Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Justise Winslow (Duke) greets NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number ten overall pick to the Miami Heat in the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
21. Miami Heat
2014-2015 Efficiency Rating: 32.0
The Miami Heat missed the playoffs last year and their poor bench production played a major role in that result. Sure, Chris Bosh missing the majority of the season was a contributor as well, but depth was non-existent.
Pat Riley definitely made moves to improve the issue. He brought in both Gerald Green and Amar’e Stoudemire. Josh McRoberts is returning from injury, and should play a major role off the bench as well.
The issue is this roster would be top-5 if it were a few years ago. Who knows how much Dwyane Wade, Stoudemire and Luol Deng have left? Those players have not proved to be iron men, by any means the last few years.
The biggest addition to the Miami bench has to be Justise Winslow. Touted as an early lottery pick, he slipped all the way to the Heat at the 10th pick. All of the experts quickly labeled him the steal of the draft and he hopes to live up to that potential.
Due to the fragile history of the Heat, Winslow could prove to be invaluable. If he develops quickly, he could help catapult the Heat to the top half of the Eastern Conference standings.
Mario Chalmers will also play a key role in backing up Goran Dragic. If Chalmers can improve and perform like he has in the past, it will only help bolster the depth of Miami. In a weaker Eastern Conference, that may all that will be needed.
For now, there are just too many question marks. Green hasn’t stuck in any of his numerous NBA stops, and the general age of the bench could be a cause concern. If Winslow turns out to be a star, look for the Heat’s bench production to skyrocket.
Next: Phoenix Suns