The X-Factors That Will Save the Heat
Pat Riley said that change was needed to claim a fourth Larry O’Brien trophy. Riley believed that for the past five seasons, with the roster he had under the leadership of head coach Erik Spoelstra and star player Jimmy Butler, they could pull it off. Unfortunately, that vision will never come to light after the disappointing departure of Butler, and being swept as a play-in team against the first-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers. Only then did Riley realize that he needed a change, trading Kevin Love, Duncan Robinson, and Kyle Anderson while acquiring borderline all-star Norman Powell, keeping former all-star Andrew Wiggins, and drafting potentially the dark horse of the 2025 NBA Draft, Kasparas Jakucionis. Riley is depending on all-stars Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo to lead the team for another playoff run. However, this team needs an X-factor to help propel the team past last season’s humiliating first-round playoff exit. Here is a look at two players who can potentially help the Heat past the first round.
Davion Mitchell
Most people would say Davion Mitchell is the key. Mitchell is your typical Miami Heat player, a hard-nosed, aggressive point guard who fits perfectly into “Heat-Culture” despite being only six feet. He is one of the best on-the-ball defenders in the league. He’s an improved playmaker and shooter, increasing his shooting percentage drastically. The point guard improved his three-point shooting percentage from 36.1% in the 2023-2024 season to 39.8% the following season between two teams, Toronto and Miami. After his performance in the playoffs, the Heat signed Mitchell for two more years for $24 million. However, one other player may play an even bigger role now with the improved roster. That player is none other than Nikola Jovic.
Nikola Jovic
Coming in at six-foot-ten, Jovic was drafted as the 27th pick of the 2022 NBA Draft. At just 22 years old, the Serbian has shown flashes of his potential as a future star during his three seasons. Despite speculation of being traded, Riley cemented Jovic as a clear piece with the rest of the young core on the team. As a player of his size, he has the potential to be one of the league’s best playmaking forwards. Jovic plays as a point forward in the Heat’s positionless offensive system. His ability to be the ball handler on the pick-and-roll is a plus, especially when throwing lobs to Bam Adebayo or Kel’el Ware. Jovic needs to improve his shooting beyond the three-point line as well. He is a career 33.3% shooter from three. The only downside would be his defense, although he has shown signs of improvement each year.
This is the season for Mitchell and Jovic to prove to the world that they are future stars in the NBA. With the starting lineup seemingly determined, the Heat are depending on improved development from the bench to help push them into the playoffs. Perhaps a possible championship. In a make-or-break season for the Miami Heat, this could be the duo’s breakout year, making them the X-factors.
