None of the Eastern teams were better than the Miami Heat during the regular season in 2021-22. Only one team from the Eastern District has done better in the playoffs, and this team is entering this season on shaky ground, given the lengthy suspension of Boston Celtics coach Amy Odoka. The reigning Golden State Warriors finished the same regular season record as the Heat.
However, with the Heat approaching the media Monday at the FTX Arena and then their training camp in the Bahamas, it looks as if they’ve become an afterthought in the NBA.
However, perhaps at a time like this, there is a reason for that.
Little new. Of the 20 players in camp, 14 spent time with the Heat last season. Of the 16 expected to be on the regular season roster, only striker Nikola Jovic, who picked the team in the first round, and striker Darius Days, a two-way contract, are the new ones.
However, it doesn’t look like everything has been answered, or the Heat is in a position to pick up where it left off.
So, yes, questions.
1. With PJ Tucker’s free agency moving to the Philadelphia 76ers, who is the number one power forward?
A: (Eric Spoelstra voice, “The beginning of what?”With Hit’s non-positional approach, the bigger question is how Spoelstra plans to sort his rotations.
In closing games, an argument could be made for Jimmy Butler in the four, if only to maximize the team’s depth in the wing, with the likes of Butler, Kyle Lowry, Tyler Hero, Victor Oladipo and Max Strauss.
As for the starting lineup, think more along the lines of when Luke Babbitt was the starter, playing the nominal minutes at the start of each half and then waving the towels the rest of the way.
The Heat could open up front with Caleb Martin, Haywood Highsmith, or maybe a second big guy.
What matters most is the glorification of the lecturers of Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, Butler, Lowry and possibly Oladipo.
2. So Tyler Hero will be upgraded to a staple and a basic apprentice?
If it is on heat.
Until Herro is locked into the extension period with the start of the regular season – if he is constrained by the extension – the possibility to trade remains. Once extended (if extended), it can’t basically deal with until next summer.
Beyond that, while Herro might deserve a starting role, Spoelstra showed a preference for a 3-point specialist in his squad. That could mean Strus once again as a novice of choice.
3. Will Kyle Lowery again be the little mover that can?
Lost in the final analysis of last season was that Lowry arrived as announced during the first half of the season, prior to his absence due to a family matter, then a hamstring strain.
Based on Lowry’s social media recently, Heat boss Pat Riley’s concerns about air conditioning should be allayed upon seeing him again in uniform.
4. Is Hit in danger of losing Prime Jimmy Butler?
This was brought up on social media, with the Heat doing nothing to further the essence of this off-season. And yes, Butler personally tried to persuade Tucker to stay.
But Spoelstra consistently ran Butler’s minutes, lightening the load when games didn’t mean the same.
That’s why Butler, 33, is such a strong start forward.
5. Will Pam Adebayo add scoring to his game?
This is another favorite of those who are skeptical about the Heat.
The truth is that on the list that includes Butler, Laurie, Hero and Oladipo, there is no need to force the order. And it’s not as if his drift to the three-point line will change the opponent’s defensive tactics.
6. Is there a danger, however, in assuming that endogenous growth will cure everything?
definitely. If the Heat really believed Oladipo had gone backwards, there would have been a more than two-year, $18 million contract. And if Oladipo really thought he was back all the way, he would have insisted on more.
7. With so much focus on the winger, could the Heat get big after being penalized on the plates after being eliminated from the playoffs the past two seasons by the Bucks and Celtics?
They can, but Spoelstra has shown little inclination in pairing Adebayo with a real big guy since pairing with Kelly Olynyk and Meyers Leonard that ended midway through 2019-20.
Any minutes with Dewayne Dedmon or Omer Yurtseven alongside Adebayo would mark a significant turnaround for Spoelstra.
8. Will there be competition in the camp?
Not for the rosters, as the Heat are expected to open with 14 under standard contact and two in two-way deals, one below the league cap, due to the team’s stance against the luxury tax.
That means Jamaree Bouya, Jamal Cain, Orlando Robinson and Dru Smith will likely be targets for some time with Heat G League affiliate Sioux Falls Skyforce.
9. Will there be a rotation competition?
Certainly, including the third winger who will start alongside Laurie and Butler, as well as the decision to start the force forward.
Plus, will Strus remain the shooter of choice, or can Duncan Robinson reclaim the role? Can Yurtseven push Dedmon into an energy spin? In addition, is it necessarily taken for granted that in all situations Oldipo plays Gabe Vincent?
10. What about choosing Nikola Jovic in the first round?
With a winning approach now with the roster of veterans, 19-year-olds are waiting for their turn.
()
from San Jose News Bulletin https://sjnewsbulletin.com/stagnant-stale-or-solid-heat-enters-camp-with-familiar-looks-new-questions-mercury-news/
No comments:
Post a Comment