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.
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Duncan Robinson- Biggest Disappointment
Most of the free-agent signings for the Heat have lived up to their roles and subsequent contracts. Duncan Robinson is easily the biggest exception.
Receiving a five-year deal for $90 million in free agency, Robinson was clearly valued by the Miami Heat front office. 30 games into the contract’s first season, Robinson has not lived up to the hype.
He is shooting 37.1% from the field.
He appears to be trending upward but needs to keep going to be the guy that earned the deal.
Tyler Herro- Surprising Star
After a brutal sophomore slump, Tyler Herro has found his niche on the Heat.
As the bench unit’s key playmaker and shot-maker, Herro demands the ball at all times. This role has suited him exceptionally well, as he leads the NBA in bench scoring at 20.3 ppg.
They aren’t the only guys worthy of some credit though. The big men deserve some shine too.
That goes from one of the Miami Heat’s biggest big men— to one of their littlest.
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P.J. Tucker- Under-the-Radar MVP
P.J. Tucker’s name almost never jumps out when looking at a box score. He does not score a lot of points, has flashy dunks, or light up a highlight reel.
Instead, Tucker plays All-NBA caliber defense on the opponents’ best wing player, shoots over 50 percent from the field on low-volume shots, and brings championship experience to a championship-hungry roster.
He was also yet to miss a game for a Heat team that has been devastated by injuries all season, before sitting out his first game against the Pacers on Tuesday, a game they were able to get without him.
Every team needs a P.J. Tucker.
Dewayne Dedmon- Honorable Mention
For an honorable mention, Dewayne Dedmon has been thrust into a much larger role than he was initially brought in for.
With Adebayo missing, at least, four more weeks, Dedmon will presumably continue to fill in as the starting center. He could have qualified for a number of these other awards.
What Next?
With over 50 games left to play this season, there is plenty of time for these mid-season awards to change hands.
If Robinson remembers how to shoot, Herro cools off, or any number of injuries happen, this list could look significantly different by mid-January, which is when we will take a look at mid-season awards again.