As the 2024 NBA season approaches, the Miami Heat face a significant decision about their starting lineup. With Tyler Herro’s future in question, the team must evaluate potential replacements who can seamlessly fit into the role and complement the existing core. Coach Erik Spoelstra has a few compelling options to consider, each with its own strengths and potential drawbacks.
Jaime Jaquez Jr.
Promoting Jaime Jaquez Jr. to the starting role would mark a significant shift in the Heat’s strategy. In his rookie season, Jaquez served as a spot starter, often stepping in when Jimmy Butler was absent due to his similar playing style. Transitioning Jaquez to a regular starting position could be a way for the Heat to increase his responsibilities in his second year.
A lineup featuring Rozier, Jaquez, Butler, Nikola Jovic, and Bam Adebayo would create an intriguing dynamic. Although this lineup would lack a standout player in terms of size at each position, it would benefit from a lineup predominantly composed of players 6-foot-6 or taller. However, key concerns would be spacing and defense. Jaquez’s three-point shooting was a modest 32% last season, and although he is solid defensively, he is not among Miami’s top defenders.
For Jaquez to secure a starting spot, he would need to demonstrate significant improvement in his shooting during training camp and the preseason. As of now, it may be more advantageous for the Heat to use Jaquez as a versatile bench player who can lead the second unit effectively.
Josh Richardson
Josh Richardson presents a balanced option between offense and defense. Known for his ability to shoot the three-pointer more reliably than players like Highsmith and to defend better than Herro or Robinson, Richardson fits the profile of a “3-and-D” wing player. However, his career has seen him play for six different teams in the past five years, suggesting some inconsistency in his performance.
Richardson’s shooting from beyond the arc stands at 36% for his career, which is average, and his defensive prowess, while notable, can be inconsistent. In his first season back with the Heat, Richardson averaged 9.9 points per game and shot 34.7% from three. His season was cut short by a shoulder injury, but he was performing well before this setback. While Richardson may not reclaim a starting role akin to his 2017 and 2018 days, he remains a valuable backup option.
Haywood Highsmith
If the Heat aim to bolster their defense, Haywood Highsmith could be a strong candidate. Highsmith is an excellent perimeter defender who can guard multiple positions and has shown the ability to shut down hot scorers. His role in the previous season often involved disrupting opposing players’ scoring runs, a valuable asset for the Heat.
Highsmith, standing 6-foot-5 with a 6-foot-11 wingspan, might be considered undersized for a forward but could adapt well to a guard role. His 40% shooting from three last season adds to his appeal as a potential 3-and-D guard, similar to Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. However, his lower salary compared to other options and potential questions about offensive spacing might complicate his transition into the starting lineup.
Duncan Robinson
Duncan Robinson is another potential starter who offers a unique skill set. Despite Tyler Herro’s chemistry issues with Butler and Adebayo, Robinson has demonstrated a strong on-court synergy with both. Udonis Haslem even suggested moving Herro to the bench to start Robinson for better team chemistry.
Robinson’s ability to stretch the floor with his quick-release three-point shooting makes him a significant offensive asset. His presence on the court creates spacing, allowing Butler and Adebayo to operate more effectively in the paint. Robinson’s off-ball movement and shooting threat could be particularly valuable if the Heat decide to move Herro to a bench role, maintaining optimal spacing around their star players.
As Miami contemplates these options, the decision on who will replace Tyler Herro in the starting lineup will be crucial. Each candidate brings different strengths to the table, whether it’s Jaquez’s potential for growth, Richardson’s balanced skill set, Highsmith’s defensive prowess, or Robinson’s shooting ability. The choice will ultimately depend on what Coach Spoelstra believes will best complement the team’s core and address the Heat’s specific needs for the upcoming season.
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