million, but are certainly starting quality NBA players.
Even if they don’t land one of the top free agents at the position, a cheaper option could still be inserted into the starting lineup. Players such as Spencer Dinwiddie and TJ McConnell could start, while Dragic still plays significant minutes off the bench.
SG – Duncan Robinson
This is fairly straightforward, as Duncan Robinson started every single game for the Heat last year. He is so crucial to their offensive game plan that Pat Riley will likely match any offer he receives in free agency.
His three-point shooting set records in Miami, and he should be re-signed at all costs. It would take a superstar to take Robinson’s starting role away from him.