Why Erik Spoelstra had to make drastic Heat starting lineup change

After the first 10-game sample size for this new Miami Heat team, coach Erik Spoelstra has already experimented with a major rotation change.

And it instantly paid off, as Miami secured a bounce back win against the Sacramento Kings in their previous matchup. Spoelstra decided to insert Pelle Larsson into the starting lineup— benching the struggling Andrew Wiggins in the process.

Wiggins is currently averaging a career-low 8.3 points on 40% shooting and 31.7% from 3-point range. Not only has the former All-Star and first overall draft pick struggled with shooting the ball, but he’s been a negative on the defensive end as well. For a Heat team that has looked disappointing defensively overall, Wiggins’ individual two-way concerns hasn’t helped that case.

Spoelstra discussed with the media postgame after the Kings win on what went into the lineup change:

“It was tough to get a gauge on that, but I’ve seen other minutes with Pelle there, and these are tough decisions. You know, I really feel for Wiggs on this. Pelle is giving us that ability to be a connector and also consistent energy and toughness that we think can complement that group. And Wiggs was good in the second unit tonight.”

“We’re at a point right now, it’s all hands on deck, and however we can work this entire rotation to be a positive, like keep on stacking up positives on the scoreboard, that’s what I’m looking for right now.”

— Erik Spoelstra

Pelle Larsson does all the little things outside of the box score that impact winning

The key word from Spoelstra’s comments is referring to Larsson as a ‘connector.’

Miami has looked the best on both ends so far with Larsson on the floor. He has a terrific natural feel for the game with getting deflections, creating defensive pressure and getting to the right spots offensively. It’s clear that Spoelstra isn’t going to make rotation decisions based on any resumes or reputations. The decisions will be based on who is on the floor when this team looks like the best version of themselves.

Yes, Wiggins is a former champion and All-Star caliber player, but he hasn’t given the Heat what they’ve needed out of him. Especially after signing a new extension this past summer that’s earning him $30 million annually this season.

Miami doesn’t need Wiggins to be that 2022 All-Star version of himself. They just need the version of what he was only seven months ago: a reliable 3 & D presence capable of putting up 15 points on over 40% shooting from deep. That’s what made him look like such an intriguing fit alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.