Miami Heat: Gabe Vincent Is Not A Lock For Key Playoff Minutes
By Isiah Curry
Miami Heat: Gabe Vincent Is Not A Lock For Key Playoff Minutes
As the term conversation was mentioned earlier, current NBA Sixth Man of the Year candidate, Tyler Herro, will continue to share primary ball-handling duties and lead Miami’s reserve unit. Look for the Miami Heat backcourt rotation to continue to be dominated by their second-leading scorer—especially through late-game situations.
However, several players could see limited minutes, and one who shouldn’t fall from the exception is Gabe Vincent. Miami’s third-year product and the former Sioux Falls Skyforce standout became one of the more impactful reserve point guards in the league this season.
Vincent was able to reap the benefits of several absences, mostly on Lowry’s behalf while stepping up numerous times as a star throughout the year. After proving himself reliable, Gabe has developed the profile of a quality rotational piece for the Heat’s upcoming title chase.
With at least 20 points scored in seven games this season, Vincent has gone big on numerous occasions.
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His best performances came in a December road win over Philadelphia, where he recorded a then-season-high 26 points, and who could forget the two separate 20-point efforts against Chicago—one that involved a 16-point fourth quarter at the United Center.
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Earning increased playing time, Vincent displayed an enhanced offensive tool bag while still providing that same pestering hustle and defense. His confidence allowed him to fly through the Heat’s scouting department in 2019 and eventually through the team’s developmental pipeline, all while having one year remaining on his contract (due $1.8 million in 2022-23).
Vincent’s chances of being retained by the team that took a chance on him seem all but inevitable at this point. Despite a wavering role since joining the organization in 2019, a stay-ready mindset hasn’t kept Vincent from preparing for moments when he’s called upon.
However, a significant area where Gabe has lacked credibility is his postseason experience. For a player who has allocated just 14 playoff minutes in his career, it’s difficult to place a lock on Vincent’s role within the next several weeks if he hasn’t achieved at the highest level yet.