Miami Heat: 3 players earning a spot in the rotation this preseason

MIAMI, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 04: KZ Okpala #11 of the Miami Heat shoots the ball against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter of preseason action at FTX Arena on October 04, 2021 in Miami, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 04: KZ Okpala #11 of the Miami Heat shoots the ball against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter of preseason action at FTX Arena on October 04, 2021 in Miami, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
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Miami Heat
KZ Okpala #11 of the Miami Heat in action against the Atlanta Hawks (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)

As the season inches closer, Erik Spoelstra and the Miami Heat will have to iron out the rotation. There are a few new pieces this year, and with that, plenty of room for change.

It’s looking like Kyle Lowry and PJ Tucker will both be inserted into the starting lineup on a regular basis. The rest of the starting lineup will probably look like Duncan Robinson, Jimmy Butler, and Bam Adebayo.

However, while the starting lineup is looking set, the bench has a lot of wiggle room. Some players could slide in and out based on who’s playing better at that point in time.

Based on the preseason, which players are making the case to be regulars in the rotation? Who could end up earning regular minutes based on their preseason play?

Miami Heat players earning a rotation spot this preseason: Omer Yurtseven

Omer Yurtseven has been playing super well so far this preseason. While Dewayne Dedmon will likely open the season as the backup center, Yurtseven is making a case to take his spot.

He is averaging 8.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game while shooting 63.2% from three and 50.0% from deep. The main thing that could help him earn minutes is that floor spacing.

Having a big man who can space the floor could potentially open up a ton of offensive opportunities for the Heat. Plus, with Yurtseven being so young, there’s plenty of time for him to develop other parts of his game, too.

Regardless, Yurtseven is certainly playing well enough to warrant regular-season minutes. The real question is whether or not he’ll be a regular face in the rotation.