Sir Charles in Charge
Fansided

Miami Heat: A deep dive into the hottest team in the NBA

By Justin Chen

MIAMI, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 16: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat reacts after making a basket during the third quarter of the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Kaseya Center on November 16, 2023 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 16: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat reacts after making a basket during the third quarter of the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Kaseya Center on November 16, 2023 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
Nov 16, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Duncan Robinson (55) takes a shot against the Brooklyn Nets in the first half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Duncan Robinson (55) takes a shot against the Brooklyn Nets in the first half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports /

Duncan Robinson 

What a journey it’s been for Duncan Robinson. The sharpshooter has had a career resurgence, earning an expensive contract with the Heat just to get overshadowed by Max Strus. However, starting in the 2023 playoffs, Robinson has shown glimpses that he’s more than meets the eye, with more play-making and driving attacks to his arsenal.

His two-man game with Adebayo has yet to be figured out and has been a valuable weapon, with Spo subbing the two players at the same time. Since Herro’s injury, Robinson has averaged 18 points per game, five rebounds and around four assists a game, a huge step up from his career averages. Even when he has an off-shooting night, Robinson takes it to the basket instead of sitting out on the perimeter as he had done in years past.

He’s also had some signature moments already, including shaking Wenbenyama on a fake spin and scoring the bucket.

If he can keep up this type of production, Robinson will prove to be one of the most valuable role players for the Heat.

Haywood Highsmith

The return of Haywood Highsmith cannot be understated. The 3-and-D player has taken the next step for Miami and with Spo inserting him into the starting role, the Heat have gone 7-0 and 18-1 all-time with Highsmith starting.

He’s been putting up more shots, averaging a career-high eight points per game with four attempted threes per game. Highsmith’s impact on both ends of the ball has not gone unnoticed. Per Brady Hawk of 5 Reason Sports, when asked about what has gone right in the Heat’s winning streak, Butler said that it was because of Highsmith and his new starting role.

He’s filled in the “small-four” archetypes that Miami loves (i.e. P.J. Tucker and Jae Crowder) and could turn out to be the best of the bunch.

Next. NBA MVP Power Rankings: Luka Doncic, Joel Embiid battling for early-season dominance. dark

Overall, the Heat’s role players have stepped up tremendously. A more-than-meets-the-eye deep roster was quietly assembled and has proved itself while Adebayo and Herro lead the way. So far in the Butler era, this squad may be his best one yet.

Home/Miami Heat