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

By Wes Goldberg

Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) congratulates teammate guard Kyle Lowry (7) after Lowry made a three-point shot against Oklahoma City(Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports)
Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) congratulates teammate guard Kyle Lowry (7) after Lowry made a three-point shot against Oklahoma City(Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports) /
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Jun 9, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Kevin Love (42) shoots the ball against the Denver Nuggets during the second half in game four of the 2023 NBA Finals at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 9, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Kevin Love (42) shoots the ball against the Denver Nuggets during the second half in game four of the 2023 NBA Finals at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Power forward

  1. Kevin Love
  2. Nikola Jovic
  3. Haywood Highsmith

Similar to point guard, the Heat also have just one traditional player at the power forward spot. This is Kevin Love’s job to lose. He was benched late in the regular season and for certain matchups in the playoffs, and we could see Spoelstra similarly game his starting lineups this season, but Love at power forward is considered the default setting.

Jovic building on a strong FIBA World Cup showing could push Love for the job, but he’s probably not ready for everything that goes into being a starter, particularly on defense.

A Dark Horse: Haywood Highsmith. He’s already one of the most versatile defenders on the team and, if he can show sustainable improvement to his 3-point shot (33.9% last season, 31.3% from the corners), he could end up as Miami’s starting power forward. Don’t rule it out.

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