3. Trevor Ariza
Following the pivotal trade that brought in Jae Crowder in 2020, the formula of placing a small ball power forward next to Bam Adebayo in the frontcourt seemed to work. With Crowder’s departure coming relatively quickly after just a half of a season in Miami, there was a hole at that position. The season after their bubble run was filled with scrambling to find different guys that could replace Crowder.
Trevor Ariza became one of those replacements, following a buyout acquisition after the 2021 deadline. Ariza was once an elite 3-and-D role player who could play either of the forward positions, but it was clear at 35 years old that those days were well behind him after his arrival. He initially showed productive signs towards the end of that regular season, but things got worse heading into the playoffs.
The Heat found themselves playing against the eventual NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks in the first round, featuring Ariza as a playoff starter. It’s hard to remember if he even hit a single 3-pointer in that series... but it was also the defense that became a liability rather quickly.