The Miami Heat dealt with a slew of injuries and COVID problems last year. So much so that 17 different players started at least a game for the team.
The only players that never started a game for the Heat last year were Dewayne Dedmon, Max Strus, Chris Silva, and Udonis Haslem. Every other player who suited up for the Heat last season started at least once.
While many other teams dealt with similar issues, having the starting lineup be so inconsistent likely hindered their ability to win games. It was an unavoidable issue, but one that the team would likely want to rectify next season.
Ironing out a normal starting lineup would help create a sense of consistency for the Heat. This leads to better chemistry and, ideally, more wins.
With that being said, there are multiple roster decisions that have to be made this offseason regarding the starting lineup. Two important starters could be gone if the Miami Heat don’t get a deal done.
Both Duncan Robinson and Kendrick Nunn will enter restricted free agency this summer, meaning the Heat can match any offer they get. Robinson started all 72 games for Miami last season, while Nunn started in 44 of the 56 games he played.
If the Heat fail to re-sign either, which is highly unlikely, they would be down at least two regular starters. Even if they do retain Robinson and Nunn, they could still stand to sign a couple starting quality players.
With the expected roster turnover this offseason, it will be interesting to see what starting lineup the Miami Heat roll out on a regular basis next year.
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.
These positions are fairly straightforward, with only the power forward spot coming into question. Who should the Miami heat roll out?
SF – Jimmy Butler
Barring something supernatural, expect to see Jimmy Butler starting for the Miami Heat next season. He’s an All-Star, arguably the best player on the team, and gets paid over $36 million next year.
Even if the Heat sign a max player like Kawhi Leonard, the Heat will find a way for them to start together. Butler will be a starter next season.
PF – Trevor Ariza or a free agent
Trevor Ariza played pretty well for the Miami Heat last season. He played in 30 games for the Heat and started in 27 of them.
In those games he averaged 28 minutes and put up 9.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. He shot 41.1% from the field and 35% from deep.
Ariza will be a free agent, so the Heat would have to re-sign him. However, the contract would likely be cheap, so retaining him shouldn’t be that difficult.
If Ariza does choose to leave, however, the Heat will probably have to find a replacement in free agency. Cheap options at the position include Paul Millsap and PJ Tucker, while more expensive options could be Lauri Markkanen or John Collins.
C – Bam Adebayo
Another no-brainer as Bam Adebayo has solidified himself as an All-Star quality player in the NBA. He’s the cornerstone of the franchise and will be for the foreseeable future.
The Miami Heat just gave him a max extension to be their starting center for the next five years. He’ll be competing for Defensive Player of the Year awards for a long time in a Heat uniform.