Let’s improve our offense
Since the big three have ended, the Miami Heat have ended up near the bottom when it comes to their offense. But can you blame them? They never had the star that can carry them offensively.
Even in the 2015-16 season, where they had Chris Bosh, Goran Dragic, Joe Johnson, and Dwyane Wade, they were still a mediocre team, as the ranked 14th in offensive rating.
But lately, that has been completely different. Here are some quick facts about the team’s offense:
- 105.7 points per game – 26th
- 51.5 effective field goal – 21st
- 24.3 assists per game – 17th
- 13.1 turnover percentage – 26th
- 107.3 offensive rating – 26th
- 36.8 percent 3-point attempt rate – 13th
As you can see, the team have ranked in the bottom 10 for most of the stats. The Heat did spread their offense quite deep. Five players have attempted double digits field goal attempts and two were close with nine. Eight players have scored in double digits. Six players had a usage rate of 20 plus and the rest were high 10s.
This shows that the Heat have more of a slow team-based offense. Unfortunately, that isn’t working and it is what holds Miami back. Here we have the breakdown of the type of offensive plays Miami uses the most
- 20.5 percent of possessions are spot-ups
- 18.8 percent of possessions is the pick-and-roll ball handler
- 8.3 percent of possessions are handoffs
One of the main strengths is their catch-and-shoots 3-pointers as they attempt 23.9 and make 36.8 percent. However, the biggest weakness is their isolation and drives as they make 43.4 percent of their drives, which is second-worst in the league.
So, where does the Heat go from here?
Well, the team’s offense will go where Butler goes. The best decision is to build the offense around Butler, as that will open up many other doors for everyone else.
Finally, for the first time since the 2013-14 season, the team has a star in his prime that is capable of being a number one option and put up 20 plus points. In the last four seasons for Butler, he has averaged more than 20 points four times, dished out almost five assists four times on high 50s true shooting percentage.
Butler has proved to everyone he is much capable of being a focal point of the offense especially when surrounded by other talents. Before the injury, he led the Minnesota Timberwolves to the playoffs in the West. And in Philadelphia, they almost reached the NBA Finals. There is no doubt that he will be able to get his buckets, but what about the rest?
With more of an offensive load on Butler, that will relieve some of the other players and it will mean other players will get fewer shot attempts. That won’t be a bad thing though as there are some players getting up there in age.
What was Miami’s best strength? Their spot-ups and catch-and-shoot attempts. With Butler that will be utilized much more effectively. With the defense being more focused on Butler, that will give other players more opportunity of being open. And with shooters like Herro, Leonard, and Justise Winslow, the team should be better offensively from downtown.
And what about the team’s biggest weakness? Free throw attempts? Well, that again is dealt with Butler. Considering he ranked top 20 in makes and attempts, Butler will be able to get to the line with ease, especially as Miami drives 49.3 percent of the time.
Maybe this is the year where Miami will be top 15 in the offense.