Heat stock up, stock down thru first 17 games
The Miami Heat are about a fifth into the season, and sitting in playoff position at the moment with a 10-7 record. There have been satisfying highs (the long winning streak) and dark lows (blowing multiple leads against teams we're better against and starting the season 1-4), so I've decided to compile my thoughts on how we've started the season, analyze some bright spots, as well as scrutinize what should improve over the next portion of the season.
Priority #1: Stop blowing large leads
Our record should really be 12-5. But, we let two games that clearly should have been in our grasp go and lost two unneeded games. First, it was a Saturday night Bulls matchup, where we were up 22-1 in the first quarter and wound up losing in clutch time. Next, it was a blown Knicks game on Friday, which some of you have probably seen. The common denominator has been us getting way too complacent, allowing large leads, and then Jimmy having to play hero in clutch time (something he can't just magically conjure up every single game). There have also been other numerous occasions where we blew leads and were lucky to escape. I'm hoping some of these recent losses can be a good wakeup call for the team to effectively close games. That has been the one massive hindrance so far.
Priority #2: Get Tyler Herro back
I know some of the Herro naysayers are probably going to say "You guys went on the streak without Tyler Herro! You guys went to the NBA Finals without him! You're so much better without the man!" But, to be objective, a big reason why we went on that streak was because we played against some pretty lowly teams. The Hornets, the Grizzlies, the Wizards, the Spurs. To beat some of the heavyweights we're going to need his creation, which is so valuable in not giving up those runs because he adds an ability to heat up when our offense inevitably dries up.
Player of the Period: Duncan Robinson
Duncan Robinson's taken another step in his evolution from being not just a shooter who runs a bunch of DHOs with Bam. Without Herro in the lineup, he's stepped up and made his routine threes, while gliding inside and consistently creating advantages for the offense. Not to mention, improved, underrated defense even though opposing commentators love to pick on him! Duncan's ability to be the next man up in the rotation after Herro's injury has been greatly appreciated.
Stock up: Jaime Jaquez Jr.
Jaime gets an A+ throughout the season because he's been one of the most NBA ready rooks in the class, which is about what you can ask for from an 18th pick. He's shot the ball well off catch and shoots, added value with his post up and off ball scoring, played tough defense, and overall be a positive player on his court. His demeanor is awesome and I can already tell he's going to be a great role player for years to come.
Stock up: The starters
Once we get Herro back, we're going to have a nice little lineup, assuming Haywood Highsmith stays in at wing. Bam has been a DPOY candidate and has been dominating in the mid range, Jimmy hasn't been completely coasting this season, Kyle Lowry has still brought some underrated production from the point guard position, Highsmith has emerged as a switchable elite defender, and I think Spo will figure out a way to maximize Herro's creation while not detracting too much from Kyle's, Caleb's, Josh Richardson's shot diet. When you throw in some production off the bench from surprisingly pretty decent guard Dru Smith, Caleb, Kevin Love (who is about maxed out defensively athletic wise but still adds value with his shooting, rebounding, and passing), emergency center Thomas Bryant, J Rich, and two-ways Cole and Orlando.
The Adventures of watching Josh Richardson
It's been great to have J Rich back, and there are frequent highs, and frequent lows watching him. At times, it feels like a horror movie watching him dribble and you simply not knowing what he's going to do, and at times, it seems like a feel good sitcom where he's routinely making threes and playing decent defense. His nature is of an erratic (or a more positive connotative word, unique) player, and watching him can feel like a rollercoaster. Love to have him in the locker room though, he adds plenty of value in that department.
With us gearing up to face the Bucks in an in-season tournament tilt, I don't feel as bad as I felt when news broke of the Bucks stealing Dame from us and the Celtics subsequently getting Jrue Holiday. Tyler Herro has showed himself a really, really good player. Possibly on the verge of becoming an All-Star caliber scorer. Jaime has NBA ready. And Nikola Jovic, despite Spo's obstinate refusal to not play him, has shown flashes and I'm excited to see his potential. Overall, I feel pretty good about the roster, and once we're at full strength, it will be interesting to see how we fare against the Magic, Sixers, Bucks, Celtics, and Pacers at full strength.