If you have followed the Miami Heat, you have seen a whole bunch of iterations of this team over the years. You’ve seen teams that had a lot of talent, as well as teams that had to scratch and claw—just to get a win.
This current Miami team might be the deepest team that there has been in some time in Miami. The closest unit, from this perspective, was the 2012-2013 team, a deep team as well.
But, this team has a lot more options as well. It is a good problem to have if you are Miami though.
Having said that, playoff time is around the corner. And with that, Miami can’t play everyone, meaning Erik Spoelstra has some very tough choices to make soon.
On Tuesday against the Detroit Pistons, Duncan Robinson went 2-9 from three. With Max Strus on the bench, Spoelstra knew he needed a spark and that is exactly what Strus provided.
Strus would go 4-6 from three and totally changed the game. That is something you could actually see Spoelstra doing in the playoffs with Strus and especially if Robinson struggles.
So, don’t be shocked. It certainly wouldn’t be that shocking from this vantage.
Miami Heat: Final 12 Games Brimming With Tough Erik Spoelstra Decisions
We all know that Tyler Herro will be the first player off the bench for Miami, this is true. Who comes in for Kyle Lowry though?
That is the most important question when the postseason begins for Miami. Gabe Vincent had been great for them for more than half the season but recently has been struggling due to being in and out of the lineup, one can only assume.
Vincent’s shooting, especially, has gone down lately. With Victor Oladipo coming back, it puts Miami in a very precarious position.
It’s one where they have to play him due to his talent but you have to also ask how far back he’ll be by playoff time? Both guys defend well but you have to think it will come down to two things.
While the overall defensive impact is important, if Vincent can shoot better, as he has across so much of the season thus far, he may actually have the upper hand. Yes, you know Oladipo has only played in three games so far, but there still has to be a little concern about whether he’ll be able to knock the rust off by the playoffs or not.
This is something to keep an eye on for the next twelve games of the season.
Miami Heat: If There Is Anyone Built For The Task Though, It’s Spo
While you’re inquiring about things though, Dewayne Dedmon has struggled in the past couple of games as well.
No one is a doctor over here but you have to think something with Dedmon’s back is flaring up. It wouldn’t be a totally bad idea for Miami to rest him and give Omer Yurtseven some playing time.
They’ll need Dedmon when the postseason comes for, at least, ten to twelve minutes a game. You give him the benefit of the doubt there though, as he’s been really good for the Miami Heat throughout his entire tenure up until recently.
Markieff Morris is finally back on the court as well and has been okay in his return. You can see Keef being a backup forward-center option, playing next to both P.J. Tucker and Bam Adebayo.
Morris has been among playoff rotations and championship teams, so you know he knows how to handle himself. He is another piece that is a part of an intricate mix for Spo.
These next twelve games are important for Miami to flesh out their rotations. In knowing that, you have to keep in mind that the playoffs are all about matchups too.
Miami has the depth to have one guy play one series and not play in the next. Hopefully, the guys that are in and out of the rotation know to trust the coach, staying ready when their number is called.
That goes from Gabe Vincent to Max Strus, definitely to Caleb Martin, and depending on the shooting and spacing scenario—possibly even Victor Oladipo.