Disproving The Myth That Erik Spoelstra Won't Play Rookies

For some hope that Spoelstra will turn to a young, unproven professional for help, you can cite these examples:

2008: While much was made of Spoelstra's frustration with the gifted, yet often drifting, No. 2 overall pick Michael Beasley, Spoelstra did elevate Beasley as a starter over proven veteran Udonis Haslem for a while, and even into a first round series. And what's forgotten is that Spoelstra turned over the point guard duties to second-round pick Mario Chalmers, who started all 82 games at what wasn't his natural position.

2009: First-round pick Daequan Cook started 19 games (and played 59) even though that didn't amount to much.

The Big 3 Era: The Heat weren't really looking for young additions when LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh were competing for championships, but rookie Norris Cole did squeeze into the regular rotation in 2011, and stayed there for two championships.

2015: Not only did first-round choice Justise Winslow average 29 minutes on a competitive team as a rookie, but second-round selection Josh Richardson was a rotation fixture after the All-Star Break and into the playoffs.

2017: No, Bam Adebayo didn't start as a rookie (not with Hassan Whiteside on an enormous, regrettable contract). And he didn't play as much as he liked. But the future All-Star and Olympic gold medalist did average 20 minutes.

2019: Tyler Herro. The Bubble. The sneer. You remember. But you might have forgotten the three-time Rookie of the Month, Kendrick Nunn.

2020 on: Precious Achiuwa (rotation as a rookie), Jaime Jaquez (first-team All-Rookie) and Jaime Jaquez, Jr. (first team All-Rookie) all made their way into Spoelstra's regular groupings, even if took Nikola Jovic a little time.

So, if Jakucionis doesn't play early, it's because he's not quite ready to play. Not because Spoelstra won't be ready to play a rookie.