The Miami Heat are coming off a disappointing season by their own high standards. After finishing 8th in the Eastern Conference with a 46-36 record, their season was largely derailed by injuries to key players like Jimmy Butler and midseason addition Terry Rozier.

Without Butler and Rozier, the Heat were unable to overcome the Boston Celtics in the playoffs, ending their season earlier than expected. However, with their core healthy and hungry to bounce back, Miami is looking to make another deep playoff run, a hallmark of the franchise in recent years.

Here’s a breakdown of their projected starting lineup and key reserves for the 2024-25 season.

Point Guard (PG)

Starter: Terry Rozier

Reserves: Josh Richardson, Alec Burks, Zyon Pullin

Terry Rozier joined the Heat during the trade deadline last season, bringing a much-needed scoring boost. He averaged 16.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game while shooting 42.3% from the field and 37.1% from three-point range. Unfortunately, Rozier missed the playoffs due to injury, and the Heat struggled without his offensive firepower. Now healthy, Rozier will be a crucial part of Miami’s backcourt, providing scoring and playmaking alongside Tyler Herro.

Josh Richardson returns to Miami as a versatile defender and capable scorer off the bench, while Alec Burks brings veteran experience and additional shooting. Zyon Pullin, a young prospect, will add further depth at the point guard position.

Shooting Guard (SG)

Starter: Tyler Herro

Reserves: Duncan Robinson, Nassir Little, Josh Christopher

Tyler Herro missed 40 games last season due to injury, and his absence was felt as Miami struggled to find consistent scoring. Herro averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game while shooting 44.1% from the field and 39.6% from three-point range. The Heat will be hoping Herro can stay healthy and provide the elite scoring and shooting they need. Herro’s ability to space the floor and create his own shot is vital to Miami’s success.

Duncan Robinson, one of the league’s premier three-point shooters, remains a key piece off the bench, capable of stretching defenses with his shooting. Nassir Little adds athleticism and defensive versatility, while Josh Christopher brings additional scoring punch to the second unit.

Small Forward (SF)

Starter: Jimmy Butler

Reserves: Haywood Highsmith, Pelle Larsson, Isaiah Stevens, Caleb Daniels

Jimmy Butler, the embodiment of “Heat Culture,” missed 22 games last season due to injury. Despite the missed time, Butler still averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game while shooting 49.9% from the field and 41.4% from three-point range. Butler’s leadership and ability to perform in clutch moments make him indispensable to the Heat.

However, staying healthy will be key, as Miami’s success in the playoffs depends on Butler being at full strength. Butler has two years remaining on his contract, with a player option for the final year, and will be hoping for an extension to finish his career in Miami.

Haywood Highsmith is a versatile defender who provides energy and hustle off the bench, while Pelle Larsson, Isaiah Stevens, and Caleb Daniels will add further depth to the small forward rotation.

Power Forward (PF)

Starter: Nikola Jovic

Reserves: Jaime Jaquez, Ke’lel Ware, Dru Smith

Nikola Jovic had a promising sophomore season, averaging 7.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game while shooting 45.2% from the field and 39.9% from beyond the arc. Jovic’s ability to stretch the floor and his growing versatility make him a valuable piece in Miami’s frontcourt. The Heat will be hoping he can continue his upward trajectory and solidify himself as a key starter.

Jaime Jaquez, who averaged 11.9 points and 3.8 rebounds per game last season, will also be in contention for the starting power forward spot. Jaquez is a skilled scorer who can play multiple positions, adding depth to the Heat’s lineup. Ke’lel Ware and Dru Smith provide additional size and youth to the rotation.

Center (C)

Starter: Bam Adebayo

Reserves: Kevin Love, Thomas Bryant, Keshad Johnson

Bam Adebayo continues to be the anchor for the Heat on both ends of the floor. Adebayo had another excellent season, averaging 19.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game while shooting 52.1% from the field. His ability to defend multiple positions, facilitate the offense, and score efficiently in the paint makes him one of the most versatile big men in the league. The Heat will be relying on Adebayo to lead them both defensively and offensively, especially when Butler is resting.

Veteran Kevin Love brings experience and floor spacing off the bench, providing three-point shooting and rebounding. Thomas Bryant, a capable backup center, will give Miami additional size and scoring in the post. Keshad Johnson is a young prospect who adds depth to the frontcourt.

The Miami Heat have the talent to make another deep playoff run, but their success will largely depend on health. Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro, and Terry Rozier all missed significant time last season, and the Heat struggled to find consistency without them. If the team can stay healthy, they have the pieces to be dangerous in the playoffs.

With Bam Adebayo leading the charge on both ends of the floor, and players like Herro, Rozier, and Butler providing scoring and playmaking, Miami has the firepower to compete with the top teams in the Eastern Conference. Additionally, young talents like Nikola Jovic and Jaime Jaquez will be key to Miami’s depth and versatility.

Though they are likely to be a team fighting for a playoff spot, once the Heat make it to the postseason, they are always a threat to go on a run. Erik Spoelstra, one of the best coaches in the league, knows how to maximize his roster, and the Heat will hope to capture the same magic that has taken them to deep playoff runs in the past. If they can remain healthy and continue their characteristic gritty play, the sky is the limit for Miami.

Here are all the projected lineups we’ve done so far:

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