The Good, Bad and Miami Heat Culture: A small upswing?

MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 04: Justise Winslow #20 of the Miami Heat looks on prior to the game against the Orlando Magic at American Airlines Arena on December 4, 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 - DECEMBER 04: Justise Winslow #20 of the Miami Heat looks on prior to the game against the Orlando Magic at American Airlines Arena on December 4, 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)
3 of 3
MIAMI, FL – NOVEMBER 12: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half at American Airlines Arena on November 12, 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 – NOVEMBER 12: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half at American Airlines Arena on November 12, 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)

The Culture

Within the last month, there has been so much talk within #HeatTwitter about tanking, but it is just not the style of the Miami Heat franchise.

And as of right now, it appears that the Heat will not be taking that route this season.

As I mentioned in The Good, the Heat are in a ‘growing-not-tanking’ phase. Instead of looking at this season as something to be thrown out, I think it is still important to note that the young core of this team is doing some great things.

Richardson is averaging a career-high points per game, Bam Adebayo is getting more playing time, and Winslow has continued to evolve on both ends of the floor.

While Hassan Whiteside or Tyler Johnson may end up being moved before the end of their contracts, these three young players are expected to be the future of the franchise.

If Heat fans are looking for something good to focus on during this season that, at times, has been difficult to watch, I suggest that they begin to look at individual players and how they impact the team on a nightly basis.

These are types of guys that can evolve into difference makers in the seasons to come.

Right now, the Heat Culture appears to be more about figuring things out and taking the wins as they come.

While there are some factors that are in their control, such as turnovers, there are others like injuries that are not anyone’s fault, and they just have to roll with that.

Here’s to an even better week ahead.