Predicting the Starting 5 of Miami Heat for the 2020-21 NBA Season

Miami Heat, as has become the norm, had another offseason where the brilliance of Pat Riley went under the radar. Coming off a year where they defied the odds to reach the NBA Finals, they kept hold of their core. And to add to that, they even added a few other important pieces.

Miami Heat Starting Lineup

Heat Frontcourt

Center – Bam Adebayo

Starting with Bam Adebayo isn’t really up for discussion. However, what could be up for discussion is his playing position – Center or Power Forward. The 2020 All-Star debutant needs to start at 5, as he did in the playoffs, to extract the maximum out of him. At 6 ft 9 in, he may be small for his position but he has the athleticism to make up for his size.

The all-defensive second team member also recorded some clutch blocks last season. Also, they don’t really have another rim protector like him on their roster.

Small Forward – Jimmy Butler

The team’s bona fide leader and superstar, Jimmy is the key piece of this organization. Faced with adversity against the Lakers in the NBA Finals, he won two games on his own and prevented a sweep. He knows how to win games and his spirit gels well within the team.

Power Forward – Precious Achiuwa

No place for Kelly Olynyk or Meyers Leonard? Yes, it’s the 2020 NBA Draft who we are backing to start the season over that experienced duo. But is entrusting a relatively unknown rookie with the starting spot, the right move? If we know anything about Spoelstra and Riley, it is. The youngster plays the game with a lot of energy in the paint; is more than a handful on the defensive and offensive ends of the court.

Heat Backcourt

Point Guard – Kendrick Nunn

A tough choice here to pick him ahead of Goran Dragic. The Slovenian ‘Dragon’ had a brilliant postseason and his absence cost the Heat a lot in the NBA Finals. He is 34 now and coming off an injury. Hence, it would be best to bring him off the bench and save him for the playoffs.

Shooting Guard – Duncan Robinson

From going undrafted in 2018 to becoming one of the most lethal 3-point shooters in the league, his rise is impressive. He averages 3.7 threes made a game on 44.6% shooting percentage. Though Tyler Herro makes an impressive case, Robinson just edges him out based alone on his 3-point prowess.

To sum it up, this is how we can expect Miami Heat to start the season on 22nd December 2020. We’ll find out if they can replicate or even better their NBA Finals run with this lineup.