Both the Miami Heat and their fans need to practice patience
With just their first game of 2018 taking place tonight, both the Miami Heat and their fans need to be patient.
The infamous “they” always say: patience is a virtue. A virtue that lately, both the Miami Heat and their fans, haven’t been practicing.
It’s understandable. The team’s 30-11 run at the end of 2016-17 did set the bar pretty high, moving into next season. Especially when the majority of that group was re-signed, and spent the summer conditioning together. It’s only natural that both the organization and Heat Nation expected the start of 2017-18 to be a mere continuation of that success.
But unfortunately, plans don’t always pan out. Often due to outside factors, getting in the way. In this case, those being the likes of bringing newbie Kelly Olynyk on board and Rodney McGruder fracturing his leg. Because suddenly, the roster has changed up enough to need time to adjust. And Miami is no longer building upon something, but rather starting an entirely new chapter, once more.
Frustrating, certainly. However, not the end of the world.
The Heat may have already played 36 games, sitting seventh in the Eastern Conference with a 19-17 record, but there are still 46 more to go. And if last year didn’t make it clear enough, in the NBA, anything can happen.
Right now, fans are restless. Being quick to give up on Justise Winslow, who is once again sidelined with an injury after missing the majority of last season with a torn shoulder. Asking for Hassan Whiteside to be traded, despite having only played in 18 games so far. Calling president Pat Riley washed, because of his decision to re-sign Dion Waiters.
Again, not necessarily hard to see why. Yet counterproductive, when there are so many positives to focus on instead. For one, Josh Richardson is playing elite basketball, averaging 17.4 points in December. Rookie Bam Adebayo has already proven his worth, stepping up for an injured Whiteside. Tyler Johnson got his groove back, scoring 31 points on 12-of-18 shooting in Miami’s last matchup.
But it’s not just the fans being impatient. Members of the Heat need to pace themselves too.
Take James Johnson, who forced his return, despite cautionary words from the team trainer.
"“I really thought I could go, despite the pain or despite (Jay Sabol) being a great trainer, not wanting me to go. But that’s the kind of guy I am. But we were down some men and I wanted to do my best.”"
Honorable, yes. But not actually in the team’s best interest, it turns out. Because just eight minutes in, he suffered a set back, and has since missed three more games.
Whiteside is also trying to rush the process, speaking out on being ready to play without a knee brace. In fact, he took it off during Saturday’s win over the Orlando Magic, but according to head coach Erik Spoelstra, that won’t be happening again.
"“That’s not going to happen any more or he’s not going to be out there. He had discomfort [wearing it]. We expect that – just like a guy wearing an ankle brace or taped ankle. The first few times you do it it’s uncomfortable, it’s new.”"
That’s the spirit, Spoelstra. Everything in its own time.
Next: Miami Heat: Would Marc Gasol be a game changer?
The Miami Heat and their fans need to have faith that soon enough, the team will get back on track.