Ira Winderman: A case study of dual scenarios for overhauled Heat

MIAMI — While finishing touches remain for the Heat’s roster, those who will get the most touches are in place and ready to go for the Sept. 29 start of training camp.

So what’s the best-case, worst-case scenarios for each?

In the balance could be — no, will be — how this massive makeover shakes out.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

— Best case: He remains Giannis Antetokounmpo — an MVP candidate, an NBA scoring leader, a player who remains as feared as almost any when healthy, even as he moves through his 30s.

— Worst case: He doesn’t remain Giannis Antetokounmpo. Anything less and the balance of the Heat’s offseason — and future — tilts toward an abyss. The Heat dealt for greatness. That makes greatness the expectation.

Bam Adebayo

— Best case: The outside stroke evolves to the degree that the offense is not reduced to the either/or status it was when LeBron James joined Dwyane Wade with the Heat. It doesn’t mean having to become a volume 3-point shooter, but enough of a threat to take the defense with him.

— Worst case: A deferential approach on the offensive end to the degree that instead of the Heat having a dual-star approach along the front line there is something closer to only 1 1/2 leading men.

Andrew Wiggins

— Best case: A classic third wheel along the lines of his best of times with the Golden State Warriors, offering offense when needed and individual quality perimeter defense on demand. He’s been there, now he merely has to do it again a few years older.

— Worst case: Deferring and demurring to the degree that he becomes, as Erik Spoelstra might say, lost in the sauce. Opponents need to recognize Wiggins’ presence on both ends. That arguably could make him the swing vote for the season.

Davion Mitchell

— Best case: Stepping up to the moment as a havoc-creating attacking player on offense, one of the few Heat wings with such potential. The “Off Night” doggedness on the defensive end now has to show on both ends.

— Worst case: Proving to be an adequate — but not better — point guard for a contending team. A lack of Mitchell sizzle could wind as a singular factor for Heat fizzle.

Klay Thompson

— Best case: A return to a player very much a 3-point threat as during his Warriors days, albeit on lower volume and lesser expectation.

— Worst case: Playing to his age, as a 36-year-old with a tank so limited that being asked to start ultimately could prove too much of an ask.

Bobby Portis Jr.

— Best case: Instant frontcourt offense off the bench, with enough offensive pop to compensate for the defensive deficiencies.

— Worst case: Defense limited to the point that it drives Erik Spoelstra to distraction and leaves the Heat questioning the depth of an already thin power rotation.

Tim Hardaway Jr.

— Best case: Instant backcourt offense off the bench, with enough offensive pop to compensate for the defensive deficiencies.

— Worst case: Defense limited to the point that it drives Spoelstra to distraction and leaves the Heat questioning the depth of the backcourt.

Pelle Larsson

— Best case: Enough solid two-way play that it reaches the point he becomes the definitive choice as sixth man, playing ahead of Portis and Hardaway — possibly even emerging as a starter. Even more so, showing that his four-year, $60 million extension is a value deal.

— Worst case: That the hustle only gets him so far and the adjustment to a supporting role diminishes what he was able to show this summer as a leading man for the Swedish national team. Even more so, creating questions about the four-year extension that begins in 2027-28.

Dru Smith

— Best case: That there is enough shown in support of Mitchell to quell any concerns about not having a true, contending-level backup point guard.

— Worst case: Uneven offense leaving the Heat lacking creation on the second unit, leading to putting out an emergency call at the point.

Nikola Jovic

— Best case: Confidence.

— Worst case: A lack of confidence again getting in the way of a skill set that has shown NBA flashes and thrived in international competition with the Serbian national team.

Nick Richards

— Best case: That he hardly is needed.

— Worst case: That the few times he is needed — either when Antetokounmpo or Adebayo aren’t available or when Portis or Jovic can’t measure up — he shows why he remained available until the end of free agency.

Simone Fontecchio

— Best case: A repeat of last season’s torrid start from the 3-point line.

— Worst case: A repeat of last season’s horrid midseason slump from the 3-point line.

Ryan Conwell

— Best case: That summer league was a true, positive tease of shot creation, shooting and scoring.

— Worst case: An inability to step up in the moments when age or injury show with Thompson and Hardaway.

Myron Gardner

— Best case: That the energy can be harnessed to provide life during the dog days of the season.

— Worst case: That the energy turns into technical fouls, flagrant fouls and undisciplined play.

Two-way players

— Best case: That Tre Donaldson, Keshad Johnson and Vlad Goldin — or whomever wind up holding the three two-way slots — can contribute to three or four victories along the way.

— Worst case: That this does not turn into a season of growth for the Heat’s two-way players.