4. Kyle Lowry
Kyle Lowry turned the corner of his season in the Lakers victory, especially that big play drawing a charge on LeBron James that proved to be a difference-maker in a narrow 108-107 win.
Before that point, fans had begun to question his place in the starting five.
Then, the 37-year-old followed up on the Lakers victory with an incredible display following Herro’s ankle sprain. He recorded 17 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists – one short of a triple-double. Nobody seriously thought he still had that in his bag even three games ago.
If Lowry can maintain consistency on the offensive end and be a greater threat from downtown, it will make up some of the points lost with Herro injured. The six-time All-Star is more than capable, but after a lackluster start to the season, the veteran needs to build on this momentum.
But for Herro’s absence to be softened, the Heat need to spread the load across the team.
These four guys stepping up, plus consistent performers Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Haywood Highsmith, will give Spoelstra a reliable rotation. JJJ, most notably with the dagger against the Grizzlies, needs to continue making an impact with his intelligent plays. Highsmith, now a fan favorite, is close to cementing his place in the starting lineup.
With so much stock being put into this team’s depth right now, it’s time to see what they can do.