Miami Heat: Why fans are really disappointed with the team

Miami Heat fans are creating their own disappointment.

There’s a popular saying that goes a little something like this: “sometimes we create our own heartbreaks through expectations.”

Dramatic, maybe. But Miami Heat fans should be able to relate.

While Heat Nation has been steadily becoming more and more divided ever since the organization first entered the post Big Three era, they’ve never been more at odds then they are now.

Between arguing over president Pat Riley‘s longterm vision for the team and countless debates regarding Justise Winslow‘s actual capabilities, the majority of fans seem disappointed in the organization’s current state of being.

However at the end of the day, they’ve got no one to blame but themselves.

Expectations are a funny thing.

At times, they can work as devices for motivation. But unfortunately, they can also serve as a means of derailment. Which is what has happened to present supporters of the franchise.

Mr. President

Take the endless discussions centered around Riley, for example.

Because he was able to land LeBron James and Chris Bosh, fans now want him to sign a big name every free agency period. Regardless of the realistic likelihood. Despite certain players not being a good fit for the team. Completely overlooking financial factors.

Heat Nation doesn’t want projects. They want already established headliners.

So of course when guys like Wayne Ellington, James Johnson and Dion Waiters come aboard, Riley is suddenly washed. Even though Ellington had a career-season, Johnson is studying to become the next Udonis Haslem and Waiters led the 30-11 2016-17 comeback.

No A-Listers, no interest.

A Bust?

As for Winslow, he came into the league labeled one of the strongest 3-and-D picks in his draft class. So naturally, when he dropped to No. 10 and the Heat were able to snag him, fans were over the moon.

Until he didn’t develop into a star overnight and instead fell victim to a shoulder injury that kept him out the majority of his second year.

Then suddenly, the forward was a bust.

And Heat Nation urged the front office to offer him up as part of a trade package. In fact, many fans are still hoping that management is able to move him this summer, despite having closed out the past season on a strong note.

The 22-year-old didn’t become the rookie sensation he was supposed to, so onto the next.

No. 21

No one has been criticized lately more than Hassan Whiteside; after a lackluster 2017-18 run, fans have had enough.

And while he certainly didn’t always handle his shortcomings with grace, most don’t want to give him a second chance because of what they had hoped he would turn into this last year.

The 7-footer showed growth going into his third year with Miami, finishing the season having averaged 17.0 points, 14.1 rebounds and 2.1 blocks a game. He then totaled 26 points and 22 rebounds during the Heat’s first regular season matchup, getting Heat Nation hyped up for what’s to come.

So when what came was on-court struggles and off-court acts of frustration after back-to-back injuries and questionable rotations, fans immediately gave up on their center.

Apparently not even one mediocre year is tolerable.

Is the team perfect? Absolutely not. And it can be undoubtedly frustrating at times to have to sit through the mistakes made during a youth movement, like the one happening in South Florida right now.

But in order to be able to identify all the positive things taking place in Miami currently, Heat Nation needs to let go of their preconceived notions of what should be, and simply evaluate what is.

Next: The Miami Heat's most disappointing statistic of 2017-18

It’s time for Miami Heat fans to appreciate what’s in front of them, and stop looking back.