MidSeason Report Card 2022
Posted: Fri Jan 7, 2022 7:06 am
Here we are at the midway point my fellow Heat fanatics! I have decided to put my cumulative thoughts on the season thus far into a report card.
Without further adieu...here... we... go!
Coaching: A
Fantastic stuff. Spo has stayed true to the foundations of his system and has seen improvement from pretty much all of his developmental players. Spo knows how to squeeze productivity out from his players as long as they can fit into a niche in his system.
G. Vincent: A
This dude looked China-bound until his shot started falling and he cleaned up his turnovers. Now he looks like the second coming of Kendrick Nunn. Defense and effort was never an issue and now he can shoot.
C. Martin: A
Martin always had hops, defense and a slash game but lately his three ball has been on point which opens up his explosive slashing attack even more. Great improvement and A+ effort. Can't ask for more.
B. Adebayo: C
I have high expectations of Bam. Injury has cut his evaluation but I was disappointed with his lack of confidence and development as an offensive player and his lack of shot blocking. This is the season where I think Bam can be labeled a pure defensive power forward ala K. Garnett, with a lack of the offensive polish that Garnett had. Dribbling issues limited Bam's effectiveness yet he still put up nice stats, a token to his potential.
T. Herro: C
Herro also has high expectations from me after a sublime start to the season. Unfortunately he has fallen back to Earth since that productivity. He hasn't meshed well with Butler in their limited time together in the starting lineup which was a surprise. For me, Herro projects to be more of a JR Smith type of player, an allstar that can get you a title as a starter, than the franchise player many peg him to become. Still great though, but Harlow fans will hate on this projection. Herro plays so out of character and his regression is so profound I think he may need a different type of position coach to develop him.
K. Lowry: B
Lowry started the season on a shooting slump as he got acquainted with the team. After all of the injuries I'm not sure he is any more acquainted but he has provided nice leadership and playmaking stability in limited moments. Enough for me to label him a successful offseason signing and a kind of Chris Paul-lite on this team in regards to what the Suns have going with Paul.
Tucker: A
Tucker has busted his butt and has oozed Heat culture, heart and effort throughout the year as well as been money from his designated shooting zones. I'm proud of this dude and glad he is on the squad.
Dedmon: B
Dedmon has done everything asked as backup C. He has even hit threes at a decent clip. Effort, shot-blocking and energy all come in good supply from the dead man.
Duncan Robinson: D
Frustrating to see him struggle with his shot which is his most important element. He still commands respect and pulls defenders to him but his lack of defense and strength puts lineups at a disadvantage also. The Heats X factor.
Strus: A
Luckily, Strus has emerged. Bringing an elite 3 ball as well as more strength and slashing ability to the table the Heat haven't missed a beat plugging in Strus when Duncan has been off.
K. Guy: B
The new guy can do no wrong yet. Keep bombing away at will and take advantage of the spacing provided for you.
Yurtseven: B
Yurt is on a tear racking up double-doubles. At times he has seemed timid but as he grows comfortable he seems to be the future of the Heat at the center position. You can't teach length. He's got length and a shooters touch.
J. Butler: B
Butler has looked great this year. His midrange has been pristine and his three point shot seems to be coming back a little bit. Unfortunately, the injury bug has hit him and he hasn't gotten his fitness game right. He may be trying to rush back, causing more ailments. But when he is playing he has been a top 5 player in the league.
Morris: Incomplete
Morris was playing well until the Jokic incident. I can't really give him a grade yet. I expect him to get back into shape and finish the second half of the year in some kind of rhythm.
Haslem: A
The old cap'n has shown that he is the craftiest of crafty vets.
Overall Grade: A
With Bam out the Heat could have collapsed but have actually shown that they are indeed well coached and have a deep, intelligent core system driving their success. This isn't a star-reliant team.
Without further adieu...here... we... go!
Coaching: A
Fantastic stuff. Spo has stayed true to the foundations of his system and has seen improvement from pretty much all of his developmental players. Spo knows how to squeeze productivity out from his players as long as they can fit into a niche in his system.
G. Vincent: A
This dude looked China-bound until his shot started falling and he cleaned up his turnovers. Now he looks like the second coming of Kendrick Nunn. Defense and effort was never an issue and now he can shoot.
C. Martin: A
Martin always had hops, defense and a slash game but lately his three ball has been on point which opens up his explosive slashing attack even more. Great improvement and A+ effort. Can't ask for more.
B. Adebayo: C
I have high expectations of Bam. Injury has cut his evaluation but I was disappointed with his lack of confidence and development as an offensive player and his lack of shot blocking. This is the season where I think Bam can be labeled a pure defensive power forward ala K. Garnett, with a lack of the offensive polish that Garnett had. Dribbling issues limited Bam's effectiveness yet he still put up nice stats, a token to his potential.
T. Herro: C
Herro also has high expectations from me after a sublime start to the season. Unfortunately he has fallen back to Earth since that productivity. He hasn't meshed well with Butler in their limited time together in the starting lineup which was a surprise. For me, Herro projects to be more of a JR Smith type of player, an allstar that can get you a title as a starter, than the franchise player many peg him to become. Still great though, but Harlow fans will hate on this projection. Herro plays so out of character and his regression is so profound I think he may need a different type of position coach to develop him.
K. Lowry: B
Lowry started the season on a shooting slump as he got acquainted with the team. After all of the injuries I'm not sure he is any more acquainted but he has provided nice leadership and playmaking stability in limited moments. Enough for me to label him a successful offseason signing and a kind of Chris Paul-lite on this team in regards to what the Suns have going with Paul.
Tucker: A
Tucker has busted his butt and has oozed Heat culture, heart and effort throughout the year as well as been money from his designated shooting zones. I'm proud of this dude and glad he is on the squad.
Dedmon: B
Dedmon has done everything asked as backup C. He has even hit threes at a decent clip. Effort, shot-blocking and energy all come in good supply from the dead man.
Duncan Robinson: D
Frustrating to see him struggle with his shot which is his most important element. He still commands respect and pulls defenders to him but his lack of defense and strength puts lineups at a disadvantage also. The Heats X factor.
Strus: A
Luckily, Strus has emerged. Bringing an elite 3 ball as well as more strength and slashing ability to the table the Heat haven't missed a beat plugging in Strus when Duncan has been off.
K. Guy: B
The new guy can do no wrong yet. Keep bombing away at will and take advantage of the spacing provided for you.
Yurtseven: B
Yurt is on a tear racking up double-doubles. At times he has seemed timid but as he grows comfortable he seems to be the future of the Heat at the center position. You can't teach length. He's got length and a shooters touch.
J. Butler: B
Butler has looked great this year. His midrange has been pristine and his three point shot seems to be coming back a little bit. Unfortunately, the injury bug has hit him and he hasn't gotten his fitness game right. He may be trying to rush back, causing more ailments. But when he is playing he has been a top 5 player in the league.
Morris: Incomplete
Morris was playing well until the Jokic incident. I can't really give him a grade yet. I expect him to get back into shape and finish the second half of the year in some kind of rhythm.
Haslem: A
The old cap'n has shown that he is the craftiest of crafty vets.
Overall Grade: A
With Bam out the Heat could have collapsed but have actually shown that they are indeed well coached and have a deep, intelligent core system driving their success. This isn't a star-reliant team.