Miami Heat: Handing Out 2021-22 Mid-Season Awards In December

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) controls the ball as Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (50) guards and guard Kyle Lowry (7) and guard Monte Morris (11) defend(Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports)
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) controls the ball as Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (50) guards and guard Kyle Lowry (7) and guard Monte Morris (11) defend(Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports)
1 of 3
Miami Heat
Kyle Lowry #7 and Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat celebrate against the Boston Celtics(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

As the 2021-22 NBA season passes its two-month mark, the Miami Heat find themselves two and a half games ahead of the Washington Wizards for the lead in the Southeast Division. 30-plus games into the season, let’s take a look at some mid-season awards for the Heat.

Jimmy Butler- MVP

Jimmy Butler is the clear choice for Miami Heat MVP at this point in the season. Although he and Bam Adebayo have missed an equal amount of games, the distinct hole that Butler’s absence leaves on both offensive and defensive possessions is staggering.

If the Heat want to make a serious playoff push in the remaining 50 games, their most valuable player on both sides of the court needs to be healthy on a consistent basis.

Kyle Lowry- Key Free Agent

While the Heat made several off-season acquisitions during free agency, none have proven better than bringing in Kyle Lowry from the Toronto Raptors.

With two All-Stars sidelined and Lowry being a former All-Star himself, he’s been taking a leadership role and clinching games for the Heat all season due to his stellar play.

He appears to be worth the forfeiture of a draft pick.