NBA Season Preview 2018-19: Does youth or experience lead the Heat roster?

MIAMI, FL - APRIL 11: Wayne Ellington #2 and Josh Richardson #0 of the Miami Heat react during game against the Toronto Raptors on April 11, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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MIAMI, FL – APRIL 21: James Johnson #16 of the Miami Heat goes to the basket against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 21, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Power Forward

Starter: James Johnson

Bench: Justise Winslow, Bam Adebayo, Udonis Haslem, Yante Maten (Two-Way)

Keep the athleticism and versatility coming. Johnson was last year’s starter, and will probably start the year there, but this should be Winslow’s throne at some point this year. Headed into year four, it feels like Winslow has been a bit of a disappointment, but he might finally be starting to put effective shooting together, and he’s still a 6-foot-4 wing that can play full-time against bigs, allowing the Heat to fully flesh out their aggressive defense. He’s in a contract year, so this should be a breakout year for the former Blue Devil.

Johnson, meanwhile, seems happy with his role whether he’s starting or not, providing the team’s spark on defense and he’s really blossomed as a secondary playmaker over the past few seasons, averaging 3.8 assists per game last year. He’ll be around to provide more powerful dunks, promising defense, and Bloodsporty antics.

Bam Adebayo and Kelly Olynyk will spend some time at the four as well, although that may go away throughout the season if the other young wings evolve to let Miami play smaller. Adebayo is probably more suited to play the four next to Olynyk, as he’s the more switchy big that can handle defending down a position.

Finally, Heat Assistant Coach Udonis Haslem returns to the roster again. He has held this dual role with the team since 2014.