The Miami Heat have had a roller-coaster season thus far. They started the season in a rut, going just 1–4 before finding their footing and reeling off seven straight games. However, ahead of the trade deadline, they struggled, even losing seven straight games late last month, suggesting that they needed reinforcements.
They might not have made the splashiest of moves but they did improve by swapping out Kyle Lowry for Terry Rozier and now adding recently bought-out point guard Delon Wright. Those moves should give them more shooting with Rozier and a defensive boost with Wright. But what does their depth chart look like for the second half of the season? Let's take a look.
Heat Depth Chart
Point Guards: Terry Rozier, Delon Wright
Shooting Guards: Tyler Herro, Josh Richardson, and Dru Smith
Small Forwards: Jimmy Butler, Jamie Jacquez Jr., Duncan Robinson, Caleb Martin, and Cole Swider
Power Forward: Kevin Love, Haywood Highsmith, Nikola Jovic, and Jamal Cain
Centers: Bam Adebayo, Thomas Bryant, and Orlando Smith
The Heat have managed to build a deep roster, particularly on the perimeter with Herro, Butler, Richardson, Martin, and Robinson. Adding Wright will give them an active defender who could see time going up against the likes of Jalen Brunson, Tyrese Maxey, and Damian Lillard in the playoffs. That's not bad for a mid-season signing.
Few players in the NBA have defensive instincts & motor like Delon Wright
— NBA University (@NBA_University) September 28, 2023
He’s a joy to watch give everyone hell on the perimeter. Has incredible hands & sense for the ball. 99th percentile steals per 75 poss. 98th percentile deflections. ELITE passing lane deterrent. Underrated pic.twitter.com/SpOGGVqjxc
Even still, they face a tough, though not impossible, path back to the NBA Finals. Last season, they were also 30-25 at the all-star break and might finish better than they did last season. They went just 14-13 over the final 27 games but have the sixth-easiest remaining schedule this season.
With a better team and an easier schedule, they could easily get up to fourth and avoid the play-in tournament, not to mention having home court for at least one round. Ultimately, the Heat appear to be in the perfect position as they head into the second half of the season.