With how well Rodney McGruder has played to start the season, the Miami Heat could have a problem on their hands
Getting off to a 2-2 start hasn’t been ideal for the Miami Heat, especially losing to teams like the Orlando Magic and Charlotte Hornets (who you are supposed to beat), however one of the bright spots for the team so far has been the play of Rodney McGruder.
He’s arguably been the best and most consistent player for the Heat through the first four games of the season.
McGruder is averaging 17 points, seven rebounds and four assists per game while shooting a scorching 50-plus percent from both the field and from 3-point range. Oh, and he’s also arguably one of the team’s best defensive players on the roster.
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So, after reading all the good, you might ask why this is a problem for the Heat. Well, it’s simple. The Heat have way too many guards already on the roster. It should be noted that Justise Winslow, who’s most effective at playing the point guard position, hasn’t even played a minute, due to injury, so far this season. Dion Waiters is also expected to make a return to the lineup sometime soon.
Then, there’s the whole make Josh Richardson the best player and No. 1 option on the offensive end. He just so happens to play the same position as McGruder. But because of how well McGruder’s playing, has been playing more small forward than shooting guard.
It’s almost impossible for Erik Spoelstra to find minutes for every good, deserving player on their roster. And that’s only going to get more complicated when they’re fully healthy.
Right now, though, it would be dubious for the Heat to send McGruder to the bench and cut his minutes – most believed that’s what would happen when Miami got healthy, then this red-hot start came.
Miami has to continue to play McGruder until he gives them a reason not to. But, it complicates things.
To make matters worse and complicate it all the more, he’s also expected to be a free agent after the season.
Which means that if McGruder continues to play at this high level, they will either have to pay him or let him walk for nothing during the summer. Or, of course, they could try to trade him for a pick or an expiring contract at the NBA trade deadline.
The Miami Heat has a big decision to make regarding Rodney McGruder over the next few weeks and months, but the fact that he’s been the team’s best player through four games has been an interesting – and unforeseen – development.
Perhaps it’s a good problem to have for the Miami Heat?