{"id":94171,"date":"2024-09-03T16:30:16","date_gmt":"2024-09-03T20:30:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=94171"},"modified":"2024-09-03T16:30:16","modified_gmt":"2024-09-03T20:30:16","slug":"nba-rumors-heat-will-have-multiple-position-battles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/09\/03\/nba-rumors-heat-will-have-multiple-position-battles\/","title":{"rendered":"NBA Rumors: Heat Will Have Multiple Position Battles"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>With the 2024-25 season quickly approaching, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/butleji01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jimmy Butler<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/a\/adebaba01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bam Adebayo<\/a> may be the Miami Heat\u2019s only guaranteed starters. According to Five Reasons Sports, the Heat \u201chave two definite starters and the other spots will be subject to competition.\u201d<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">I was told this weekend that the Heat have two definite starters and the other spots will be subject to competition.<\/p>\n<p>Put it on Off the Floor first.<\/p>\n<p>Discuss there:<a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/izwgN0S6Dy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/t.co\/izwgN0S6Dy<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Five Reasons Sports \ud83c\udfc0\ud83c\udfc8\u26be\ufe0f\ud83c\udfd2\u26bd\ufe0f (@5ReasonsSports) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/5ReasonsSports\/status\/1830693324891578554?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">September 2, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>This likely leaves <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/herroty01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tyler Herro<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/r\/roziete01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Terry Rozier<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/j\/jovicni01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nikola Jovic<\/a> in a position where they have to defend their right to be in the first unit.<\/p>\n<h2>Heat Will Have Multiple Position Battles<\/h2>\n<p>Rozier, Herro, and Jovic could be the leaders in the clubhouse with regard to their starting spots. Regardless, they\u2019ve all displayed flaws that make them vulnerable.<\/p>\n<p>The primary problem is that this trio can\u2019t stay healthy, and that reared its ugly head in the 2024 NBA Playoffs. Yet, the Heat\u2019s lack of size has also stood out like a sore thumb. Miami is a weak rebounding team, lacks ideal rim-protection, and they\u2019re poor finishers inside.<\/p>\n<h3>Addressing The Frontcourt Issue<\/h3>\n<p>Jovic\u2019s competition for a starting spot may be rookie <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/w\/wareke01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kel\u2019el Ware<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The 15th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Ware\u2019s strong performance in Summer League has many <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/08\/13\/1-question-for-each-miami-heat-rookie\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">wondering if he\u2019s on deck<\/a> to be the Heat\u2019s starting center. The fact that Adebayo was playing power forward for Team USA at the same time adds credence to that belief.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Best of Kel&#039;el Ware: 2024 NBA Summer League Highlights\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/naRwiA1iPx8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>A true 7-footer, Ware would give their frontcourt traditional size. Though he still needs to get stronger, he looks like he\u2019ll be a solid rebounder and efficient finisher. His rare ability to be a shot-blocker and floor-spacer increases his value to the Heat.<\/p>\n<h3>Tyler Herro\u2019s Spot Up For Grabs?<\/h3>\n<p>Herro, the 2022 Sixth Man of the Year, might be returning to the bench as well.<\/p>\n<p>He knows how to put points on the board and he\u2019s a respectable playmaker. However, he\u2019s a streaky scorer who fails to create many defensive events. Though he has perhaps the strongest case to start, he\u2019s arguably better suited to man the second unit.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s a role that Rozier could also play. Yet, he\u2019s been a full-time starter for five consecutive seasons. If he continues to start for the Heat, it may be best to put a low-usage 3-and-D archetype beside him. A play initiator, pick-and-roll operator, and scorer, having a high-usage guard with him in the backcourt is arguably counterproductive.<\/p>\n<p>This leaves the possibility open that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/r\/richajo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Josh Richardson<\/a> gets a chance to start. A defensive-minded veteran wing, he\u2019s made 36.4 percent of his career 3s. Thus, he can play the vaunted 3-and-D role. The only problem is that he tends to go hot and cold behind the arc.<\/p>\n<h4>A Kyle Lowry Remix?<\/h4>\n<p>The Heat could consider moving Rozier to shooting guard. This is a position he\u2019s quite familiar with after sharing the backcourt with Charlotte Hornets playmaker <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/ballla01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">LaMelo Ball<\/a>. More importantly, it\u2019s one where he still has a defensive edge.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Isaiah Stevens - Full Summer League Highlights\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ZsgqBi4Pdo0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>If Miami was to put Rozier at the two, it\u2019s possible that they\u2019d entertain starting <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/s\/steveis01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Isaiah Stevens<\/a> at point guard.<\/p>\n<p>While a rookie, the 23-year-old was a five-year starter at Colorado State. His experience, basketball IQ, court vision, and passing prowess that of a true floor general, <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/07\/24\/miamis-draft-picks-impress-in-victorious-summer-league\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">he fits the mold<\/a> of a few former Heat point guards. In fact, as a table-setter and catch-and-shoot threat without an aggressive scoring mentality, he\u2019s eerily reminiscent of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/l\/lowryky01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kyle Lowry<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Miami starting Stevens, Rozier, Butler, Adebayo and Ware might not be sexy on paper. There are two rookies and a lot of pressure. However, it could be the most sensible lineup on the court, where the game is played.<\/p>\n<h3>Any Other Options?<\/h3>\n<p>Not to be forgotten are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/j\/jaqueja01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jaime Jaquez Jr.<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/highsha01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Haywood Highsmith<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/r\/robindu01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Duncan Robinson<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/l\/loveke01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kevin Love<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Jaquez is probably the most popular option, becoming a fan favorite last season. Drafted 18th overall in 2023, the forward\u2019s scoring instincts and intensity led to All-Rookie honors. Yet, Jaquez made just 32.2 percent of his 3s, a concern if he was to start.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Jaime Jaquez Jr. | ROOKIE SCORING HIGHLIGHTS | Miami Heat 23-24\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/aKQy67RHFwk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Highsmith is arguably the team\u2019s best perimeter defender. On a team that prides itself for their ability to suffocate opponents, this could make him a dark horse candidate to start. Helping him is that he made a career-high 39.6 percent of his 3s last season. However, Smith\u2019s a mediocre rebounder, so he may have to slide to shooting guard, if possible.<\/p>\n<p>Robinson and Love are, first and foremost, elite 3-point shooters. Love, a potential Hall of Famer, has also long been an impressive rebounder and playmaker. Both options to start at power forward, their biggest issue is defense.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With the 2024-25 season quickly approaching, Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo may be the Miami Heat\u2019s only guaranteed starters. According to Five Reasons Sports, the Heat \u201chave two definite starters and the other spots will be subject to competition.\u201d I was told this weekend that the Heat have two definite starters and the other spots [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5008,"featured_media":94178,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[16,1608,62,556],"tags":[2803,49252,49563,49152,254,49143,227,49503,4515,427,1896],"class_list":["post-94171","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-heat","category-basketball","category-nba","category-nba-draft","tag-duncan-robinson","tag-haywood-highsmith","tag-isaiah-stevens","tag-jaime-jaquez-jr","tag-josh-richardson","tag-kelel-ware","tag-kevin-love","tag-nba-training-camp","tag-nikola-jovic","tag-terry-rozier","tag-tyler-herro"],"modified_by":"Quenton S Albertie","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/94171","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5008"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=94171"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/94171\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/94178"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=94171"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=94171"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=94171"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}