The Miami Heat's playoff loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers exposed glaring weaknesses in their roster construction. While Tyler Herro's defensive limitations grabbed headlines, the real issue runs deeper. The Heat lack the high-end talent and specialized role players needed to compete with the East's elite.
A look at what the Heat should take away from their first-round loss.
1. Tyler Herro’s defense isn’t the biggest problem
It’s true that the Cavs targeted Herro on defense, but it’s important not to overreact to that. Herro isn't the problem – he's a gifted shot-maker whose offensive value outweighs his defensive shortcomings. But Miami doesn't have the personnel to cover for him.
Kel’el Ware was just as bad in Miami’s playoff series and was hunted in pick-and-rolls whenever he was on the floor. Eventually, he was limited to token stints to open up each half. Miami is missing a Jarrett Allen to their Evan Mobley. Bam Adebayo can only do so much. Ware can develop into that player, but it will take time.
2. The Heat can’t talk themselves into having depth
Coach Erik Spoelstra spoke often about the team’s “depth,” but the Heat's depth is a mirage. Their rotation pieces are interchangeable in the worst way – a bunch of guys who don't excel at anything in particular.
Where are the deadeye shooters? The lockdown perimeter defenders? The microwave scorers? The rebounders?
When Cleveland was bringing Ty Jerome and DeAndre Hunter off its bench, Miami’s first subs were Pelle Larsson and Haywood Highsmith. There’s a difference.
Miami has a hodgepodge of okay players, none of whom separated themself from the pack this season. Adding one or two high-end rotation players will be key.
3. They need a No. 1 scoring option to bring everything together
This isn't about culture or development anymore. The Heat need legitimate talent infusions. They're missing that true No. 1 option to take pressure off Herro and Adebayo. Donovan Mitchell's impact in Cleveland illustrates what Miami is lacking – a go-to scorer who commands defensive attention and elevates everyone around him.
Add a top-20 scorer to the mix, and Herro and Adebayo’s contributions won’t be overshadowed by their limitations.
What’s next?
The front office faces some hard choices. Do they make a big swing for a disgruntled star, even if it means mortgaging future assets? Can they find diamond-in-the-rough role players to complement their core? Or do they need to consider breaking up the Herro-Adebayo duo to reshape the roster?
One thing's clear - running it back won't cut it. The East is too loaded. Boston, Cleveland, New York, and even Orlando have passed Miami by. Pat Riley and Spoelstra built a proud culture of maximizing talent. Now they need to acquire some.
The Heat don't need a total teardown. But they do need to be honest about their limitations. Herro and Adebayo are very good players, not superstars. Surrounding them with more specialized talent - a knockdown shooter here, a defensive stopper there - could unlock their potential. Add in that elusive No. 1 option, and suddenly Miami looks dangerous again.
This offseason represents a crossroads. The Heat can either make bold moves to vault back into contention or risk fading into mediocrity. Their track record suggests they won't sit idle. The question is whether they can find the right pieces to solve their roster puzzle. The Cavaliers series exposed the problem. Now it's time for solutions.