With Bam Adebayo’s much-needed breakout game against the Washington Wizards, the Miami Heat’s starting lineup looks closer to what it was aiming for during training camp in the new five-out offense.

However, bench rotations are much less fixed for several reasons. One of them is that the Heat have not had a fully available bench in any game so far. Kevin Love looks to make his season debut tonight against the Sacramento Kings, and Josh Richardson just made his season debut on Saturday.

Although he is doubtful to play in tonight’s game, Jaime Jaquez Jr. is the only player guaranteed playing time off the bench. He is averaging 9.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists on 37.8 percent shooting and 50 percent from three-point range. Even with his lower efficiency, he is appreciated because he is the only player similar to Jimmy Butler.

After him, nothing is set in stone. Coach Erik Spoelstra has spoken several times this season about having so many weapons and depth on the roster, meaning it will take time before final rotation decisions are made. . Injuries aside, it’s hard to see Haywood Highsmith, Love and Alec Burks not being on the bench after Jaquez.

Burks gained recognition for his shooting. He leads the NBA in three-point shooting with 72.7 percent. With Duncan Robinson struggling and the Heat being undefeated in every game Burks has played, he deserves this spot. As long as Love replicates what he did last year for the team in terms of assists, three-pointers, and solid rebounds, there is no doubt that he is the best backup center behind Adebayo .

Finally, Highsmith deserves consistent minutes as he is the Heat’s best defender behind Adebayo and Butler. With the departure of Caleb Martin this offseason, no other player defends forwards and guards as well as he does. His main flaw is his offense, but as the Heat stagger his starters to play off the bench, Highsmith’s offensive limitations don’t outweigh his defensive talent.

Bryan Townes is a contributor to Miami Heat On SI. He can be reached at [email protected] or on X @bryantownesjr11. Follow our coverage on Facebook.