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2 Heat players whose stock is rising, 1 whose stock is falling fast

The Miami Heat are 1-4 over their last five games. Here are two players who have played well during that span, and one whose spot in the rotation is in question.

By Max Marshall

Indiana Pacers v Miami Heat
Indiana Pacers v Miami Heat / Megan Briggs/GettyImages
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Stock Down: Thomas Bryant ⬇️

Nov 25, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Miami Heat center Thomas Bryant (31) dances during pregame
Nov 25, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Miami Heat center Thomas Bryant (31) dances during pregame / John Jones-USA TODAY Sports

Thomas Bryant has logged seven DNP-CDs over Miami's last 11 games. After starting the season as Bam Adebayo's primary backup, he's been surpassed on the depth chart by Kevin Love and second-year center Orlando Robinson. With Adebayo sidelined for Saturday's loss to the Pacers, coach Erik Spoelstra opted to start Robinson over Bryant. Bryant didn't see the floor despite the injuries.

The reason for Bryant's ousting from the rotation is defense. The fact that he has struggled on that end shouldn't be surprising if you've followed his career. Bryant is slow-footed and isn't an ideal fit in Spoelstra's scheme, which demands a lot out of its center. If Bryant isn't producing on offense, he becomes a net negative.

Unlike Bryant, Love can make an impact despite his defensive shortcomings. Love is slow-footed as well, but he is a good team defender and rebounder. Offensively, he makes an impact because he's a threat from 3-point range and can create points with his famous outlet passes.

Unless something changes on the roster, or the Heat deal with injuries to multiple big men, it will be tough for Bryant to reclaim a spot in the rotation this season.

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