Miami Heat: Addition of Jimmy Butler sparks optimism for 2019-20
By Simon Smith
2019-20 roster
Key additions: Jimmy Butler (sign-and-trade), Meyers Leonard (trade), Tyler Herro (draft)
Key subtractions: Dwyane Wade (retired), Josh Richardson (trade), Hassan Whiteside (trade)
As mentioned already, the addition of Butler gives the Heat roster a vastly different outlook. Put simply, the addition of a legitimate alpha-scorer and a player who has already been the lead guy on multiple teams while still being in his prime is a no-brainer for the Heat front office.
The other component in the deal, Meyers Leonard, could also prove a very handy piece moving forward. While not possessing the interior defensive prowess or rebounding capabilities of Whiteside, Leonard’s ability to not only spread the floor, but also accept a secondary role to Bam Adebayo, should benefit the overall morale of the Heat both on the floor and in the locker room.
https://twitter.com/MiamiHEAT/status/1152309013431967745?s=20
The overall makeup of the 2019-20 roster started taking shape at the trade deadline last season, when the Heat dealt away guards Tyler Johnson and Wayne Ellington. When you add in the departures of Wade and Richardson this offseason, the Heat backcourt is going to have a decidedly different look.
With Justise Winslow the early favorite to start at the point, the guard rotation will round out with Dion Waiters, Goran Dragic and Tyler Herro competing for the remaining minutes.
In all, the roster certainly appears much more balanced on paper, which hopefully translate to an improved overall performance on the court.