The AllUCanHeat staff take a moment to discuss the Miami Heat’s rough start to their season and more.
First and foremost, let’s get this out of the way. Are you worried about the Miami Heat’s season, moving forward? Why, or why not?
Allana Tachauer (@AllanaTachauer): Worried? No. I’m still keeping the faith that the 30-11 Heat will make an appearance very soon, and rock everyone’s world. But I am disappointed. And more than that, surprised. While I figured the 2017-18 roster would still have to work out a few kinks with the addition of Kelly Olynyk, Justise Winslow returning, etc., I never expected such inconsistent play. However, like I said, I’m still confident that they can turn things around.
Ivan Mora (@moraivan): I am more disappointed than worried. Just based on the fact that our expectations for this team were extremely high. Now a month into the regular season and the reality is sinking in. We are barely a playoff team and are clinging for a .500 record. I guess it’s our fault for expecting way too much. Our chemistry is off and our defense is atrocious. I still think we can fix it, but probably not in time for a playoff spot.
Kris Keaton (@kmkeaton2): I don’t know if worried is the right word to describe my feelings for the Heat season. However, whatever is a step below optimistic, is where I stand. The team will be good enough to make noise in the Eastern Conference, because there are a few “middle of the pack” teams. But I don’t see them being anything more than that. With no real star player to go to and weird rotations, it just seems like the upside of the team is limited going forward.
Chase Eyrich (@Ceyrich): Absolutely I’m worried. The season hasn’t started off the way most of us imagined it would. The biggest reason why I’m concerned is because we can’t exactly identify what the problem is. Even in the first few games we recognized that turnovers were a huge issue. But, there was no clear answer on how to fix it. The turnovers weren’t coming from any specific trend or plays that the Heat were running, they would just come up at will. Another issue has been the third quarter. This dates back to last year. Coming out of the locker room at half should be some of the best basketball you play, for the Heat it’s the worst.
Brandon Johnson (@bjtripleot): Worried for this season? Not quite. Worried about next season? Absolutely. The Heat’s goals this year should include proving that they are elite competitors and capable of consistency with their current core. That doesn’t mean they have to win every game, but at least look like they could (kind of like the No. 4 seeded Utah Jazz from last year). Miami lacks a true star for the second straight season since since 2002-2003 (no disrespect, Eddie Jones), and if they can’t turn one of their current guys into an always-on, go-to player, attracting free agents next year will be a pipe dream.
Head coach Erik Spoelstra has gotten an unusual amount of flack lately, in regards to how he’s handled the team’s struggles on the court. How do you think Spo is doing, and what would you change?
Tachauer: Much like I’d never question president Pat Riley, I try to blindly trust Spo as much as possible. He’s never really let me down. But I will say, I haven’t entirely agreed with parts of his coaching strategy so far this season. First, he was preaching “letting guys play through their issues,” which is fine in theory… but not when the game is on the line. If someone is better suited to step up in the moment, then a rotation adjustment should be made. Also, I wish he’d play Bam Adebayo more. He’s already shown flashes of greatness, so why not give him more chances to prove himself? Still, in Spo I trust.
Mora: I actually enjoyed his post-game interview Sunday night. He was frustrated and you could see his anger. I think he needs to be more vocal and strict. Get after these players. Something is not working and I honestly feel it’s the lack of motivation and hustle. It seems our defense is always a step behind. I hope this Indiana Pacers game is a rude awakening for this Heat team and Spoelstra. He needs to correct his rotation mistakes but at the same time hold the players accountable. This team needs a firm hand.
Keaton: In the offseason, I questioned some of the decisions of the management, primarily tying up so much money in guys with a limited upside. After assessing what was done, I felt like this team was much more of the 11-30 team in the first half of last season, as opposed to the 30-11 that finished the second half. Because of that, it’s hard for me to hold Spoelstra accountable for the teams struggles, outside of the questionable rotations I mentioned earlier.
Eyrich: In his early days with the Heat, I was not the biggest Spoelstra fan. But, it didn’t take long for him to grow on me. While I’ve question some play-calling, the biggest question I have with Spo right now is on this rotation. I understand this is not an ideal situation with Rodney McGruder and Okaro White both out, but you have to work through that. The idea of bringing in Kelly Olynk was that he is a versatile player. He could move to the four and play alongside Hassan Whiteside or he could run with the second unit as the five. It seems like were still struggling to figure out where he fits. Same with Bam Adebyo. Spo has mentioned many times that they have to find ways to get the rookie minutes. Now 16 games into the season it still seems to be a mystery. Spoelstra is a smart coach and I am confident that he will figure this out. Right now I think we need to cut him some slack. No one quite understands whats wrong with the Heat. This is a tough issue and he deserves time to piece this together.
Johnson: Spo has his hands full. He’s looking for guys who can commit to his defense first plan, while not forcing the offensive issue by throwing up threes. Arguably, Josh Richardson should be moved to the bench in favor of James Johnson or even giving Kelly Olynyk a chance along side Hassan Whiteside. Miami has the capabilities of dominating inside with Whiteside and Olynyk in the post and Johnson, Goran Dragic and Justise Winslow driving. Spo should try and capitalize on that, instead of the 3-point state of mind currently residing on South Beach.
Despite their 7-9 record, who has impressed you the most so far this season?
Tachauer: I feel like even though not every stat-line has shown it yet, James Johnson has really evolved into a player that embodies Miami Heat Basketball. From obviously taking his role as co-captain seriously, to the offensive and defensive effort he’s shown… I continue to be impressed with him.
Mora: Even if he hasn’t been consistent at times, it’s been James Johnson easily. He is such a great versatile player. He can find the right opening while being an aggressive post player. He also has great court vision to dish out assists. He just doesn’t seem confident enough to do so. That needs to change and he just needs to play his game. There’s enormous upside if he does so with confidence.
Keaton: Although, I’m not much of a fan, Goran Dragic has been really impressive and one of the few bright spots for the Heat so far this season. More than just stats, he’s been the primary catalyst in the Heat’s good play when they’re looking good. One can only hope that his fire can become contagious at some point.
Eyrich: Justise Winslow has been giving me hope. He’s been able to elevate his game recently, showing us that he is the player that we thought he was when the Heat drafted him. I think he’s becoming a huge threat. The defense has always been there for him, that’s something we can always bank on, but he’s becoming more dangerous offensively. With how big and explosive Winslow is we’re starting to see him able to cut though the paint and finish. Even better, that opens up the Heat’s offense for Winslow to pass out or throw up a lob. Whitside and James Johnson have been thankful to be on the receiving side of that. I think Winslow creates more options for the Heat and becomes an issue other teams around the league have to worry about.
Johnson: The answer here has to be Justise Winslow. Sure his shot still needs tinkering, but he’s noticeably improved as a ball handler and attacker, and of course his defense is solid. He might not be the star Miami needs, but his “everyman” mentality reignites that fiery, Miami passion.
And who are you most frustrated with?
Tachauer: I wouldn’t say frustrated necessarily, but Hassan Whiteside has had me scratching my head on a few occasions already this year. Between sometimes looking disengaged in the middle of a game, and talking to the media about things like his “confusion” over limited minutes, he just needs to get his focus back on track.
Mora: Hassan Whiteside and Dion Waiters. Waiters because of his poor shot selection and thinking he’s built like LeBron James, and can drive in on every single play and score with ease. He can’t and it’s causing turnovers. With Whiteside, regardless of his double-doubles, he’s always one step behind the defender and is forcing way too many shots. He does have a frame like James, but lately has been way too predictable when attacking the paint. It’s getting ridiculous He has to be a leader and a dominant force and lately, he’s becoming a liability with his turnovers instead of our biggest asset.
Keaton: It’s been disappointing to see what Dion Waiters has done after signing his big money deal. I’ve grown to like him more than I previously have, but his game has not changed much since he’s been in the league. His most recent game (0-for-10 from the field) sticks out like a sore thumb. Maybe it is unfair, but when the big contract comes in, expectations increase as well and he hasn’t lived up in the first quarter of the season.
Eyrich: Even with being able to put up decent numbers, Hassan Whiteside has been the most frustrating. The Heat can get so much more out of him. We’re finding a lot of issues on the offensive end. The biggest and most recent on has been Whieside’s screens. With as big of a player as he is, there should not be the issue of a smaller guard being able to fight through it. It should be the purest pick and role of all time with the Heats personnel. An easy role and finish for Whiteside is what ere looking for, but not able to get. It get’s even more frustrating on the defensive end. He seems to be a step behind all the time. Instead of using his hight and length to make it a difficult shot, we’re seeing Whiteside with his hands barely over his waist and his knees bent. Whiteside looks like he is aways in jumping position seeking out the blocks rather than forcing a difficult shot. With the talent Whiteside has, he hasn’t been giving his game any favors.
Johnson: This might sound silly, but I’m taking the arc on Dion Waiters’ shot. Golly, it sure is a beauty when he swishes the long ball, especially in the clutch, but it’s high arc and suspense that comes with it is killing my heart rate late in close games. Never change.
Do you think president Pat Riley should start thinking about making any trades? Why/why not? And if so, who do you want to see moved?
Tachauer: At this point, no. It’s too early to be writing these guys off. And while some of their contracts may hinder the organization down the line, we’re in the here and now.
Mora: I think he should definitely make players available for trade discussions. Even if it becomes public knowledge. Might even serve as an incentive for them to play better. They’re professional basketball players with huge salaries that are playing like bench players from the Gatorade League. Not every game, but for the majority of this past month, they have. It is sad. Riley should start making some calls to see if there is even an option for a future trade.
Keaton: I don’t know that I’d want to see any one particular player moved, but if there was ever a time for Riley to live up to his reputation after a subpar offseason (to me, anyway), I think we’re approaching that point. The only concern I have is that I don’t know if the Heat have anyone that teams would be knocking on the door for other than Hassan Whiteside and Dragic.
Eyrich: As of now, no. I like this team from top to bottom. Right now it’s just a matter of putting the puzzle together. The talent is there. I was extremely happy that the Heat were able to bring back much of the same team from last year with the amount of talent that there is. I want this team to work. I think we have a situation with a bunch off talent that doesn’t quite work with other teams, but have found a home in Miami. This is a team of misfits that are fun to watch together. Unfortunately, if the Heat stay on this struggling trend, a move will have to be made. For the time being let’s ride it out.
Johnson: Right now, I don’t know what teams would want anyone on the Heat not named Goran Dragic. You can make a case for teams wanting James Johnson’s skill set, but Dragic is the most consistent in his performances. That said, trading Dragic might mean going all in on the Winslow Point God experiment, which could hamper Whiteside’s already limited touches. As far as what Miami needs in a trade, if they can get a consistent shooting guard (emphasis on shooting) their lineups might be better able to out last their abysmal third quarters. But I doubt Miami could command a trade for players like a CJ McCollum, Evan Fournier or even someone like Gary Harris, without giving up Whiteside or Dragic.
Next: Lack of talent isn't the cause of the Miami Heat's recent problems
Onward and upward.