Miami Heat

[Wagonband]

Funnily enough even Babbit despite not doing much has started to hit threes at something like a 66% rate over his last 35 shots, so he spreads the defence out giving Waiters and Dragič move to manouver.

Hopefully they didn't wake up too late. They've proven they are a tough matchup for Cleveland, so maybe the 1-8 matchup could be finally at least a bit interesting in the East. Can't remember the last time it was.

[ItsAJyaKnow]

Funnily enough even Babbit despite not doing much has started to hit threes at something like a 66% rate over his last 35 shots, so he spreads the defence out giving Waiters and Dragič move to manouver.

Hopefully they didn't wake up too late. They've proven they are a tough matchup for Cleveland, so maybe the 1-8 matchup could be finally at least a bit interesting in the East. Can't remember the last time it was.

I'd love to see that 1-8 matchup with the cavs.. maybe even 2-7. The Heat would at least make them work for their wins, unlike their past first round opponents. I can see them stealing 2 games for sure. I mean, even though the Cavs came back to make it a game, it was still a 20point lead without the Johnson Brothers. With them playing, it could've been a much bigger lead. I'm going to say K-Love < Johnson Brothers.

[heat4life]

Something that goes unnoticed is the success of the team's developmental program over the last couple of seasons. Players such as Tyler Johnson, Josh Richardson, Okaro White, Hassan Whiteside and Rodney McGruder graduated from the Heat's D-League affiliate in Sioux Falls where they learned the culture and system while developing their bodies and skills to fit the pro team. Once these players were deemed ready, it was easier to incorporate them into the rotations.

The scouting team has been successful at finding, without draft picks, skilled players that needed time and development while the coaching staff has been equally successful at developing these players. What we are seeing is an organizational effort paying dividends.

[Wagonband]

Something that goes unnoticed is the success of the team's developmental program over the last couple of seasons. Players such as Tyler Johnson, Josh Richardson, Okaro White, Hassan Whiteside and Rodney McGruder graduated from the Heat's D-League affiliate in Sioux Falls where they learned the culture and system while developing their bodies and skills to fit the pro team. Once these players were deemed ready, it was easier to incorporate them into the rotations.

The scouting team has been successful at finding, without draft picks, skilled players that needed time and development while the coaching staff has been equally successful at developing these players. What we are seeing is an organizational effort paying dividends.

McGruber especially is a revelation. At the start of the year he just looked like a guy that competed but definetly wasn't NBA material. Now it seems he has added a decent 3pt shot when open, added even more to his hustle and defence, and has even become a decent cutter when Waiters and Dragič penetrate. He does look like a really solid rotation player in the NBA.

Heat winning has unfortunately like mentioned imo have a lot to do with Winslow being out. He was basically cast in the role that JJ now excels in, but JJ just looks 10x better at it. I do think he has potential, but man, his shot % is terrible, and unfortunately his BBIQ is pretty bad as well. Some of his decisions and turnovers at the start of the season almost made me stop watching the Heat. Especially since Spoelstra didn't change his role and kept forcing him as a Point-Forward which i honestly doubt he will ever become.

[ryanpuge]

Funnily enough even Babbit despite not doing much has started to hit threes at something like a 66% rate over his last 35 shots, so he spreads the defence out giving Waiters and Dragič move to manouver.

Hopefully they didn't wake up too late. They've proven they are a tough matchup for Cleveland, so maybe the 1-8 matchup could be finally at least a bit interesting in the East. Can't remember the last time it was.

I'd love to see that 1-8 matchup with the cavs.. maybe even 2-7. The Heat would at least make them work for their wins, unlike their past first round opponents. I can see them stealing 2 games for sure. I mean, even though the Cavs came back to make it a game, it was still a 20point lead without the Johnson Brothers. With them playing, it could've been a much bigger lead. I'm going to say K-Love < Johnson Brothers.

slow down there...
lets all focus on getting the #8 seed first...

[heat4life]

Something that goes unnoticed is the success of the team's developmental program over the last couple of seasons. Players such as Tyler Johnson, Josh Richardson, Okaro White, Hassan Whiteside and Rodney McGruder graduated from the Heat's D-League affiliate in Sioux Falls where they learned the culture and system while developing their bodies and skills to fit the pro team. Once these players were deemed ready, it was easier to incorporate them into the rotations.

The scouting team has been successful at finding, without draft picks, skilled players that needed time and development while the coaching staff has been equally successful at developing these players. What we are seeing is an organizational effort paying dividends.

McGruber especially is a revelation. At the start of the year he just looked like a guy that competed but definetly wasn't NBA material. Now it seems he has added a decent 3pt shot when open, added even more to his hustle and defence, and has even become a decent cutter when Waiters and Dragič penetrate. He does look like a really solid rotation player in the NBA.

Heat winning has unfortunately like mentioned imo have a lot to do with Winslow being out. He was basically cast in the role that JJ now excels in, but JJ just looks 10x better at it. I do think he has potential, but man, his shot % is terrible, and unfortunately his BBIQ is pretty bad as well. Some of his decisions and turnovers at the start of the season almost made me stop watching the Heat. Especially since Spoelstra didn't change his role and kept forcing him as a Point-Forward which i honestly doubt he will ever become.

Mcgruder definitely surprised me as well. He's becoming a Bruce Bowen-type 3&D player that can cut to the basket and go for 2nd chance baskets. He developed into this same player for the Skyforce in their chamionship year last season. I am just at awe at how well he's been able to translate those skills to the NBA. Kudos to the kid.

As for Winslow, we tend to forget that he is only 20 years old. We might've put to much on his plate this season. IMO, he needs time to work on his game. The talent is there, he can defend with the best of them. We might not see the results of his development for another year or two when he is 23. It's unfortunate because we all want the next teen-to-star on our teams but the truth is that most of these kids need time to work on their games. I think Miami develops him into a star eventually.

[Wagonband]

As for Winslow, we tend to forget that he is only 20 years old. We might've put to much on his plate this season. IMO, he needs time to work on his game. The talent is there, he can defend with the best of them. We might not see the results of his development for another year or two when he is 23. It's unfortunate because we all want the next teen-to-star on our teams but the truth is that most of these kids need time to work on their games. I think Miami develops him into a star eventually.

You are right. He is just 20. I do think he was pushed in a roll that he just wasn't suited/ready for. What i do find worrying is that he said he was working on his jumper a lot during the summer, and it still looked very bad before he went down. Even worse than last year.

I think his jumper will be what will define him in the NBA. Apart from MKG i can't think of any other player that is a solid starter on the wing but such a bad shooter. So if MKG is your ceiling, that's pretty tough.

But if he does developed a jumper, so that teams have to respect him behind the 3 point line, then perhaps everything alse will fall in place for him. This year he just looked bad. But, like you said, 20 years old. Let's give him time

[mvpshaq32]

that's why I said Cavs were lucky to avoid Miami in the playoffs last season after Whiteside went down.

If Bosh was able to play too..could've been an Eastern Conference upset

[JonFromVA]

The Cavs are just too bored with the regular season to judge how they'll look in the playoffs. They have struggled with teams with with length, solid defensive fundamentals, and that play hard in the regular season - only to sweep them out of the playoffs the past two seasons.

Oh, and btw, they're still missing 2 starters.

[Wolfy1983]

The Cavs are just too bored with the regular season to judge how they'll look in the playoffs. They have struggled with teams with with length, solid defensive fundamentals, and that play hard in the regular season - only to sweep them out of the playoffs the past two seasons.

Oh, and btw, they're still missing 2 starters.

Yeah? And Miami was missing their best man defender and their two best bench players...by the way.

There's also that other player who is still under contract with the team. Chris Something.

[gino_giode]

I wouldn't be surprised if they got 8th and pushed the Cavs to 7 games in R1.

[heatwillbeback]

I obviously don't think we would beat the Cavs if we face them (talent overcomes gritty in playoffs) but it would be a hell of a good time.

[fouronesix22]

Spo is a good coach. i give him respect for how he turned this team around with the team he has. Some of these no name guys playing well

[heat4life]

As for Winslow, we tend to forget that he is only 20 years old. We might've put to much on his plate this season. IMO, he needs time to work on his game. The talent is there, he can defend with the best of them. We might not see the results of his development for another year or two when he is 23. It's unfortunate because we all want the next teen-to-star on our teams but the truth is that most of these kids need time to work on their games. I think Miami develops him into a star eventually.

You are right. He is just 20. I do think he was pushed in a roll that he just wasn't suited/ready for. What i do find worrying is that he said he was working on his jumper a lot during the summer, and it still looked very bad before he went down. Even worse than last year.

I think his jumper will be what will define him in the NBA. Apart from MKG i can't think of any other player that is a solid starter on the wing but such a bad shooter. So if MKG is your ceiling, that's pretty tough.

But if he does developed a jumper, so that teams have to respect him behind the 3 point line, then perhaps everything alse will fall in place for him. This year he just looked bad. But, like you said, 20 years old. Let's give him time

Well, Winslow only played in 18 games this season, not enough to determine if his shot is getting better or not IMO. Also, I am not overly concerned about his 3pt shot. I would rather he works hard at his mid-range game and make him a 50% shooter there which is going to make him dangerous right away. He could always extend his shot to the 3pt line later on, even if he becomes a 34-35% shooter from there eventually.

[TheDavinciCHODE]

I don't really have anything to back this up, it just feels like a hunch to me.....so feel free to bash this position if you can....

Does anyone else feel like the evolution of the game has brought more parity to the games themselves. Not talking about who can win a title, since a 7 game serious almost always comes down to top-tier talent and the performance of the team's best role players with them. But it seems to me that not that playing styles have become more homogenous and defensive tactics more advanced, more teams are competing on effort and execution than before.

I think back in the day, the game was so much more rough and iso driven, that the teams with the best iso scorers one more often than not.

This Heat team kind of encapsulates that. Just feels like teams like Dallas, Miami, and even to a lesser exten Memphis, teams that are clearly less talented, compete with the big boys night in and night out. I don't remember seeing it a lot ten years ago.

I can't think of many examples of teams that just played hard defense and executed sound strategies that won or competed this hard. The teams back in the day that were known for their defense like the Spurs and Pistons were stacked with talent, too.

Could be a testament to better strategies and better overall skill of players in the league now.

[Froob]

I really hope they make the play offs.Best story of the season.

I hope they win the Finals, would root for them over Boston for sure. How can you not root for Dion Waiters unless you are a total piece of ****?

[heat4life]

I don't really have anything to back this up, it just feels like a hunch to me.....so feel free to bash this position if you can....

Does anyone else feel like the evolution of the game has brought more parity to the games themselves. Not talking about who can win a title, since a 7 game serious almost always comes down to top-tier talent and the performance of the team's best role players with them. But it seems to me that not that playing styles have become more homogenous and defensive tactics more advanced, more teams are competing on effort and execution than before.

I think back in the day, the game was so much more rough and iso driven, that the teams with the best iso scorers one more often than not.

This Heat team kind of encapsulates that. Just feels like teams like Dallas, Miami, and even to a lesser exten Memphis, teams that are clearly less talented, compete with the big boys night in and night out. I don't remember seeing it a lot ten years ago.

I can't think of many examples of teams that just played hard defense and executed sound strategies that won or competed this hard. The teams back in the day that were known for their defense like the Spurs and Pistons were stacked with talent, too.

Could be a testament to better strategies and better overall skill of players in the league now.

You are right, the game has evolved. Defensive rule changes gave the offensive player more space to work with and if you are not a superstar who can go ISO 100% of the time, it invites you to use that space to create, shoot or move the ball around. Playoffs is a different animal where the intensity of the games makes scoring a more difficult task. This is why stars are needed for a successful playoff run, someone who can score or create a scoring play when things are tight. Contenders have multiple of those stars. If Miami makes the playoffs, they will give any team a fight but I am not sure who on this team can be that star to get the much needed basket when the game is tight and scoring is scarce.

Good observation though.

[manou]

James freaking Johnson is playing incredibly well, that's for sure.

[-TheDocOfDenial]

I really hope they make the play offs.Best story of the season.

I hope they win the Finals, would root for them over Boston for sure. How can you not root for Dion Waiters unless you are a total piece of ****?

Dions story is really sad. I hope he wins a ring thjs year. Would root for him over the celtics easily.

[JonFromVA]

The Cavs are just too bored with the regular season to judge how they'll look in the playoffs. They have struggled with teams with with length, solid defensive fundamentals, and that play hard in the regular season - only to sweep them out of the playoffs the past two seasons.

Oh, and btw, they're still missing 2 starters.

Yeah? And Miami was missing their best man defender and their two best bench players...by the way.

There's also that other player who is still under contract with the team. Chris Something.

Cool. Good luck not getting swept in the first round.