Before the season began, the main focus around the Miami Heat was the development of the younger players, such as Nikola Jovic, who signed a four-year, $62.4 million rookie contract extension. Also, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel'el Ware, and Pelle Larsson.

They've taken leaps to begin the season, in expanded roles and more playing time. However, the new veterans have been just as productive.

Norman Powell, who was acquired in an offseason blockbuster trade, is on pace to surpass his career year last season with the Los Angeles Clippers. He is averaging 24.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.4 steals while shooting 46 percent from the field and 45.8 percent from three-point range.

The 32-year-old has taken advantage of the extensive role with All-Star guard Tyler Herro sidelined as he continues recovering from offseason ankle surgery. A role Powell was familiar with last season, while on the Clippers.

If the former champion can maintain this level of production when Herro returns, it only makes the Heat's offense more dangerous as it already is.

Last night, against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Powell finished with 33 points, along with four three-pointers made, two rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block. The Heat's season would likely be different without his offensive spark.

However, it hasn't just been the oldest player on the roster leading the charge, but also the third-oldest: Andrew Wiggins.

The veteran forward struggled to start the season, but has picked up his production as of late.

In the Heat's recent eight games, Wiggins is averaging 19.9 points, four rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.6 steals while shooting 53.8 percent from the field, 44.4 percent from three-point range.

Last night, he finished with 23 points, two rebounds, five assists, and a steal, including the game-winning dunk with four-tenths of a second left in overtime. The former champion recorded his second career buzzer-beating game-winner since Oct. 22, 2017, against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Heat won the game with a final score of 140-138 in overtime and will face the Cavaliers again on Wednesday night, once again at home, at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

Both veterans have stepped up greatly, especially as the team is now without both All-Stars in Adebayo and Herro. If they continue this high level of production, while the younger players follow, it proves the team's depth is stronger than originally anticipated.

The Heat are 5-0 at home and currently tie for third in the Eastern Conference standings. It's still early, but a fabulous start to the season.