The Miami Heat And Coach Spo Have Some Real Weapons To Go To
The Miami Heat have played some really small ball this season thus far. But in that, they’ve discovered what might be their next staple, a five-out offense that features their gigantic yet dynamic rookie.
1. Kyle Lowry, Tyler Herro, Max Strus, Jimmy Butler, Nikola Jovic
- +27.3 Net Rating (Per 100 Possessions) in 14:21 minutes played
As we continue to mention how the Butler and Adebayo rim pressure can be best maximized, it can now be done with just one of them on the floor. The Heat’s 19-year-old rookie, Nikola Jovic, just might’ve enabled this feature.
With Omer Yurtseven and Dewayne Dedmon currently dealing with injuries, this is an opportunity for Jovic to lock down a role in Spoelstra’s regular rotation. And despite his youth and inexperience, he hasn’t wasted any time proving so.
Jovic’s floor-spacing ability will always be needed at his position. His versatility and fluent offensive presence are what unlock new levels for Miami on both ends.
In just 21 minutes of play, he’s shown he can run the floor, rebound when needed, and also be an active lane defender—or at least a good enough defensive barrier at times.
On a further note, you should never rule out the possibility of seeing the Nikola-Bam pairing again, as Spoelstra did tease it earlier in the preseason. If Miami remains thin at center or if the Dedmon and Yurtseven minutes plateau, Jovic should be, at the minimum, one of the Heat’s primary backups.
This would grant more rest for Adebayo—who’s playing a career-high 34.7 minutes (37 in the last 2 of 3 games), especially if Jovic continues to learn the NBA style as quickly as he has already.
As the first handful of games are always about adjustments, it’s become more important than ever for the Miami Heat to continue experimenting with what works. It’s what Spoelstra has done for many years, regardless of what talent he’s had to put out there.
It’s understandable if you happen to view Miami’s 2-4 start in a negative light. Though it’s worth understanding that a certain perspective is needed here.
It’s a brand new season and with all 30 teams figuring out their potential, the Heat would’ve never been exempt from that. There’s plenty of room to grow and with this group being one of the franchise’s best (at least offensively), the possibilities are indeed endless.
Because you know the Miami Heat Defense, hustle, grit, tenacity, and Culture will remain the same.