2025 Regular Season Thread Vol. 7 - It’s about to go down

[Vertical Limit]

If Bam can't play PF on offense there's that or trading him

What are you talking about? As of lately Bam has been the least of our problems.

He dont need to be a problem to be available for trade. Same with Herro.

If some team calls this offseason and says our all nba superstar doesnt seem like he wants to sign a long term commitment, and we arent willing to risk losing him for nothing.. we want to trade you ant edwards for bam and 3 firsts.. you do that trade even if you need to call around for help from other teams and you keep your mouth shut.. you dont counter and say how about rozier, duncan robinson and a protected 2035 pick.

[MartyConlonJr]

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I don't disagree with any sentiment that Rozier sucks, but in fairness the games were vs Dallas without Luka (which I guess is still a .500 team), Brooklyn, the Pelicans without Zion and Ingram, and in fairness Philadelphia in one of the very few games this year where they had their starting lineup of Embiid, PG, Caleb, McCain and Lowry.

So one good team (Philly), one average to below average team (Dallas) and two bad teams (Pelicans, Brooklyn).

[MartyConlonJr]

We are in a situation now where Bam is carrying the culture that we hold so dear, and regardless of whether in a normal world we should trade him for a package of anything, I don't know that we would.

Funnily enough I don't think Herro has that aura, but he actually exemplified it in this off-season, maybe more than anyone, with his dedication, work ethic and improvement.

[3ammy3uck3ts]

If Bam can't play PF on offense there's that or trading him

As evidenced by his best stretch of play of the entire season?

He's certainly had a few better games as of late. Individually he looks more comfortable and the trend is positive. Problem to me is that it's still not close to the standard he has been at before and the team offense looks very stagnant. Opponents still barely guard him to the point of Ware having to set up shop outside the arc to create some room for the other players to operate. Team offense w Bam at PF must look much better that this is all.

Bams last 8 since the Jimmy suspension starting with Wade, 22-11-5 on 61TS% shooting 36% from 3 on 3 attempts while being our best defender by far.

You all cried for years about wanting a big who can stretch the floor, well now you have Bam and Ware working towards being able to do that. Wares drop
Off in production isn’t Bams fault, but again I know he’s the easy scapegoat. The drop off in production is because for one he’s missing easy buckets, 2 he can’t create for himself and we lack a playmaker (I’ve been saying this but you all are finally noticing now that you have a big man on the roster you like) and 3 he’s being game planned. Gameplan for Ware is simple, Lob and catch and shoot threat, box him out, weak creation. So basically just stay home on Ware and you’re good.

[3ammy3uck3ts]

As evidenced by his best stretch of play of the entire season?

He's certainly had a few better games as of late. Individually he looks more comfortable and the trend is positive. Problem to me is that it's still not close to the standard he has been at before and the team offense looks very stagnant. Opponents still barely guard him to the point of Ware having to set up shop outside the arc to create some room for the other players to operate. Team offense w Bam at PF must look much better that this is all.

i agree. Herro is cooking but bam needs to be a consistent efficient inside and mid range threat in the same vein that Butler was for us. he needs to be that guy going to line 8 times when nothing is clicking instead of standing in place waiting for the hand off wasting 8 seconds

We run hand offs because it’s the only way we can get guys open, Herro has not been cooking his efficiency has been dropping quick. Could be reverting to the mean or could just be a slump. I’m going to hope it’s just a slump

[3ammy3uck3ts]

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I don't disagree with any sentiment that Rozier sucks, but in fairness the games were vs Dallas without Luka (which I guess is still a .500 team), Brooklyn, the Pelicans without Zion and Ingram, and in fairness Philadelphia in one of the very few games this year where they had their starting lineup of Embiid, PG, Caleb, McCain and Lowry.

So one good team (Philly), one average to below average team (Dallas) and two bad teams (Pelicans, Brooklyn).

That Dallas team minus Luka beat the Thunder twice (we’ll get destroyed by them tomorrow) and we got drilled by the Nets when we had Rozier

[3ammy3uck3ts]

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Highsmith >>>> Terry or Anderson

[3ammy3uck3ts]

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Hell yea hope it was a SICK Super Bowl party guys!!!!

[Shewasfly]

If Bam can't play PF on offense there's that or trading him

What are you talking about? As of lately Bam has been the least of our problems.

He dont need to be a problem to be available for trade. Same with Herro.

If some team calls this offseason and says our all nba superstar doesnt seem like he wants to sign a long term commitment, and we arent willing to risk losing him for nothing.. we want to trade you ant edwards for bam and 3 firsts.. you do that trade even if you need to call around for help from other teams and you keep your mouth shut.. you dont counter and say how about rozier, duncan robinson and a protected 2035 pick.

Ant isn't the example I'd have used even though I'd still absolutely trade Bam or Herro for him. But he's such a dumb player as far as BBIQ goes. Just horrendous shot selection.

[dshearn]

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Highsmith >>>> Terry or Anderson

People say they don't understand....and yet season after season after season....spo runs combinations of players.

There is a method and purpose to what Spo does, might not give the best chance to win "that game" when he makes a wonky line up change...but I am pretty confident he is thinking big picture when he does that stuff.

[greg4012]

If Bam can't play PF on offense there's that or trading him

As evidenced by his best stretch of play of the entire season?

He's certainly had a few better games as of late. Individually he looks more comfortable and the trend is positive. Problem to me is that it's still not close to the standard he has been at before and the team offense looks very stagnant. Opponents still barely guard him to the point of Ware having to set up shop outside the arc to create some room for the other players to operate. Team offense w Bam at PF must look much better that this is all.

That's partially the result of one less ballhandler on the floor given that the Center is now a stagnant piece that is only a play finisher. My preference is to actually get the 1-3 rotation up to average NBA skill level rather than be so quick to give up on the frontcourt that can provide Miami with its greatest upside of competitive advantage.

If Miami had multiple reliable perimeter players that could accompany and work with a Bam and Ware frontcourt then it would supercharge it.

Can you elaborate as to how Bam's play of late is "not close to the standard he has been at before"?

From what I can gather, Bam and Ware have started 10 games together. Bam's stats over that stretch are 20 ppg (52%FG; 31% 3pt; 58% TS), 4.1 apg, 11.2 rpg, and a defensive FG% of 40.8% (that defensive FG% would net out as the best defensive FG% by a frontcourt defender in the NBA over the course of this season).

Team absolutely has to make the puzzle pieces work, but it just seems strange to zoom in on Bam's play since inserting a rookie learning on the fly as some sort of issue when he's playing some of his best ball.

On a related note, Miami still has the lowest assist leader of the 30 teams in the NBA.

[greg4012]

As evidenced by his best stretch of play of the entire season?

He's certainly had a few better games as of late. Individually he looks more comfortable and the trend is positive. Problem to me is that it's still not close to the standard he has been at before and the team offense looks very stagnant. Opponents still barely guard him to the point of Ware having to set up shop outside the arc to create some room for the other players to operate. Team offense w Bam at PF must look much better that this is all.

i agree. Herro is cooking but bam needs to be a consistent efficient inside and mid range threat in the same vein that Butler was for us. he needs to be that guy going to line 8 times when nothing is clicking instead of standing in place waiting for the hand off wasting 8 seconds

Over the last 10 games (same as referenced for Bam above) once Ware has entered the starting lineup, Tyler is averaging 22 ppg (39.9% fg; 29.8% 3 pt; 52.4% TS), 8.1 apg; and 5 rpg. And a defensive fg% of 47%.

Sure would be nice if Bam and Herro can play well at the same time. There are plenty of other issues with the roster and lack of perimeter talent and developing youth, but that would def be a start.

[greg4012]

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Highsmith >>>> Terry or Anderson

People say they don't understand....and yet season after season after season....spo runs combinations of players.

There is a method and purpose to what Spo does, might not give the best chance to win "that game" when he makes a wonky line up change...but I am pretty confident he is thinking big picture when he does that stuff.

Ding ding ding!

[Flash4thewin]

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Highsmith >>>> Terry or Anderson

People say they don't understand....and yet season after season after season....spo runs combinations of players.

There is a method and purpose to what Spo does, might not give the best chance to win "that game" when he makes a wonky line up change...but I am pretty confident he is thinking big picture when he does that stuff.

As a repeat play in team thats on the verge of missing the playoffs again, yes please do the completely stupid move. If we are a lock in the playoff, then go bleep around because it wont matter. Nothing would ironically symbolizes Heat culture more than missing the playoffs and paying the tax this year, and giving Pat an extension. The trifecta

[greg4012]

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[Kobewade11]

bullet dodged

[jbsays]

I like Bam, but he should not shoot 3s. Last 10 games:

0/2
0/2
1/1
0/0
2/4
2/5
1/5
1/3
1/3
1/5
Total: 8/30 (27%)

Pretty close to his season average of 29% from three.

[greg4012]

I like Bam, but he should not shoot 3s. Last 10 games:

0/2
0/2
1/1
0/0
2/4
2/5
1/5
1/3
1/3
1/5
Total: 8/30 (27%)

Pretty close to his season average of 29% from three.

I've got him at 9/29 for 31% from 3 in last 10 games per bballref game log. That looks consistent with NBA.com tracking data from last 10 games.

It's not about the value it provides as a 30% shooter today. It's about developing his game to be able to punish defenses for sinking and earning more coverage thus enhancing spacing.

Patience for progress.

[caliban]

As evidenced by his best stretch of play of the entire season?

He's certainly had a few better games as of late. Individually he looks more comfortable and the trend is positive. Problem to me is that it's still not close to the standard he has been at before and the team offense looks very stagnant. Opponents still barely guard him to the point of Ware having to set up shop outside the arc to create some room for the other players to operate. Team offense w Bam at PF must look much better that this is all.

That's partially the result of one less ballhandler on the floor given that the Center is now a stagnant piece that is only a play finisher. My preference is to actually get the 1-3 rotation up to average NBA skill level rather than be so quick to give up on the frontcourt that can provide Miami with its greatest upside of competitive advantage.

If Miami had multiple reliable perimeter players that could accompany and work with a Bam and Ware frontcourt then it would supercharge it.

Can you elaborate as to how Bam's play of late is "not close to the standard he has been at before"?

From what I can gather, Bam and Ware have started 10 games together. Bam's stats over that stretch are 20 ppg (52%FG; 31% 3pt; 58% TS), 4.1 apg, 11.2 rpg, and a defensive FG% of 40.8% (that defensive FG% would net out as the best big man defensive FG% in the NBA over the course of this season).

Team absolutely has to make the puzzle pieces work, but it just seems strange to zoom in on Bam's play since inserting a rookie learning on the fly as some sort of issue when he's playing some of his best ball.

On a related note, Miami still has the lowest assist leader of the 30 teams in the NBA.

To me it looks like he gets does points in part because the oppenents gladly let him try to get them. Hes that much of a non threat on many scouting reports right now.. 58ts is still below his standard looking back and that's with a league trending offense since forever.

Bam was the running topic but I do belive Bam should be zoomed in at. Not doing so is what would be strange. Hes a 3 time all star, the anointed culture bearer and gets a large part of the sallary pie.

I don't agree with him playing some of his best ball, I think he's still playing some of his worst. Based on the impact player he's been before the fanbase should have a higher standard for him than whatever this is.

I never stated that they should stop playing Bam and Ware. I'm saying Bam has to play well in that combo for a trade not to be an option. I'm sure he'll find his way back to being a high impact contributor again before we know it, trend is positive.

[greg4012]

He's certainly had a few better games as of late. Individually he looks more comfortable and the trend is positive. Problem to me is that it's still not close to the standard he has been at before and the team offense looks very stagnant. Opponents still barely guard him to the point of Ware having to set up shop outside the arc to create some room for the other players to operate. Team offense w Bam at PF must look much better that this is all.

That's partially the result of one less ballhandler on the floor given that the Center is now a stagnant piece that is only a play finisher. My preference is to actually get the 1-3 rotation up to average NBA skill level rather than be so quick to give up on the frontcourt that can provide Miami with its greatest upside of competitive advantage.

If Miami had multiple reliable perimeter players that could accompany and work with a Bam and Ware frontcourt then it would supercharge it.

Can you elaborate as to how Bam's play of late is "not close to the standard he has been at before"?

From what I can gather, Bam and Ware have started 10 games together. Bam's stats over that stretch are 20 ppg (52%FG; 31% 3pt; 58% TS), 4.1 apg, 11.2 rpg, and a defensive FG% of 40.8% (that defensive FG% would net out as the best big man defensive FG% in the NBA over the course of this season).

Team absolutely has to make the puzzle pieces work, but it just seems strange to zoom in on Bam's play since inserting a rookie learning on the fly as some sort of issue when he's playing some of his best ball.

On a related note, Miami still has the lowest assist leader of the 30 teams in the NBA.

To me it looks like he gets does points in part because the oppenents gladly let him try to get them. Hes that much of a non threat on many scouting reports right now.. 58ts is still below his standard looking back and that's with a league trending offense since forever.

Bam was the running topic but I do belive Bam should be zoomed in at. Not doing so is what would be strange. Hes a 3 time all star, the anointed culture bearer and gets a large part of the sallary pie.

I don't agree with him playing some of his best ball, I think he's still playing some of his worst. Based on the impact player he's been before the fanbase should have a higher standard for him than whatever this is.

I never stated that they should stop playing Bam and Ware. I'm saying Bam has to play well in that combo for a trade not to be an option. I'm sure he'll find his way back to being a high impact contributor again before we know it, trend is positive.

Trade should always be an option across the roster right now. Miami is regrouping as a whole and deciding what will be the build from 2026 on.

Bam's 58% TS over this stretch is effectively in line with his 59% TS career average and higher than his TS% last season. Not coincidental that his TS% was higher when he had real PG play and wasn't dealing with league worst perimeter creators. Seems like a strange nitpick when everything else is seemingly in a worse state. I'm not at all suggesting that Bam or any other player on the roster shouldn't be assessed.

In an effort to de-conflate points here, I primarily responded because you stated "if Bam can't play PF on offense" as if that is what's happening right now. He's having his best offensive stretch of THIS SEASON over the past month or so with a chunk of that coming at PF. The offense is missing multiple critical pieces right now and is trying to integrate a raw rookie that can't create looks for himself as a full-time player.

I agree Bam needs to continue to up his efficiency and get back to his career averages (which hes trending towards). But to point to the stretch of time where literally only Jovic and Burks have had a higher TS% on the team seems misplaced.

Any functional NBA offense needs to have at least 3 capable ballhandlers on the floor at all times. If not, defenses can force offense to get stuck in the mud. Ware starting means that Miami is more often playing with only 1 of the 2 frontcourt spots able to navigate the floor and move off spots. Add in the fact that Terry is playing some of the worst basketball I've ever seen, and Miami is starved for perimeter creators. Do you know what players perimeter creators benefit the most? The big men.