When it comes to starting lineups, coach Erik Spoelstra is no stranger to mixing things up. Unfortunately, injuries have forced him into that position over recent years. At full strength, the Heat’s regular first unit this past season featured Terry Rozier, Tyler Herro, Jimmy Butler, Nikola Jovic and Bam Adebayo. That group is also the likely projected lineup going into the new campaign.
As beautiful as it sounds to slide Adebayo to the power forward position and pairing him with the 7-foot Kel’el Ware, Spoelstra probably won’t go that route right out of the gate. As talented and hungry Ware may be, he still has raw potential that needs to be worked into NBA action as a rookie. This notion could change deeper into the season, but for now Jovic seems more relied on with his proven experience.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. will be a candidate for a major role, regardless if he isn’t a starter. ESPN had him slated as a Sixth Man of the Year candidate in a recent article. A sophomore leap from what was already an impressive rookie season from Jaquez could help elevate this Heat team.
With all this being said, how different could an opening night lineup look like a year from now for the 2025-26 season? With Jimmy Butler’s impending free agency and/or room for role changes from core guys, there could be a lot of possibilities.... but here is a realistic first unit that could pose a real threat to teams around the league.
PG: Tyler Herro
Herro’s playmaking ability is something that the Heat covet, and there have been a lot of performances to justify that. He put together a pair of elite outings in that role during last season’s play-in and first round series following Rozier’s injury.
The growth in his game each season has included increasing assists, going from 2.2 as a rookie to 4.5 last year. It has been a gradual increase but the older he gets, the more the ball will be in his hands to create offense. Herro has so much offensive talent that having him at the point guard position regularly could work out as a combo guard.
An everyday role as such could mean a change for Rozier in any future rotations if he sticks around. However, Rozier has expressed a willingness to play in any role necessary to help the team. A sixth man type of position is something he could thrive in, adding some much needed scoring balance and provide a way to have the ball in his hands more with bench groups.