Joseph Zapata

Joseph Zapata

Joined: Jan 13, 2015

Joseph is a journalism major at Hofstra University and he describes himself as a student of the game. He looks at advanced metrics and analytics to sculpt his opinions, and he's not afraid to go against the grain. In the past, Joe has written for Bleacher Report and Rotoballer, and he currently interns at the Long Islander News in Huntington, New York.

Apr 17, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Jeremy Lin (7) defends Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) during the second half in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 123-91. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Heat look to swat Hornets in home opener

Ray Allen and the Miami Heat aren’t a good fit

Oct 12, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Justise Winslow (20) passes the ball as San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) looks on during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Justise Winslow is not Kawhi Leonard

May 11, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Miami Heat guard Josh Richardson (0) celebrates after hitting a three-point shot against the Toronto Raptors in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Heat 99-91. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

What is Josh Richardson’s ceiling next season?

June 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) moves the ball against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) in the second half in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

J.R. Smith and 4 other free agents who can improve the Heat’s 3-point shooting

Nov 9, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Miami Heat forward Luol Deng (9) and center Chris Bosh (1) box out Dallas Mavericks center Tyson Chandler (6) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Heat defeated the Mavericks 105-96. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

5 players the Miami Heat can sign if Hassan Whiteside leaves

Apr 12, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) dribbles the ball during the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Heat have a decision to make about Goran Dragic

May 11, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Miami Heat guard Josh Richardson (0) celebrates after hitting a three-point shot against the Toronto Raptors in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Heat 99-91. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Breaking down Josh Richardson’s rookie season with the Miami Heat

Apr 17, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) applies pressure to Charlotte Hornets center Al Jefferson (25) during the first half in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

As Hassan Whiteside balls out, his free agency value rises

Apr 12, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) dribbles the ball during the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Goran Dragic is the Miami Heat’s playoff X-factor

Nov 1, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (right) celebrates with Miami Heat forward Justise Winslow (left) after Winslow made a three point basket during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 109-89. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Stats behind the bench mob trio: Whiteside, Winslow and Richardson

Jan 19, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Josh Richardson (0) reacts from the court against the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Robert Duyos-USA TODAY Sports

Can we trust Josh Richardson’s rapid rise?

Mar 4, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) attempts a shot against Philadelphia 76ers forward Robert Covington (33) and guard Ish Smith (1) and guard Hollis Thompson (31) during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Heat extend win streak to four games with win over 76ers

Feb 28, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Miami Heat small forward Joe Johnson (2) drives around New York Knicks small forward Lance Thomas (42) during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Heat beat New York Knicks in Joe Johnson’s debut

Miami Heat Look to Snap Loss Streak vs Indiana Pacers

Miami Heat Look to Rebound Vs Raptors