Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra believes Josh McRoberts is ready to play, but McRoberts is still being held out of preseason games.
The Miami Heat are nearing the return of another big man in Josh McRoberts, but early reports indicate that coach Erik Spoelstra will hold out McRoberts as a precaution at least at this stage in the preseason. Spoelstra said as much per Ethan Skolnick at The Bleacher Report.
More from Miami Heat
- Predicting NBA’s Christmas Day Schedule: Lakers, Warriors highlight slate of postseason rematches
- 3 reasons the Blazers should trade Damian Lillard to the Heat and 2 reasons they shouldn’t
- 5 former Heat players to sign on veteran minimum deals, ranked
- NBA Rumors: Damian Lillard’s apology, ex-Heat player’s reflection, Darvin Ham bites a Nugget
- 3 potential James Harden suitors not named the Clippers
McRoberts, a free agent signing this past summer, is still recovering from summer toe surgery and has yet to make his debut with the Miami Heat. There’s no rush for the big man though as the regular season has yet to begin. Still, Heat fans might rest easier knowing one of the major names to come to town is ready to play after the team watched The Big Name in the NBA leave Miami this summer.
Spoelstra was optimistic that McRoberts was on pace for an eventual return, telling the Miami Herald, “He’s basically able to do everything, we’ve held him out of full contact, but we’ll just take it day-by-day and see where he is as we go along in this process.”
The Herald piece notes that all hasn’t been well despite Spoelstra’s assurances. The Heat have touted five different starting lineups in seven preseason games. If they can’t find a starting rotation they like, the team could have trouble getting out of the gate in an increasingly competitive Eastern Conference.
More from FanSided
- MLB Trade Grades: Dodgers land Amed Rosario from Guardians
- Colorado gives Pac-12 a possible death knell with move to Big 12
- NFL rumors: Dalvin Cook suitor maintaining very ‘real’ interest
- Braves get dose of bad news on Max Fried as ace nears return
- LA Galaxy vs. Club Leon Leagues Cup match rescheduled for July 26