A major distraction has departed the team together with his expensive salary. Although Butler is an excellent player, his departure will have the benefit of opening opportunities to other old and new team members. The players received in return, forward Andrew Wiggins and guard Davion Mitchell, are good and solid, providing excellent back-up and depth for the playoff run.
Once Butler announced that he no longer wanted to be a part of the Heat, Jovic and Jaquez have enjoyed more playing time and they both have responded well. The loss of a roster spot has also opened the door a crack for Ware who has also demonstrated that he can play at this level. The advantage he provides is not only his height at 7’; he also weighs in at over 240 lbs. and that combination is sorely needed by Miami Rozier too has registered additional minutes and can clearly open space for the 3-point shooters like Herro and also spread the floor to create more scoring options for the rest of the team. Bam’s game has been off a little in the New Year, but his other contributions more than make up for this cooling off of his scoring efforts.
Whatever happens from now to the end of the regular season, the team’s book guarantees some exciting chapters before the playoffs begin. What looked like it would be a humdrum season is turning into the type of excitement we are not accustomed to witnessing. The attendance and audience are sure to grow and experience some thrills that are long past due.