Miami Heat Roster 2019 Heat Roster

Top Miami Heat Roster Questions 2019

The Miami Heat surprised last season en route to a playoff berth. Although the Heat did not put up much of a fight in their series with the Philadelphia 76ers, the season still has to be viewed as a success. The Heat largely kept last season's team together, although there is not enough talent to catch the teams at the top of the Eastern Conference. The major offseason acquisition was Dwayne Wade, who returns for one final turn as the face of the franchise. Other than that, the team stood pat. The Heat are likely a playoff team, but do not seem to built to go much further than the first round. The Heat's core is also aging and lacking in dynamic presence.

How Much will Wade Help?

At 37 years old, Wade is still an efficient player for the minutes that he is able to play. He works hard and gets the job done. There will be quite a bit of attention focused on Wade's farewell tour of the league. Wade should have plenty to offer this team between stints accepting rocking chairs and other retirement gifts. The Heat are well-stocked at the two position so it remains to be seen whose minutes Wade will be taking. The Heat have a number of legitimate swingmen so fitting Wade into the rotation may be a challenge. For now, he appears to be the starter. Still, even at Wade's advanced age, the benefits that he can offer a team are clear.

Where is Hassan Whiteside's Head?

On days when Whiteside's head is screwed on straight, there are few better centers in the league. Whiteside offers a devastating combination of stifling defense and enough offense to make him a star. Of course, that is when Whiteside is mentally present. Whiteside's tendency to pout and disappear was on full display in the playoffs against Philadelphia, where Joel Embiid embarrassed him. In fact, Whiteside barely saw the floor during the series. Simply stated, Whiteside's act is slightly older than Methuselah. The question is how much coach Erik Spoelstra and the Heat franchise can take before they give up on this colossal talent. When Whiteside is on, he is a disruptive force in the game. However, many are beginning to wonder if he is worth the trouble. If Whiteside cannot get it together, Bam Adebayo is an intriguing presence if the Heat wish to go a little smaller at the center position. Adebayo is a quicker and more versatile big man without the baggage.

Is James Johnson a Key Piece?

Johnson is 31 years old, which is a bit advanced to emerge as a star. However, during the playoff series against the 76ers, Johnson put on a versatile performance, averaging 12.4 points, 6 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. Johnson can play numerous roles on the court and gives the Heat a presence at the power forward spot. If Johnson can build slightly on his numbers from last season, the Heat will have another option to spread the floor.