NBA: Ranking the Teams With the Most Depth
By John Kim
2. Miami Heat
Jun 20, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat shooting guard Ray Allen celebratea after defeating the San Antonio Spurs in game seven in the 2013 NBA Finals at American Airlines Arena. Miami Heat won 95-88 to win the NBA Championship. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
The Heat have the best player in basketball, so it’s not fair that their bench is as stacked as it is.
With Norris Cole, Ray Allen, Mike Miller, Shane Battier and Chris Andersen coming off the bench, the Heat could have the best bench in basketball. LeBron James’ ‘drive-and-kick’ to Allen, Miller and Battier is the thing of nightmares for many NBA defenses, and Anderson brings a much-needed boost of energy.
Miami’s 10-man rotation matches up with any other team in the league. Their offensive firepower is to be lauded, but it’s their defensive prowess that needs to be recognized. LeBron and company are seemingly able to step their defense up a gear in the fourth quarter and finish games in fashion.
Miami’s bench players have a large role in their defensive schemes. However, they fall just a place short of the top spot.