The Miami Heat will not allow themselves to fall out of the Eastern Conference title race and will run it back with the core of Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. The Heat did not bring in any significant additions to the team but they will need to prove they can compete because Jimmy Butler’s future is up in the air right now . Looking ahead to the 2024-25 NBA season, the Heat’s roster is divided into six tiers including a tier for superstars, All-Stars, and key role players.
Tier 1: Superstars
Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler remains the heart and soul of the Miami Heat, still providing clutch performances and tenacious defense. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, continuing to be a two-way force. Butler's ability to elevate his game in the playoffs is unmatched, and his leadership will be crucial if the Heat hope to contend for a championship this season. However, we still don’t know what to expect from Butler in the upcoming season because his future is in the air but if he is healthy, the swingman will be one of the best two-way players in the world and an All-NBA Team candidate.
Tier 2: All-Stars
Bam Adebayo
Bam Adebayo has established himself as one of the best two-way big men in the league, combining defensive versatility with solid offensive production. Last season, he posted averages of 19.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 0.9 blocks per game. With his ability to guard multiple positions and facilitate offense from the center position, Adebayo’s impact goes beyond the box score, anchoring Miami’s defense and providing a steady inside presence. Adebayo is a bonafide All-Star and seems to be getting better every season since he finished third in the Defensive Player of the Year race last season.
Tier 3: Fringe All-Stars
Tyler Herro
Tyler Herro remains a key offensive weapon for the Heat, bringing scoring and shooting prowess to the team. In the 2023-24 season, Herro averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game while shooting 39.6% from three-point range. His ability to create his own shot and score in bunches makes him a potential breakout candidate to reach an All-Star level if he improves his defense and consistency. Herro will need to take another level to give the Heat a strong chance to capture a top-four seed and if that happens, the shooting guard could be in contention for the All-Star Team.
Tier 4: Key Role Players
Jaime Jaquez Jr., Terry Rozier, Nikola Jovic, Duncan Robinson
Jaime Jaquez Jr. enters his sophomore season looking to expand on a promising rookie campaign where he showcased his toughness and defensive abilities (11.9 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 1.0 SPG). His versatility allows him to play both forward positions, and he has shown flashes of being a reliable shooter and secondary playmaker. Jaquez's continued development will be key in providing depth and support for the Heat’s star players.
Terry Rozier brings veteran scoring and playmaking to Miami's backcourt, providing a reliable option both as a starter or off the bench. Last season, he averaged 19.8 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game. His experience and ability to create offense, either through shooting or driving, will be valuable for the Heat as they look for consistent guard play alongside Herro. We expect Rozier’s numbers to dip next season since he was taking the bulk of the shots for the Charlotte Hornets last season, but that doesn’t knock him out of Tier 4 for obvious reasons.
Nikola Jovic is a young forward with the potential to develop into a versatile offensive weapon. In his limited minutes last season (19.5 MPG), Jovic showed glimpses of his scoring ability and high basketball IQ. If he can continue to improve his shooting and defense, he could become a key part of Miami's rotation moving forward. The young big man averaged 7.7 points and 4.2 rebounds per game last year so we could see an uptick in his numbers next season.
Duncan Robinson remains a key three-point shooter for the Heat, capable of stretching defenses and providing valuable floor spacing. After a resurgence in shooting form last season, where he hit 39.5% from beyond the arc, Robinson will be expected to knock down shots and keep defenses honest. His defensive liabilities are a concern, but his elite shooting keeps him relevant in Miami’s rotation.
Tier 5: Supplementary Pieces
Josh Richardson, Alec Burks, Kevin Love, Haywood Highsmith, Kel'el Ware
Josh Richardson returns to Miami, bringing his defensive versatility and streaky shooting to the table. Known for his ability to guard multiple positions and contribute in various ways, Richardson averaged 9.9 points and 2.8 rebounds per game last season. His experience and two-way play will provide depth on the wing for a Heat team that needs as many bodies as possible in the competitive Eastern Conference.
Alec Burks is a seasoned scorer who can provide instant offense off the bench. He averaged 10.4 points and 2.3 rebounds per game in 2023-24, showcasing his ability to hit tough shots and create his own offense. Burks will likely be relied upon for his scoring punch in key moments throughout the season and could prove to be an excellent role player for the Heat in limited spurts throughout the year.
The 36-year-old Kevin Love brings veteran leadership, rebounding, and shooting to the Heat’s frontcourt. Though his minutes and role have diminished, Love’s experience and ability to stretch the floor with his shooting (34.4% from three last season) can still be valuable in limited roles, particularly in matchups requiring spacing and size.
Haywood Highsmith is a versatile forward who provides defense, hustle, and occasional shooting off the bench. He averaged 6.1 points and 3.2 rebounds last season, and his high-energy playstyle makes him a useful role player, particularly in defensive schemes. The 27-year-old has earned the trust of Erik Spoelstra off the bench and he will provide solid minutes next season.
Kel'el Ware, the No. 15 overall pick in the 2024 Draft, is a young big man with potential, providing size, rebounding, and shot-blocking in likely limited minutes next season. The Heat hope to develop his skills as he learns from veterans like Adebayo and Love, with the potential to become a more significant contributor in the future.
Tier 6: Bench
Thomas Bryant, Zyon Pullin, Pelle Larsson, Isaiah Stevens
Thomas Bryant, who averaged 5.7 points and 3.7 rebounds per game last season, is a backup center who can provide rebounding and scoring in short bursts. Known for his energy and efficiency around the rim, Bryant's role will be to spell Adebayo and offer some offensive versatility in pick-and-roll situations.
Zyon Pullin is a 6’4” rookie guard who will look to earn minutes and develop his skills with the Heat. His focus will be on learning the defensive schemes and improving his shooting to carve out a role in Miami’s backcourt rotation.
Pelle Larsson, chosen No. 44 overall in the 2024 Draft, is another young guard prospect, known for his playmaking and shooting potential. He will need to work hard to earn minutes, but his development could be a positive for the Heat's guard depth in the future.
Isaiah Stevens rounds out the bench as a guard who could see minutes in garbage time or as injury insurance. His goal will be to prove his worth in practice and in limited opportunities to stay ready when called upon.
Related: 5 Best Targets For The Miami Heat Ahead Of 2024-25 Season
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