Miami Heat: 5 Risers and Fallers Through Early Part of the Season

Faller: Norris Cole, PG Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

After scoring a career-high 23 points in the Heat’s first regular season game against the Wizards, Norris Cole has cooled off.

Well, I think he’s been cryogenically frozen for the time being.

Cole has struggled since then, averaging only 5.6 points and  per game the past three games. In the Heat’s first big test of the season, Cole was held scoreless in 16 minutes of play against the Rockets. Has Cole’s recent play paved the way for Shabazz Napier to take his starting spot? Erik Spoelstra doesn’t think so.

Via Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinal,

"“He just needs to play his role, and he’ll be back at it,” coach Erik Spoelstra said. “That’s the one thing about Norris, you know he’s pure and you know his work ethic is outstanding. So he’ll be back to work on Friday.”"

After all, this is Cole’s first season as an NBA starter, so there’s always a learning curve. However, because Spoelstra has put a lot of trust into Napier (playing 22.2 minutes per game), Cole’s job isn’t as safe as we previously thought.