Erik Spoelstra is realizing the best version of Giannis may not require more of him

The Miami Heat have been at their best when Giannis Antetokounmpo isn't forcing the issue on the offensive end of the floor. In terms of overall effectiveness and efficiency, so has Giannis.

It's something that Erik Spoelstra, clearly, especially with the adjustments he's made over the last two games, is also beginning to realize. Through the first six games of the season, the Heat have won both games in which Giannis' usage rate has been below 30 percent.

In the four games that it's been over 30 percent, they've lost. At least for now, it's a trend that could end up being a blueprint for Spoelstra and the coaching staff as they continue to try to hit a stride during the first year with Giannis.

Giannis and the Heat are best when he isn't forcing the issue

Are there times when the Heat need Giannis to assert himself as a dominant force? Absolutely. However, for the most part, the Heat have been at their best so far this season when Giannis is letting the offense come to him within the game plan.

In other words, there's an argument to be made that the Heat and Giannis are at their best when he allows the others to find their rhythm before he asserts his dominance on the game.

For example, in each of the last two games, Giannis letting Bam Adebayo find his comfort zone in the first quarter has completely changed the dynamic of the Heat's offense. Bam has eaten in the first quarter, and Giannis has dominated everything after that.

Both players have gotten their numbers within the confines of the free-flowing offense, and it's difficult to argue with back-to-back double-digit wins. When Giannis isn't forcing the issue, the Heat's offense has been able to thrive.

Bam hinted at this after their most recent win, talking about Giannis taking some pressure off himself and how it helps feed the rest of the team offensively.

“He sleepwalks into 20 and 10. When you see him doing the right things and trying to get everybody involved, and not to will it as much, it makes it easier for us all of us to figure out our game”

Bam couldn't be more right with how things have gone for the Heat so far this season.

This is not an argument that the Heat are better without Giannis. It's far from that. It's the idea that Giannis has a greater (and much more positive) impact on the Heat when his talent is bought into the Heat's offensive philosophy, rather than just trying to outwill opponents by himself.

It's about Giannis trusting the system.

That, more than anything, is going to allow not only Giannis to get the most out of his time in Miami, but also the Heat to get the most out of Giannis. So it's not necessarily about the Heat needing more of Giannis; it's about using him in the right way.

For the Heat, it's working smarter with Giannis, not harder.

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