After Jaime Jaquez, who else deserves consistent bench play?

Thanks to Bam Adebayo’s much-needed performance against the Washington Wizards, the Miami Heat’s starting lineup appears closer to what they were aiming for during training camp in a new five-out offense.

However, bench rotation is much less regulated for several reasons. One is that the Heat have yet to have a fully available bench lineup in any game. Kevin Love is looking to make his season debut tonight against the Sacramento Kings, and Josh Richardson just made his season debut on Saturday.

Although questionable for tonight’s game, Jaime Jaquez Jr. is the only player guaranteed playing time off the bench. He’s averaging 9.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists on 37.8 percent shooting and 50 percent from 3-point range. Even despite his lower efficiency, he is valued because he is the only player similar to Jimmy Butler.

Nothing after him is set in stone. Coach Erik Spoelstra has said several times this season that there are so many weapons and depth on the roster, meaning it will be a while until final decisions are made on the rotation. Barring injury, it’s hard to imagine Haywood Highsmith, Love and Alec Burks not being benched behind Jaquez.

Burks earned recognition for his shooting. He leads the NBA in three-point shooting at 72.7%. With Duncan Robinson struggling and the Heat undefeated in a game Burks has played, he deserves this spot. As long as Love replicates what he did for the team last year in terms of forward passes, three-point shooting and solid rebounding, there is no doubt that he is the best backup center since Adebayo.

Finally, Highsmith deserves consistent playing time because he is the Heat’s best defender since Adebayo and Butler. With Caleb Martin’s departure this offseason, there are no other players who defend forwards and defensemen as well as he does. His main weakness is his offense, but because the Heat don’t allow starters to play off the bench, Highsmith’s offensive limitations don’t outweigh his defensive talent.

Brian Townes is a writer for Miami Heat On SI. He can be contacted at [email protected] or X @bryantownesjr11. Follow our reports on Facebook.