Heat could unveil juggernaut defensive lineup at start of the season

If the widely speculated non-Tyler Herro lineup comes true, the Heat could present a versatile defensive powerhouse first unit come opening night.
(Photo via Imagn Images)

In the wake of the Tyler Herro news, the Miami Heat will need to adjust on the fly to begin their 2025-26 season.

There are several rotation pieces capable of stepping up for increased roles. But when it comes to the starting lineup, the expected first unit that seems to be getting the most traction after Herro’s injury is Davion Mitchell, Norman Powell, Andrew Wiggins, Bam Adebayo and Kel’el Ware.

Mitchell is the most obvious plug-and-play substitution in Herro’s absence for the backcourt. He earned his way into the starting lineup during the Heat’s brief postseason appearance last season after putting up career numbers in the first few months of his tenure in Miami.

Although Nikola Jovic’s playmaking— along with a leap in his growth— will now be needed even more, Ware seems to still be the frontrunner to remain starting alongside Adebayo in the frontcourt.

Jovic will have a legitimate rotation spot no matter what as the only liable player size-wise to rotate with Adebayo and Ware in the frontcourt. Expect him to also have increased playmaking opportunities as well with Herro sidelined.

The three starting locks, regardless of Herro’s injury, are Adebayo, Wiggins and Powell.

The lineup with Davion Mitchell and Kel’el Ware would round out a high upside defensive unit.

With Ware, his untapped talent and potential quickly had him emerge into coach Erik Spoelstra’s starting group midway through last season. It was a lineup shift that not just benefited the team, but the team’s captain as well.

Adebayo had expressed an interest in wanting to slide over to a more comfortable power forward position, and utilizing Ware’s 7-foot size was the only way to make that happen. That remains the case heading into 2025-26, as the team’s current big man depth looks concerningly thin, still.

But with this projected Mitchell, Powell, Wiggins, Adebayo and Ware lineup, the potential on the defensive side of the floor is limitless.

Wiggins, with his frame and length, has built a reputation of being an elite perimeter defender throughout his career. Mitchell especially brings impactful point-of-attack defense to consistently lockup opposing guards.

And of course, more of the Adebayo-Ware duel bigs combo will assuredly shine on that end. Adebayo remains one of the greatest defenders in the entire league, with his uber versatile switching ability to shut players down both inside and outside. Ware has already shown glimpses of being a true rim protector, and is looking forward to building on that ability heading into his sophomore year.

Powell would be the least talented defensive player as part of this group. But considering he can hold his own on that end himself, too— that’s a scary sight for rival teams’ offense.

Heat could unveil juggernaut defensive lineup at start of the season

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