Miami has not looked good through its first two games, but I do not understand why parts of social media have already decided this team is bad. There are real concerns, especially defensively, but 80 games remain. This group needs time to figure out how to play together, and I am not ready to judge what it can become after two nights.
1. The Open Shots Need to Fall
Miami has shot 8/33 from 3 (24.2%) against Minnesota and 15/51 (29.4%) against Detroit. That is 23/84 (27.4%) through two games, and the missed open looks have been frustrating.
There is a difference between struggling to create good shots and getting those opportunities without making them. Miami has had open looks that it needs to capitalize on. I want the team to keep taking those shots confidently because making them will help open the floor for Giannis and Bam.
2. Bam Is Still Finding His Fit
Bam Adebayo is still finding his place in this offense alongside Giannis. I want to see him get more comfortable knowing when to attack, where his opportunities are, and how to stay involved throughout the game.
That adjustment will take time. Two games are not enough to expect everything to look natural, but finding a dependable role for Bam needs to be a priority. Miami needs his impact offensively.
3. Better Defense Will Help the Offense
The defensive cohesion is not there right now. Miami doesn't consistently look connected, and communication, help decisions, and execution need to improve. That will take time, but I still want to see progress each game.
As the defense gels, the stops should create more opportunities to run. That transition offense could be a big factor for this team, especially with Giannis attacking before the defense gets set. Miami needs to finish possessions with rebounds, get the ball out quickly, and capitalize on those chances.
Better defense should help Miami find easier offense. Right now, the Heat are not giving themselves enough of those opportunities.
4. Two Games Are Too Early to Write This Team Off
It is fair to criticize how Miami has played. What confuses me is turning those performances into a final judgment on the team.
There is a lot of basketball left, and this group has time to build chemistry. The missed shots, Bam’s adjustment, and the defensive issues are all worth watching. I need to see how they develop over a longer stretch before deciding what this team is.
I am not saying everything will fix itself. I am saying we need to give the team more than two games to work through it.
5. Charlotte Is a Chance to Show Improvement
Miami heads to Charlotte tonight for a 6 p.m. scheduled tipoff. I view the Hornets as a team likely to finish near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, making this an opportunity Miami needs to capitalize on.
I want to see more connected defense, Bam getting comfortable offensively, and Miami knocking down its open shots. Getting stops and turning them into transition opportunities would be another encouraging step.
A win would be a welcome start, but I also want a performance that shows this group is beginning to figure things out.
Miami has not looked good through its first two games, but I do not understand why parts of social media have already decided this team is bad. There are real concerns, especially defensively, but 80 games remain. This group needs time to figure out how to play together, and I am not ready to judge what it can become after two nights.
1. The Open Shots Need to Fall
Miami has shot 8/33 from 3 (24.2%) against Minnesota and 15/51 (29.4%) against Detroit. That is 23/84 (27.4%) through two games, and the missed open looks have been frustrating.
There is a difference between struggling to create good shots and getting those opportunities without making them. Miami has had open looks that it needs to capitalize on. I want the team to keep taking those shots confidently because making them will help open the floor for Giannis and Bam.
2. Bam Is Still Finding His Fit
Bam Adebayo is still finding his place in this offense alongside Giannis. I want to see him get more comfortable knowing when to attack, where his opportunities are, and how to stay involved throughout the game.
That adjustment will take time. Two games are not enough to expect everything to look natural, but finding a dependable role for Bam needs to be a priority. Miami needs his impact offensively.
3. Better Defense Will Help the Offense
The defensive cohesion is not there right now. Miami doesn't consistently look connected, and communication, help decisions, and execution need to improve. That will take time, but I still want to see progress each game.
As the defense gels, the stops should create more opportunities to run. That transition offense could be a big factor for this team, especially with Giannis attacking before the defense gets set. Miami needs to finish possessions with rebounds, get the ball out quickly, and capitalize on those chances.
Better defense should help Miami find easier offense. Right now, the Heat are not giving themselves enough of those opportunities.
4. Two Games Are Too Early to Write This Team Off
It is fair to criticize how Miami has played. What confuses me is turning those performances into a final judgment on the team.
There is a lot of basketball left, and this group has time to build chemistry. The missed shots, Bam’s adjustment, and the defensive issues are all worth watching. I need to see how they develop over a longer stretch before deciding what this team is.
I am not saying everything will fix itself. I am saying we need to give the team more than two games to work through it.
5. Charlotte Is a Chance to Show Improvement
Miami heads to Charlotte tonight for a 6 p.m. scheduled tipoff. I view the Hornets as a team likely to finish near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, making this an opportunity Miami needs to capitalize on.
I want to see more connected defense, Bam getting comfortable offensively, and Miami knocking down its open shots. Getting stops and turning them into transition opportunities would be another encouraging step.
A win would be a welcome start, but I also want a performance that shows this group is beginning to figure things out.
