Miami Heat: 4 strongest leaders on the 2022 roster

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - MARCH 04: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat reacts after his team defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 103 - 93 during an NBA game at Smoothie King Center on March 04, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - MARCH 04: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat reacts after his team defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 103 - 93 during an NBA game at Smoothie King Center on March 04, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
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Miami Heat
Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) drives to the basket as Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) defends(Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)

Leaders on the 2022 Miami Heat roster: Bam Adebayo

PJ Tucker could have been another choice, but it’s time for Bam Adebayo to step up even more. He’s already an All-Star caliber player, but now he needs to be a real leader for this Miami Heat team.

Adebayo has been the second-best player on the Heat for the past two seasons. While he’s played a huge role on the team on defense, if he can step up on both ends, it would be huge for them.

One of the biggest points of emphasis this offseason has been people saying that Adebayo needs to be more aggressive on offense. Chris Bosh was one of those advocates.

This is not to say that Adebayo hasn’t been a leader, just that he will be again this year, and could even take on a larger role. Expect the young star to take on a ton of responsibility this season.

Leaders on the 2022 Miami Heat roster: Kyle Lowry

Kyle Lowry was a leader for the Toronto Raptors for years. Kawhi Leonard gets credit for bringing them a championship, but Lowry’s leadership played a big part in that as well.

As the starting point guard for the Miami Heat, he will take on a very similar leadership role. At 35 years old, Lowry’s experience in the NBA will be extremely helpful.

In addition, he’ll bring championship experience to a Miami Heat team that needs just that. Championship experience is a very underrated factor when building an elite team.

Lowry will be the primary ball-handler for Miami, and with that comes lots of leadership responsibility. He’ll be a very vocal, very important leader for the Heat this year.