Heat depth chart already an intriguing mix, as Damian Lillard Watch continues
MIAMI — As the Damian Lillard Watch continues, it could be argued that the Miami Heat have an interim roster in place.
But the lessons of recent offseasons, including last summer when it was the Kevin Durant Watch and Donovan Mitchell Watch, is that sometimes what you see is what you get.
To that end, the Heat’s initial work at the start of NBA free agency also could largely be the team’s final offseason work.
As often is the case, taking stock of an Erik Spoelstra roster can be particularly tricky, considering his position-less approach and considering the position-less nature of those added, including, most recently, Josh Richardson, Thomas Bryant and Jaime Jaquez Jr.
For now, 13 of the 15 regular-season spots on the roster are filled. Teams also can carry three two-way players during the regular-season, with a maximum of 21 under contract during the offseason.
So as rumors swirl, a look at where this latest Pat Riley iteration stands at the moment in terms of a depth chart.
Center: 1. Bam Adebayo, 2. Thomas Bryant, 3. Orlando Robinson.
While there remains ongoing thought of Adebayo as a power forward, the reality is that he has been, is, and will be the team’s starting center until the addition of an elite true center changes that thinking.
In Bryant, there is a big man who can score from the perimeter, as well as mix it up on the boards and provide more rest for Adebayo than Cody Zeller afforded.
As for Robinson, the shift to a standard contract does not mean a role is guaranteed.
Power forward: 1. Kevin Love, 2. Haywood Highsmith, 3. Nikola Jovic.
There are several ways it can go here, depending on if Spoelstra decides to go big or small with his lineups, having alternated during the playoff run to and through the NBA Finals.
For now, figure on Love getting first crack at starting in light of his willingness to return on a minimal contract, a move that also added to the team’s spacing.
With Highsmith, the only way to get a read on his possibilities is through playing time. The regular season is the best time to take such measure.
As for Jovic, the intrigue is there, with minutes also possibly there, considering Love will be 35 at the start of next season.
Small forward: 1. Jimmy Butler, 2. Caleb Martin.
Butler is the given here, but there also is the given of him missing 20 or more games. Just because.
By slotting Martin here instead of as a starter elsewhere, possibly at power forward, it provides a ready-to-go option when an alternate starting small forward is needed. Martin will play a lot, and play everywhere.
Shooting guard: 1. Duncan Robinson, 2, Josh Richardson, 3. Jaime Jaquez Jr.
This will be an interesting call, if Robinson remains on the roster, when it comes to the Heat seeing if Robinson’s postseason rival was a sign of what comes next. This also would provide spacing among the first five.
Richardson’s greatest value could be his versatility, which presents a strong case for holding him in reserve as an option at all three wing spots.
As for Jaquez, his playing time and his role will be a factor of how quickly he gets up to speed with the NBA game.
Point guard: 1. Tyler Herro, 2. Kyle Lowry.
That’s if either/or remain when the smoke has cleared by the start of training camp.
It would appear unlikely that Herro would be asked to step back to a reserve role, even if he is not considered a true point guard.
As for Lowry, there is something to be said about, at 37, saving some mileage in a reserve role.
The two-way options: 1. Jamal Cain, 2. Dru Smith, 3. Jamaree Bouyea.
Cain yet could wind up being slotted into one of the two remaining spots on the standard roster,
Smith proved at the start of last season he can fill in during a pinch and produce at point guard.
As for Bouyea, there is something to be said about instant offense in reserve during the dog days of the season.