This is Advanced Scout. Every Sunday here at All U Can Heat, we’ll take a look at the upcoming week’s schedule and scout the Miami Heat’s opponents. We’ll discuss the biggest storyline, toughest matchup, and depth chart for the San Antonio Spurs, Charlotte Hornets, Brooklyn Nets, and the Chicago Bulls.
Sunday Nov. 12 vs San Antonio Spurs
Biggest storyline:
The preseason proved to be a resounding success for the San Antonio Spurs, as they achieved a 3-2 record. However, this record does not fully capture the significance of their performance. Despite finishing last season with one of the lowest winning percentages in the league, the Spurs understood that the preseason is primarily focused on player development rather than immediate results.
With the addition of Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs are determined to establish a strong foundation around him. Nevertheless, considering the youthfulness of their roster last year, a significant portion of this process will involve nurturing internal talent rather than seeking external acquisitions right away.
Towards the end of the preseason, the Spurs introduced a lineup featuring Jeremy Sochan as the point guard. Although traditionally a forward, Sochan possesses exceptional passing skills and is a formidable defender.
Including him in the starting lineup enhances the Spurs' defensive versatility. Moreover, considering the significant roles that Devin Vassell and Wembanyama will play in terms of ball handling, this experimental lineup could prove effective. However, it is certainly an endeavor that warrants close observation as the season progresses.
Toughest matchup:
Victor Wembanyama, the highly anticipated forward for the Spurs, has garnered an unprecedented amount of hype as an international prospect. His arrival in the United States has generated immense excitement, perhaps comparable to the anticipation surrounding LeBron James during his early career.
The Miami Heat have already had a taste of Wembanyama's skills during his preseason home debut against the Spurs. In that game, he showcased his talent by scoring a team-high 23 points on an impressive 10-of-15 shooting, while also contributing with four rebounds, four assists, and three blocks in just 23 minutes of play.
Wembanyama's performance against Miami was particularly noteworthy. He displayed his athleticism with several powerful dunks and exhibited his playmaking abilities by setting up San Antonio's long-range shooters, such as Devin Vassell, with impressive passes from the post.
Despite the excitement surrounding Wembanyama and his fellow promising teammates like Sochan and Vassell, the Spurs will face a formidable challenge against Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat. Butler's exceptional skills, combined with the Heat's aggressive playing style, will test the Spurs' abilities.
Wembanyama has already showcased his versatility in previous games, including a remarkable 38-point performance against the Phoenix Suns, a five-block game against the Toronto Raptors, and multiple games with three 3-pointers.
Starting lineup:
PG: Jeremy Sochan
SG: Devin Vassell
SF: Keldon Johnson
PF: Victor Wembanyama
C: Zach Collins