Heat post-Damian Lillard trade depth chart: Who starts at point guard?

Small forward

1. Jimmy Butler
2. Jaime Jaquez Jr.
3. Jamal Cain (two-way)

If Martin starts, the Heat will need to find a reliable option at small forward in the minutes (and games) Butler doesn’t play. Butler played 64 games last regular season, the most he’s played since joining the Heat in 2019. Butler recently turned 34, and his preference is to take it slow in the regular season so he can rev up in the playoffs.

Jaime Jaquez Jr., Miami’s No. 18 pick in June’s draft, is considered an NBA-ready talent. He’s 23, old for a rookie but perfect for the win-now Heat. It’s not a coincidence that he’s modeled his game somewhat after Butler. He’s strong, can defend, and has some sly scoring moves in the paint. We’ll see if it translates to the NBA level.

Cain is a candidate to be called up the 15-man roster with a strong camp, but my sense is Miami will seek more veteran help to fill out the roster. There’s a lot on the line for Cain next week.