The 411 On Our Options at the 4 For the 2022-23 Season

So I’m lit coming off the last two preseason games and I’ve been interested in the “lack of” PF conversation. And one thing I’ve heard from Spo most consistently about the PF question is our versatility, something I have plenty of optimism for. So I’ll list all options not named UD and Jimmy.

Caleb Martin
-Yimmy Butler/ Redbull
-Caleb is looking to refine everything he brought last year and increase his scoring potential. His scoring highs are the Bucks and [Portland](https://youtu.be/lFxNIOYsw7k) games, and his defensive highs (imo) are guarding Trae and flashes against KD (on [March 3rd](https://youtu.be/Cso03Ox9pIA)2022, I saw it in person). Arguably the most sensible choice if you aren’t concerned about height, but I don’t really worry about that considering we front bigger players on entry passes in the switch system anyway.
-6’5, extremely athletic, great on ball and off-ball defender, provides rim pressure, cuts well and has good 3 ball from anywhere (Career 36% from 3, Shot 41% last year)
-A candidate for the “[speed](https://youtu.be/dUlsiroC-g8)” lineup Spo mentions in an interview
-Caleb at the 4 is a switch heavy lineup, expect our usual defensive schemes but at a faster pace and lots of counterattacking transition play

Bam
-Edrice Bamonte OuttaDaBayou
-You know who he is, and what his potential is. We see him improving from range but he’s not gonna be popping 3s at random. He’s gonna (hopefully) take them in rhythm as they feel natural. I believe he can grow offensively. But Bam can only be a PF, if Yurt/Dedmon can be a reliable 5 and the communication flows. Just the way preseason’s been it seems Yurt’s been the push, I’m assuming because of his shooting ability. And he can definitely shoot 3s, his release is fast unlike his footwork.
-If Yurt’s in, the game plan funneling the opponents offense to Yurt and letting him be a pure rim protector. That’s gonna require better lateral movement and better paint positioning to account for his lack of speed, cuz he can’t get cooked our it’s not gonna work. The Heat try to defend the paint at all costs.
-I would love this (if it works) if not for the sole reason to put Bam in the same role as Rob Williams to show people how much better Bam is because I’m petty, also it would make bam’s life easier on Defense, because he’s a mismatch usually 4 times out of 5 on the court.
-You just gotta believe in yurts defensive growth if you want this one for heavy minutes
-The “[Big](https://youtu.be/dUlsiroC-g8)” Lineup Spo mentions

Haywood Highsmith

-The most PJ-esque selection in physicality and game, but with more offensive versatility and youth.
-Not the prettiest game but has that [dawg](https://youtu.be/5qbBP8A6yp8) in em, has been in the league for a bit.
-6’5 1/2-6’6” (From Highsmith himself)
-HH has more willingness to shoot from more areas behind the 3pt line than PJ but so far in the preseason he hasn’t been hitting that corner 3 as consistently as I’d like. He’s pretty gritty rebounder and a decent passer. He’s definitely been a glue guy in his recent roles tho, and has operated in a leadership role in [summer league](https://youtu.be/b3rBhZcgRBI)
-I can see him playing minutes based off of how Spo talks about his experience

Jamal Cain

-Cain is Able
-In this short stint of watching him I would die for this man
-6’7, with a 6’9 wingspan and just as athletic, if not more athletic than Caleb, can hit 3 at a level to incite the concern of opposing defenses, although the percentages still need time to lockdown.
-[Hustle plays are his middle name](https://youtu.be/hNktishM42M), extremely active in passing lanes, great cutter
-Still young but his defensive instincts and hard work could thrust him into the lineup easily. Many people have said he’s been one of the more talked about players coming out of camp. (I could see Caleb playing Jimmy’s role on a load management day and Jamal getting some of that two-way contact 4 minutes, if not just being straight up played there on occasion)
-My dream signing at the 4 was Herb Jones until I saw Jamal play in Brooklyn. I look forward to more from this dude, cuz he’s hype

Strus
-the Winter Soldier
-6’5”, Athletic knockdown shooter with [solid](https://youtu.be/PY7KYj026B4) on ball defense. I think his off ball defense could be better personally, specifically in the zone. But I love his confidence and willingness. He immediately volunteered to play the 4 after hearing Jimmy say he wasn’t playing it lmao
-“Undersized” but I think he makes up for this with muscle pretty well, and again we front and double team often.

Vic
-Our Secret Weapon
-Another “Speed” lineup candidate.
-6’4” but I could see Vic making up for any height difference with his athleticism and how many 4s now are really playing bully ball in such a way their potential height advantage would be a major issue?
-Offensively versatile and dangerous down hill.
-The reason I have him so low is because I feel like he’d get more play in a more ball dominant role, as he’s not the most consistent beyond the arc. So he’d be more of an asset not being limited to catch and shoot 3s
-His defense speaks for itself though

Duncan
-UD’s favorite teammate
-6’7”, Sniper
-I believe in Duncan, I think he’s been working on his on ball defense this offseason on top of his ball handling etc. He looks more confident out there, more relaxed.
-It would be great if he shoots at a high clip, however he’s so dangerous to defenses they’d still consider him a threat if he’s been bricking, cuz once he starts making em it’s hard to stop this mf. If he could play more disciplined defense I think he still would’ve kept some minutes last year regardless of his shot falling
-I think his off ball defense is very underrated, he’s got great positioning and his wingspan has caused some deflection and even steals last year. It’s the lateral movement and the hands that hold him back

Jovic

-The only Nikola J, in the NBA. HES ONLY 19
-6’10”, baller.
-Very unlikely but hey who knows? That boy nice on offense and his defense ain’t so bad from a positional standpoint. He still needs to gain some weight, some stamina and a whole bunch of logistical heat defense related things to iron out his switching. But his court vision and feel for the game great
-The Jovic And Duncan minutes convinced me to make this list because they were hoopin hoopin

I’ve watched post-game interviews, practice interviews, listened to beat writers and talking heads to compile the current existing options in house for this position. I’m not really looking at any trades 1. Cuz I don’t feel like it 2. I like all of our players potentially filling this role depending on the situation and believe in growth. Thx for reading this long ass shit and lemme know your thoughts.