Heat weigh roster move as incentive math, Rozier inquiry cloud decisions
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The Miami Heat will become eligible to add a 15th player on December 13, but several contract variables could delay any action, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Team executives must first gauge the likelihood of guard Tyler Herro triggering performance bonuses tied to All-NBA honors. One additional absence would make him ineligible, potentially freeing money but also complicating projections.
Miami is also monitoring Terry Rozier’s status. The guard is on paid leave while the NBA and federal authorities investigate his alleged role in an FBI gambling probe. Under normal circumstances the Heat could waive his $1.6 million guarantee on or after January 7, yet it is uncertain whether league rules permit that move while he remains on leave.
With a 14-6 record that placed the club third in the Eastern Conference entering Wednesday’s slate, the front office may feel little urgency to navigate those obstacles immediately.
Injury updates and player notes
Norman Powell will miss Wednesday night’s game against Dallas as he manages a groin strain that already sidelined him once last week. “I’m not fully healthy,” the veteran wing conceded, adding that team doctors believe the injury can heal while he plays as long as discomfort is reported quickly. He stressed that the current strain affects a different area than his previous right-groin issue.
Andrew Wiggins continues to draw praise for his quiet leadership. “I get the job done,” he said, noting his willingness to shift between scoring and rebounding based on need. Powell called the forward “amazing” and said Wiggins “flies under the radar” despite consistent production.
Forward Nikola Jovic, one of the few disappointments in Miami’s strong start, acknowledged recent struggles. Head coach Erik Spoelstra said the team’s ceiling rises “so much higher” when Jovic delivers steady, detail-oriented play on both ends after missing time with an injury.
Davion Mitchell has rewarded the organization’s faith by ranking among the league’s best in assist-to-turnover ratio; only T.J. McConnell and Tim Hardaway Jr. have fared better this season. Spoelstra praised Mitchell’s feel for game momentum, while the point guard credited improved decision-making for his progress: “Now I’m not even out there thinking—I’m just making plays.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
