Over the course of this latest era of Miami Heat basketball, the dreaded “run it back” method to approaching the offseason has divided Heat fans. For years Miami has been just one piece away, only to see minor roster tweaks and the same core returning the following season. However, one of those most recent minor moves has paid dividends.
Considering that the Heat have repeatedly been a play-in team over the last few years, Pat Riley’s strategy to bring back the majority of the same players and rely on internal growth was always a gamble.
It took Jimmy Butler’s dramatic trade demands to finally force him into getting something done to change this roster.
A lot of those little adjustments over the years mostly included new players from the draft or undrafted two-way signings. Riley's lone outside free agent addition last summer wound up flying under the radar in Alec Burks.
Burks was signed to a one-year veteran minimum deal in the 2024 offseason. His arrival came from his time with the New York Knicks, and built a savvy veteran reputation over the course of his career. And his sharpshooting abilities from 3-point range has helped him carve a role into coach Erik Spoelstra’s rotation.
Alec Burks has averaged nearly 13 points on 48% shooting and 48% from deep over the last four games.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Heat have responded from their disappointing 10-game losing streak to [secure five straight victories](https://allucanheat.com/miami-heat-finding-more-than-wins-during-final-stretch) right after. Burks has played a big factor into the turnaround, after Duncan Robinson has been sidelined with a back injury.
He has started alongside Tyler Herro in Robinson’s absence, providing floor spreading and high IQ level of play in the backcourt. Burks, at 33 years old, always seems poised when he hits the floor— and the results of his minutes have mostly been positive all season long.
Regardless of Robinson being in or out of the lineup, Burks deserves a real rotation role during this final playoff push.
The veteran has a knack for getting to his spots and making smart decisions with the ball in his hands. Ultimately, Burks has been primarily used as a spot starter in cases of injuries. But his impactful minutes have usually led to winning.
Miami is undefeated in games where Burks scores 15 or more points. And he has averaged an elite 43% from 3-point range on the season. His efficiency has made the team’s offense look better whenever he’s in the lineup.
Riley’s signing of Burks was one of the underrated finds of the offseason, as a new veteran minimum deal could be a beneficial option for both sides heading into this summer.