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Miami Heat Roundtable: Let’s talk about preseason play

By Allana Tachauer

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 05: Head coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat looks on during the second half of a preseason NBA game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on October 5, 2018 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 05: Head coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat looks on during the second half of a preseason NBA game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on October 5, 2018 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NC – OCTOBER 02: Tony Parker #9 of the Charlotte Hornets looks to pass against Tyler Johnson #8 of the Miami Heat during their game at Spectrum Center on October 2, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – OCTOBER 02: Tony Parker #9 of the Charlotte Hornets looks to pass against Tyler Johnson #8 of the Miami Heat during their game at Spectrum Center on October 2, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Do you think there’s anyone who looks like they still aren’t quite ready for 2018-19 play?

Eyrich: Tyler Johnson – This is a year that he has to step up. He has to prove his worth. With four more preseason games he has to shake off the rust and be ready to go.

Mora: Being a huge fan of this individual, it pains me to say it has been Justise Winslow. He seems like a player lost in translation. He can’t find his role, and with the new opportunity to play the point, his shot selection has been horrible (to say the least), and the adjustment stage has been off. There is only so much patience fans have to see a player develop, and while he has made progress, it only seems like he takes one step forward and three steps backward. As much as I would love to see him succeed (and he does have the immense talent to do so), he needs to figure out his place with the Heat. I have faith in head coach Erik Spoelstra when it comes to situations like these and I feel he can figure it out. Wade’s last year will also provide a blueprint in that direction, but he needs to make that jump this year, or else he will become a mediocre player too afraid of that next step.

Johnson: Honestly, Wade looked a bit out of rhythm at first, at least offensively, but the same could be said of Tyler Johnson and Olynyk. Repetition is key to success in this 82-game season, so I’m sure they’ll pull it together, but right now the shots just aren’t falling.

Rahming: I like Duncan Robinson as much as the next guy, but I need to see him do well on some defensive possessions to know if he will be an excellent rotational piece, or will he be like early on Rodney McGruder? Sure he has a golden arm but, you won’t see the court if you can’t at least defend your position.

Leniart: There are a couple. Derrick Jones Jr. has shown some flashes, but he still has some growing to do if he is going to be the contributor that the Heat staff hopes he can be. Duncan Robinson has not quite found his rhythm yet either. This is somewhat expected as he adjusts to the level of competition in the NBA. Like Jones Jr., Robinson needs to work on becoming a more consistent player.

Nurse: To be honest, neither Dwyane Wade and Tyler Johnson look ready to play. Wade has the excuse of being off all summer and having to work on getting his NBA legs. However, Johnson’s combined 4-for-17 outings are not going to do anything to silence the critics of his salary increase.

Gewirtz: I think that Winslow is looking better, but his shooting could still use improvement. He’s playing well defensively, but it will be interesting to see how he progresses with his shooting in the next week or so, and if there is more to be expected out of him.

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