Spoelstra Rolls Out Surprise Miami Heat Starting Five

Erik Spoelstra is rolling out a starting lineup of Justise Winslow, Jimmy Butler, Duncan Robinson, Meyers Leonard and Bam Adebayo in the Heat’s preseason opener vs. San Antonio.  Essentially placing Jimmy Butler in the shooting guard role to the surprise of most fans and pundits.

Tonight's starting 🖐️ vs the Spurs. pic.twitter.com/xVK1q9hfSn

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) October 8, 2019

It’s only preseason of course but the lineup gives the Heat 2 things that many feared problematic coming into the season – Size and Shooting.  With Robinson and Leonard as floor spacers and Winslow developing a stellar 3 point shot of his own, Butler and Adebayo should have plenty of room to work in the middle.

The lineup also gives a preview of what Spoelstra is planning to do at the starting point guard position with Winslow taking the floor ahead of Goran Dragic.  Dragic has the potential to be a dynamic scorer off the bench, pairing him with 30-11 running mate Dion Waiters.

Whether this starting lineup will be a mainstay going forward or if we are just looking at placeholders until the return of James Johnson and Kelly Olynyk, the message is clear – Spoelstra thinks he has depth with this team and isn’t afraid to try different combinations.