The Miami Heat have been one of the most active teams in the NBA since the start of the offseason. They’ve doubled down on a veteran-centric approach, extending one while bringing in a few others who are north of 30 years old.
The team’s biggest move was a sign-and-trade for veteran point guard Kyle Lowry (which has apparently drawn the ire of the tampering gods). Miami had to give up long-time guard Goran Dragic and prospect Precious Achiuwa to try and capitalize on a small championship window.
Next up was P.J. Tucker, fresh off winning a championship with the Milwaukee Bucks. The 36-year-old signed with the Heat, joining Duncan Robinson and Victor Oladipo, who each re-signed with the team.
The Miami Heat have a veteran-laden squad with several new additions. How do their starters rank entering the 2021-22 season?
Arguably the biggest move by the team was locking up Jimmy Butler to a long-term extension. His four-year, $184 million extension will keep Butler in Miami through the 2025-26 season when he’ll be in his mid-30s.
With all of their moves, Miami will almost certainly have one of the oldest starting fives in the NBA next season. Odds are that it will also be one of the best.
Miami has three players that are essentially locked to starting spots: Lowry at point guard, Butler at small forward, and Bam Adebayo at center. The other two spots are more open to interpretation. A lack of major power forward options will likely result in Tucker getting the nod there. There could be a battle at shooting guard, but Robinson’s new extension makes him the favorite for the spot.
With that five in mind, here’s how the starters stack up against one another for the Heat.