5 Positive Signs From Miami Heat’s Early-Season Games

Bench production has been stellar

Oct 29, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward James Ennis (32) dunks over Washington Wizards forward Rasual Butler (8) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. Miami won 107-95. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The picture above says it all.

The Heat’s bench production has been one of their biggest strengths. That’s something Heat fans haven’t been accustomed to since the ’06 days, where Antoine Walker, Alonzo Mourning and Gary Payton were all key contributors off the bench.

Mario Chalmers’ transition from the starting lineup to the bench has been very fluid and effective. Chalmers is averaging 10.6 points and 3.3 assists in 27 minutes of play. In a more traditional shooting guard role, Chalmers has been able to attack the rim, utilizing his underrated finishing ability.

Moreover, Heat Head Coach, Erik Spoelstra, has put a lot of trust into his rookie point guard, Shabazz Napier. In a reserve role, Napier is averaging 4 points and 2.6 assists in 20.3 minutes per game. Many critics believe Napier should get the starting nod over the struggling Norris Cole, but Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinal thinks otherwise.

"It ain’t broke, so I don’t see the Heat tinkering with the lineup. Shabazz has benefited by being able to enter when the elite opposing point guards are taking their rests. Then, at the ends of games, he benefits by playing alongside the Heat’s four other starters."

We have yet to see Danny Granger play, as he is dealing with a leg injury. So, it will be interesting to see how he will fit in the Heat’s offense when he returns.