Heading into the team's first year build around Giannis Antetokounmpo, the depth issues are a natural cause for concern. However, if we take the Miami Heat's recent track record as a reference, their ability to make developmental finds should calm many of those worries.
As the Heat managed to do so time and time again in the past, they'll almost certainly find other hidden gems to help beef up the team's depth around their core rotation. While there are other valid concerns when it comes to shooting and playmaking, you pretty much have to trust that the Heat will find enough depth to build out a competitive roster around Giannis.
Over the last half-decade, the Heat has continuously churned out quality players seemingly out of thin air. Whether it was Josh Richardson, Kendrick Nunn, Derrick Jones Jr., Duncan Robinson, Max Strus, Gabe Vincent, Caleb Martin, Haywood Highsmith, and most recently Pelle Larsson, the Heat has found a way to create competitive advantages in the margins.
With the new season on the horizon, the Heat need to make another desperate find. Fortunately enough, they have always seemed to come through when they've needed it most. And, in fact, there's an argument to be made that their next hidden gem may already be on their roster and in their developmental pipeline.
Is the Heat's next hidden gem already on the roster?
With the offseason quickly winding down, many are focused on how the Heat are going to finalize this roster around Giannis, and rightfully so. Miami has three roster spots remaining and is expected to fill at least two of them before the start of training camp.
But there may be reason to believe that one of the unknown players already on the roster could end up playing a contributing role, in a surprising way, by the end of the season.
Currently on their roster, the Heat have three players who could grow into that unexpected hidden gem candidate this season. Ryan Conwell, Myron Gardner, and Tre Donaldson are three players to keep a close eye on heading into this year.
Conwell was the team's second-round pick who has already flashed much potential during his summer league stint. For a team that could use some added wing and backcourt depth, his development could play a huge role sooner rather than later.
Gardner is no stranger to Heat fans, and even contributed slightly more than expected late in the season. However, he's yet to take a stranglehold on a spot in the rotation. That could change this season, especially if he has a strong training camp showing.
Then, there's Tre Donaldson. He's currently on a two-way contract, but that could change if he emerges as a potential rotational piece for the team this season. It wouldn't be that rare for the Heat to sign Donaldson to a standard deal midway through the year if they believe he's developing quicker than expected.
All this to say, the Heat will figure it out. And if history is any indication, there's a good chance that the team's next hidden gem, a piece of the team's answer to their depth issues, may already be on their roster.
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