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Miami Heat 1-on-1: Seven games in and already plenty to discuss

By Allana Tachauer

MIAMI, FL - OCTOBER 29: Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on October 29, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - OCTOBER 29: Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on October 29, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – OCTOBER 27: Rodney McGruder #17 of the Miami Heat reacts after making a three pointer in the closing minute against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half at American Airlines Arena on October 27, 2018 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – OCTOBER 27: Rodney McGruder #17 of the Miami Heat reacts after making a three pointer in the closing minute against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half at American Airlines Arena on October 27, 2018 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Okay but is it too early to panic, or are you already worried from what you’ve seen so far?

Tachauer: In my opinion, it’s way too early. Does that mean I don’t have specific concerns? Of course not. I am a little troubled by how much Tyler Johnson has struggled. And some of Spoelstra’s lineup choices, especially in crunch time, make me nervous (even with the understanding that he’s dealing with a handful of injuries). But I don’t feel comfortable passing full judgement, seven games into an 82-game season. Besides, there have been plenty of positives to come out of 2018-19 play so far. Josh Richardson is absolutely thriving. Rodney McGruder has been incredible. Whiteside is obviously making a comeback. Even Dwyane Wade is doing more than I could have hoped for. So for now, I’m going to keep preaching that patience is a virtue, and see what happens.

Ebrahim: I would have to say there’s a little bit of both. Yes, Johnson, Justise Winslow, Dion Waiters, and Ellington have been out for most, if not all, of the regular season so far… But the team hasn’t shown any considerable improvement from where it was a year ago, or even two years ago. It’s definitely great to see the strides that Richardson and McGruder have made, plus Whiteside looks to be engaged for the most part, especially on the rebounding end. But why hasn’t Adebayo played more? Why has Tyler Johnson fell off the map? It’s almost exhausting to see this team play and realize it’s the same story again this year: wildly inconsistent. Every win comes with a loss. Beating Portland was great, but yes, I would start worrying about this team. It feels like they are getting closer and closer to the lottery, as opposed to solidifying themselves as the fifth or sixth seed.

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