What’s next for the Heat’s point guard position?

Goran Dragic has been the centerpiece and sole pure “point guard” for the Miami Heat for the past six out of seven seasons. Dragic is currently listed as one of two active point guards on the team with the other one being Gabe Vincent. Vincent is averaging two points a game, so it’s safe to say Goran carries the load.

But, what’s going to happen if Dragic leaves Miami this offseason? Even if he stays, he will be playing in his 12th NBA season, with the feel of him wearing down. Which player or players are expected to fill his role?

It may not be a “traditional” point guard, but despite that, someone’s going to need to step up.

The first transparent option other than Dragic would be Kendrick Nunn. Seriously, what’s not to like about this kid? Coming from Oakland University in Michigan, where he averaged 25.9 points per game and shot the three-ball at 39%, he hasn’t slowed down in the NBA, at all. At the time that the season got suspended, Nunn was averaging 15.6 points per game and 3.4 assists on just under 30 minutes per game. Listed as a shooting guard, Nunn has taken over some of the stress for Goran. Also, Nunn can whip the ball around to his teammates, resulting in a better shot. Right now, he’s the Heat’s second option, and he has adjusted to the role very well.

Behind Nunn, Tyler Herro could and has been another option. Listed as 6’5, he would obviously be much taller than other point guards, but that leads to downsides as well. Herro has solid ball-handling skills, but if he were the consistent point guard, that would present some problems. First, Herro isn’t a phenomenal passer, making it harder to set up plays off that position. Secondly, Herro would be limited to what he has to bring to the team. Tyler is a dead-eye shooter, and you don’t want to leave him open at all costs. However, if he would have to run the point guard position, odds are his three-point attempts would be headed way south. It would be a huge shame to lose that ability from Herro.

Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

If you’re thinking about the NBA draft, yes the Heat should definitely look at a point guard. Again, regardless of Dragic’s decision, the need for a point guard is vital. Hopefully for their pick in the first round, which will be in the ’20s, a compatible point guard will still be on the board.

The Heat have adjusted incredibly well with what they have at the point guard position so far this season. Could they surprise people with a trade down the road? Or take the conventional route and draft another point guard? Perhaps there’s another diamond in the rough in the G-League, like Nunn, that the Heat could develop. Only time will tell, but the clock is ticking.