MIAMI – The Miami Heat are staying busy, even if their moves lack fireworks. Norman Powell, Simone Fontecchio, and Davion Mitchell are all in. Haywood Highsmith is out, shipped to Brooklyn in a cap-driven move. His exit matters more for accounting than basketball. Still, it reshapes the roster. So where does that leave the Heat’s Starting five and the rotation behind it?
Miami Heat’s Starting Five After Trading Highsmith
Tyler Herro Leads the Backcourt
Tyler Herro remains the focal point. He averaged 23.9 points per game last season on 60.5 true shooting. He also handed out 5.5 assists, making him both scorer and facilitator.
Herro is productive, but questions linger about his ceiling. If he is the No. 1 option, the Heat remain capped. As a second or third piece, he fits a contender perfectly. That reality fuels Miami’s push for financial flexibility. They’re still hunting for a star to put in front of him. His upcoming extension, which he becomes eligible for on October 1st, could add another layer to this season.
Powell Adds Scoring Punch
Powell is the swing move of the summer. Miami pried him loose from the Clippers as they punted on extending him. Powell averaged 21.8 points per game last year, even while battling injuries.
In December, he spiked to 25.6 points per game. That production makes him a real upgrade. His defense is streaky, but his scoring provides balance to the Heat’s Starting five. Miami rarely gets instant offense outside of Herro— Powell changes that equation.
Wiggins Brings Two-Way Potential
Andrew Wiggins remains a mystery box. On Golden State, he showed he could be the second-best player on a title team. But he has played less than 65 games in four of the last five seasons.
When available, Wiggins gives Miami a two-way weapon. He can defend elite wings while chipping in over 18 points per night. If he stays on the court, he stabilizes the rotation. If not, Miami risks leaning too heavily on unproven depth.
Bam Adebayo’s Bounce Back
Bam Adebayo still anchors Miami’s defense. He slipped offensively last season, averaging 18.1 points, his lowest in five years. His three-point shot, though, showed signs of progress. He hit 35.7 percent on increased volume.
If Adebayo pushes that number into the high 30s, the floor changes. Defenses will have to respect his jumper. That spacing could elevate the entire Heat’s Starting five.
Kel’el Ware at Center
Kel’el Ware earned Spoelstra’s trust. He started 36 games as a rookie and made the All-Rookie Second Team. Ware offers rebounding, rim protection, and flashes of shooting.
He posted 15 double-doubles, showing future-starter potential. Miami views him as a long-term piece. His growth will be one of the quiet storylines of the season.
Bench Rotation: Depth Questions Remain
Terry Rozier headlines the second unit. His scoring has dipped after leaving Charlotte, but a bounce-back season could put him in Sixth Man contention.
Davion Mitchell brings elite defense, though Powell’s arrival pushes him to a bench role. Fontecchio adds shooting, while Nikola Jovic and Jaime Jaquez remain projects the team refused to trade.
Together, this rotation looks balanced but not elite. The Heat’s Starting five carries the load, but the bench will decide how far this team goes.
The Heat’s Starting Five Gives Them a Chance to Make Some Noise
Trading Highsmith gave Miami financial breathing room. The Heat’s rotation now looks clear, but questions linger about ceiling and consistency.
For Miami, the season hinges on growth, and whether a superstar arrives. Until then, this is a team built to grind out wins — not chase headlines.
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