Does Andrew Wiggins Unlock the Miami Heat's Bench Potential?

MIAMI, Fla. – In the midst of a slow start to the NBA's 2026-27 regular season, head coach Erik Spoelstra recently made some changes to the Miami Heat's rotation, which has impaced Andrew Wiggins drastically.

The 31-year-old came off the bench in last Sunday's 114-108 win over the Sacramento Kings  at the Golden 1 Center. It was the first time Wiggins played in a reserve role since March 9, 2024. The transaction has elevated Pelle Larsson to the starting lineup.

Wiggins struggled through the first nine games of the season: 8.6 points on 40.8 percent shooting, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists 25.8 minutes. Just like everyone else, it's been an adjustment period playing alongside a superstar of Giannis Antetokounmpo's caliber. Although Wiggins has familiarity with playing six years on the Golden State Warriors and alongside Steph Curry, they play two completely different styles.

The one-time All-Star isn't ball dominanted, but the lack of touches only makes it more challenging to get into a rhythm, especially on the offensive side of the court.

Coming off the bench, Wiggins has more opportunities to play more on the ball. In Tuesday's 115-109 win over the Utah Jazz, he finished with 13 points on 62.5 percent shooting, including two three-pointers on four attempts. Wiggins only had a 17.8 percent usage rate, but it allowed him to find a rhythm.

After the win, head coach Erik Spoelstra emphasized the importance of the 13-year veteran and what he brings to the court:

"We need him," he said. "We need him to be assertive on both ends. By the nature of this right now, I'm able to actually make some play calls for him."

Wiggins could still reclaim a starting role, but there would likely need to be a string of games with consistent production and winning impact.

The rest of the Heat's bench unit has been underwhelming to start the season. Nikola Jovic and Tim Hardaway Jr. have mostly been non-factors and both averaging fewer than five points.

Wiggins can provide stability and a veteran presence to the second unit, which second-round rookie Ryan Conwell is starting to be consistently a part of during the five-game Western Conference road trip.

The Heat are starting to climb out of the early 0-4 hole and currently sitting at 5-6 ahead of a five-game homestand at the Kaseya Center. Three opponents have records above .500:

Nov. 14: Detroit Pistons (8:00 p.m. E.T.;NBA TV)

Nov. 16: Houston Rockets (7:30 p.m. E.T.; WPLG Local 10)

Nov. 22 Oklahoma City Thunder (6:00 p.m. E.T.; WPLG Local 10)

As Wiggins gets more comfortable, the more dangerous the Heat become.

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