- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,145,046
- Reaction score
- 59
Q: Watching these playoffs has made me realize how far back the Heat have fallen in terms of sheer athletic competition. And it’s not just the Heat. The teams loaded with 6-5 to 7-0 athleticism run the NBA now. If the mindset is not getting to that, then you’re just in the way. – Douglas.
A: Actually, the only rotation players on the Heat season-ending roster listed shorter than 6-5 were Norman Powell (6-4), Dru Smith (6-2) and Davion Mitchell (6-0). The problem is that in a league where size tends to get exaggerated, the Heat also list at 6-5 Tyler Herro, Pelle Larsson and Kasparas Jakucionis, with Jaime Jaquez Jr. listed at 6-6. So that’s a lot of smaller wings in a league where bigger wings play to an advantage. Plus there is the question of the athleticism of that group. Pat Riley said it after the season, that the Heat need to get bigger and more athletic. He even mentioned how Davion Mitchell would be special if bigger. But he’s not. And the Heat are not.
Q: During this historic playoff run, the New York Knicks are winning games because of terrific team defense. Jalen Brunson hits clutch baskets, but the Knicks are there at the end or winning by a decent amount because of defense. With all the talk of Giannis Antetokounmpo coming to the Miami Heat, Heat management has to be focused on making the Miami Heat an elite defensive team next year. The Heat were good/average last year, but not great. The intensity wasn’t there last season. We saw many times in close games, the Heat couldn’t get stops. Also, stops on defense lead to easier baskets. So curious, any thoughts on what the Heat will do with player acquisitions and overall approach to improve team defense? The Knicks are taking a page from Pat Riley’s playbook. – Stuart, Miami.
A: It is possible, with a Gianni Antetokounmpo addition, the Heat return with a lineup with four plus-defenders, when counting Giannis, Bam Adebayo, Andrew Wiggins and Davion Mitchell. And while you still might have to compensate for Norman Powell, there also could be a move in free agency for a 3-and-D wing. With Giannis, the Heat’s defense will be back to something closer to the Alonzo Mourning era and other Heat defense-driven success stories.
Q: When will the Giannis Antetokounmpo questions stop? – Ed.
A: When the Bucks make their decision. They, not the Heat, not Giannis Antetokounmpo remain the ones who hold the cards.
Continue reading...
A: Actually, the only rotation players on the Heat season-ending roster listed shorter than 6-5 were Norman Powell (6-4), Dru Smith (6-2) and Davion Mitchell (6-0). The problem is that in a league where size tends to get exaggerated, the Heat also list at 6-5 Tyler Herro, Pelle Larsson and Kasparas Jakucionis, with Jaime Jaquez Jr. listed at 6-6. So that’s a lot of smaller wings in a league where bigger wings play to an advantage. Plus there is the question of the athleticism of that group. Pat Riley said it after the season, that the Heat need to get bigger and more athletic. He even mentioned how Davion Mitchell would be special if bigger. But he’s not. And the Heat are not.
Related Articles
Q: During this historic playoff run, the New York Knicks are winning games because of terrific team defense. Jalen Brunson hits clutch baskets, but the Knicks are there at the end or winning by a decent amount because of defense. With all the talk of Giannis Antetokounmpo coming to the Miami Heat, Heat management has to be focused on making the Miami Heat an elite defensive team next year. The Heat were good/average last year, but not great. The intensity wasn’t there last season. We saw many times in close games, the Heat couldn’t get stops. Also, stops on defense lead to easier baskets. So curious, any thoughts on what the Heat will do with player acquisitions and overall approach to improve team defense? The Knicks are taking a page from Pat Riley’s playbook. – Stuart, Miami.
A: It is possible, with a Gianni Antetokounmpo addition, the Heat return with a lineup with four plus-defenders, when counting Giannis, Bam Adebayo, Andrew Wiggins and Davion Mitchell. And while you still might have to compensate for Norman Powell, there also could be a move in free agency for a 3-and-D wing. With Giannis, the Heat’s defense will be back to something closer to the Alonzo Mourning era and other Heat defense-driven success stories.
Q: When will the Giannis Antetokounmpo questions stop? – Ed.
A: When the Bucks make their decision. They, not the Heat, not Giannis Antetokounmpo remain the ones who hold the cards.
Continue reading...
