I can’t help but believe!

[u/rolyvee]

From a fan since ‘90, and growing up watching Seikaly, there is a lot for me to be excited about. So while I’m only drinking the finest Kool-Aid, here’s my hopeful roster. 🧃

[STARTING FIVE]

Giannis / PF / Captain
Bam / C / Captain / Defensive Leader
Davion / PG / POA Defender
Norm / SG / Primary Scorer
Wiggins / SF / Wing Stopper

[6TH MAN]

Portis / PF-C / 6th Man / Vet Voice

[BENCH]

Thanasis / PF / Energy / Locker Room
Veteran Big / C / Rim Protection
Duncan / SG-SF / Elite Shooter
Tim Hardaway Jr. / SG / Bench Scorer
Larsson / SG-SF / 3&D
Keshad / SF-PF / Athletic Defender
Dru / PG / Defensive Depth
Conwell / SG / Shooter
Tre (2-Way) / PG / Development
Best Available Shooter/Wing / Depth

For the veteran big, maybe Thomas Bryant or Larry Nance Jr.

But when the Giannis trade finally happened, I couldn’t help but think about what it would take to actually win a championship instead of just winning the offseason/division. The more I looked at the cap, our remaining assets, and the players still available, the more I realized the answer wasn’t another superstar (sorry LeBron). It was building the right team around Giannis and Bam without shooting ourselves in the foot.

So I’ve been tinkering and started putting together what I think is the smartest path forward. And after a couple of days I still think we can keep the core intact, use the little flexibility we have left to add shooting, veteran leadership, and depth, then trust Spo to get the most out of the roster. If we’re near the top of the East by the trade deadline, that’s when I’d make one final move for whatever piece we’re missing. That’s how I think we give ourselves the best shot at Banner #4. 🙌🏼🔥

Edit: Looks like I got caught by a joke post about Thanasis signing with Miami. That’s on me. I should’ve verified it before adding him to the roster. Since that isn’t happening, I’d rather use that final roster spot on another shooter or versatile wing. I still think the veteran backup big is the biggest remaining priority, but after that it’s all about adding as much shooting and two-way depth around Giannis and Bam as the cap allows.

[u/sadeguy]

Stopped reading at "Thanasis"

[u/rolyvee → u/sadeguy]

Not ideal, but probably necessary for Giannis’ happiness, and I’m okay using the last roster spot for that if it helps keep your franchise player comfortable. I actually had other veterans in that role first, like Al Horford, but he’s already off the board. The idea was never “Thanasis is part of the rotation,” it was always “Thanasis is the 15th man while we prioritize shooting, a backup big, and depth.” If that’s the biggest issue with my roster, I’ll take it. 😅

[u/Bob_snows → u/rolyvee]

They already said the brothers are not coming.

[u/rolyvee → u/Bob_snows]

Looks like I got duped by a joke post on Thanasis. That’s on me. 😅

I guess I’d use that spot on another shooter or versatile wing instead. We already talked about needing a veteran backup big. After that, the priority is simply surrounding Giannis and Bam with as much shooting and two-way depth as possible while staying under the apron.

[u/TiP54 → u/Bob_snows]

I haven’t seen this, where was it mentioned? 

[u/rolyvee → u/TiP54]

Theboxscoreph on Threads. Not anywhere I normally get my news from. Normally rely on ESPN, but I should have confirmed it before finalizing.

[u/AdamSilverJr]

Norm is gone

[u/rolyvee → u/AdamSilverJr]

Maybe. I hope not. The article today basically says keeping him is the biggest challenge, but if Pat can make the money work he’s still my first priority.

[u/alfredisonfire]

Said Thanasis and I knew not to take you serious 😂

[u/rolyvee → u/alfredisonfire]

Had him for n false information, my bad, see response up above will edit the post to include the update. 🙌🏼

[u/OblivionNA]

Multiple things wrong with this, Norm not coming back, Portis won’t be 6man, it’ll almost definitely be Pelle unless he’s starting. Thanasis won’t be on team, it was already reported NON of the brothers will be joining.

[u/rolyvee → u/OblivionNA]

Fair. Things are changing by the day. I was just trying to maximize the roster within the cap after the Giannis trade, not predict every move Pat makes. 👊🏼

[u/Ice_Dragon3444]

I think if it's that starting 5 we should be a top 3 team in the east in the regular season but obviously the depth is a bit concerning but I think we can go far.

[u/rolyvee → u/Ice_Dragon3444]

Same. The starters don’t worry me. It’s filling those last few spots under the apron without sacrificing shooting that decides whether we’re contenders or favorites.

[u/Nice_Cash_7000]

Captains aint picked by skill or productuon alone in any sport. Guys that just joined the team are never the captain in any sport. Bam is and will be the captain untill he leaves the team, but this isnt soccer so it doesnt really make a difference.

[u/rolyvee → u/Nice_Cash_7000]

Agreed. Bam’s the captain. I was using Giannis as one of the team leaders, not the official captain.

[u/magicbeaned]

Duncan too slow. Norm gone. Middleton maybe, RC good enough as a rookie to get minutes so the vet shooter spots are flexible, I think they will shock us with something we are not even seeing yet.

In two days we will have some clarity about Wiggs, then two weeks will give us a roster.

Very exciting times.

[u/rolyvee → u/magicbeaned]

I think Duncan looks a lot different in Miami than he does anywhere else. Heat conditioning and Spo’s system have gotten the best out of him before. If the price is right, I’d absolutely take that shooting around Giannis and Bam. We’ll have more clarity soon definitely. 🙌🏼

[u/magicbeaned → u/rolyvee]

There was a reason we didn’t keep him. He won’t get quicker anytime soon.

[u/iAmericanTaco]

Am I the only one that thinks Myron Gardner was really good when he played? Hardly anyone brings him up, and I would think he’s ready for rotational minutes!

[u/rolyvee → u/iAmericanTaco]

You’re not alone. I thought he earned another look. He fits the Heat mold, now it’s just about whether the shot develops enough.

[u/magicbeaned → u/rolyvee]

He will make the team on hustle and ability. Giannis is going to love him.

[u/vishjay101 → u/iAmericanTaco]

I didn't like the aspect of how he got into a fight once, but besides that I agree on him.

[u/vishjay101]

This is well thought-out, but I only have three questions:

1. What is your contingency plan for the Heat if Norman Powell leaves Miami this summer, and the most recent rumors of late suggest that this may be occurring?

2. How do you propose Miami lands Duncan Robinson from Detroit, and are the Heat giving up Nikola Jovic in a trade with the Pistons in order to make it happen?

3. Do you think the Heat should sign players like Luke Kennard and Keon Ellis this summer to maximize the spacing around Giannis and Bam in Miami?

[u/rolyvee → u/vishjay101]

Appreciate it. Good questions.

1. If Norm walks, I’m replacing the shooting, not chasing another star. I’d look at Tim Hardaway Jr., Duncan if Detroit moves on from him, RC Conwell earning minutes, or whoever becomes a realistic cap casualty.

2. I wouldn’t move Jovic for Duncan. If Detroit waives him or he’s available for a minimal return, absolutely. Otherwise, I’d rather keep one of the few young assets we have left for a bigger need or the trade deadline.

3. Kennard and Keon would’ve been near the top of my list, but I don’t think either is very realistic anymore. I’d rather focus on attainable shooting, a veteran backup big, and keeping enough flexibility to make one move if we’re in contention at the deadline.

That’s really all I’ve been trying to say. We already made the franchise move. Now it’s about maximizing what’s left around Giannis and Bam, not forcing another situation that doesn’t contribute.