While Cole Swider was playing as part of his two-way contract with the Heat’s G League franchise, the Sioux Falls Skyforce, Jamal Cain and Nikola Jovic were both battling ailments.
This season, Swider has only played in one game, while Cain and Jovic have each made two appearances. A two-way player as well, Cain averages 4.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game. In a game, Jovic averages 6.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists.
In a little over 21 minutes of action, the Serbian big man recorded eight points, 11 rebounds, and four assists against the Minnesota Timberwolves earlier this season.
Many fans have been clamoring for him to get more playing time after a summer that saw him help Serbia win silver at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
While Jovic is a power forward, he does have guard-like skills. However, he doesn’t seem like a likely candidate to replace Herro in the Heat’s starting lineup.
Cain and Swider seem like less likely candidates to move into the starting lineup. That’s not to say that neither of them are capable of helping the Heat win games, but other players might be better suited for the starting job.
Perhaps offseason acquisition Josh Richardson will step up and become the fifth starter. He hasn’t been able to shake off the rust from a preseason injury and is averaging 5.0 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game while shooting just 30.3 percent from the field and 18.8 percent from deep.
Given Richardson’s limited ability from downtown this season, Duncan Robinson might be the favorite to take Herro’s place.
This season, Robinson appears to be returning to his former self as he is averaging 11.4 points, 2.0 assists, and a 37.7 percent shooting percentage from three-point range. Although it’s still a far way from his career-high percentage of 44.6 percent from when he made his debut in the 2019–20 campaign, Miami has been encouraged by his play this season.
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