Heat preseason exit survey: We still have questions that could swing the season

The preseason is in the books and we’ve learned a ton about the Miami Heat. So the All U Can Heat staff got together to discuss some of the more surprising revelations and important lessons that will influence the 2024-25 regular season.

Q: Which Heat starter did the most to change your expectations for him this season?

Wes Goldberg: Terry Rozier. Erik Spoelstra and the Heat kept telling us he could be a plus defender, but we rarely saw that during his years in Charlotte or his initial stint in Miami. He’s embraced being a point-of-attack deterrent and has become a defensive playmaker. It’s the sort of thing that can raise the Heat’s ceiling.

Daniel Riccio: Jimmy Butler. He has shown leadership and commitment to playing more games already. Butler played in four out of the five preseason games compared to zero the year prior. For the Heat to be at their best, they need their best player on the floor.

Alex Villasis: Tyler Herro. I love how Herro played off the ball and has made it clear he is ready to embrace a more off-ball role. The active hands on defense also caught my eye. I’m not expecting Herro to be a lockdown defender, but if more deflections and steals can be made the better.

Stephanie Meadows: Tyler Herro. From media day to the Heat’s preseason games, Herro’s newfound maturity and confidence have made me believe in him even more for this upcoming season. Not only did my expectations change for Tyler but my overall respect for him has grown tenfold. Seeing him fully embrace his role has been a joy to watch. He’s become a leader and a playmaker that will serve the team well and most importantly, win us games.

Q: Which Heat bench player were you most impressed with?

Goldberg: Haywood Highsmith showed some off-the-dribble pop that should help replace Caleb Martin. His 16 points off the bench in Wednesday’s win over the Hawks weren’t all of the catch-and-shoot variety. He made some nice cuts and attacked a closeout from the corner, using a side dribble to get into the middle of the defense and finish with a layup.

Riccio: I liked the play from Haywood Highsmith. And I believe he’s going to be a big bench piece for the Heat moving forward, especially with Caleb Martin’s departure. He provides a valuable 3-and-D game that can take some defensive pressure off of the starters. 

Villasis: Alec Burks showed the ability to be a productive floor spacer and someone who can score in bunches. That is what Burks is known for, but it’s always good to have a microwave scorer off the bench and give the Heat offense a boost if called upon.

Meadows: It’s hard to choose. I have a few standouts in mind. Duncan Robinson has continued to showcase versatility in his game and playmaking (his passing is underrated). Dru Smith doesn’t get enough credit; his defense has been outstanding, and has a high basketball IQ. But, I was mostly impressed with Haywood Highsmith and his improvement in his 3-point shooting accuracy and volume. 

Q: What is your top concern that wasn’t answered in the preseason?

Goldberg: We’re still waiting to see exactly how Erik Spoelstra will roll out his rotation. I don’t expect the hockey-style line shifts from preseason to continue in the regular season, so how will Spo stagger his starters’ minutes? How much will Rozier and Herro really play together? Will Butler and Adebayo continue to anchor different units? We’ll see. 

Riccio: My biggest concern is Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s floor-spacing abilities. He expressed an interest in improving his 3-point shot over the summer, but I didn’t see much volume in that department during the preseason. The confidence in his outside shot could play a major factor in his continued development.

Villasis: Backup center minutes. With Kevin Love’s age, the unknown of Kel’el Ware and Thomas Bryant being completely phased out of the rotation last season, I’m concerned about how the team will operate with Bam Adebayo off the floor.

Meadows: The rotations and how coach Spoelstra will pair players together. He said players will have to fight for their minutes this season and he wants to see who gels together best. Besides the starters, how many rotations will be used, and will it stay consistent? While there will always be changes and unpredictable things during the season, the coaching staff needs to nail down how they will operate without their best players on the floor.