Miami Heat fans, don’t press that panic button just yet. Although, three discouraging double-digit losses and a sub-.500 record are troubling, it’s still way too early to freak out. If you’re having trouble seeing past the team’s recent struggles, take a look at these five reasons why Heat fans need to take a tip from quarterback Aaron Rodgers and relax.
1. The Heat Are Still Gelling
In the NBA, teams often find themselves in differing phases. Some teams are ready to compete immediately, others are somewhere on the fringe, and then there are those seemingly hopeless squads that are competing for spots in the draft lottery. At the present, Miami is somewhere in the aforementioned fringe. So far, it appears they might be good enough for the postseason, but maybe they’re not good enough to win it all if they get there. Miami certainly has the star power to make a run in the playoffs, but going deep in the NBA is about more than riding the hot hands of your best players.
Entering the season without LeBron James, there was no doubt Miami would lack the same dominance they had for the past four seasons. Combine the loss of a superstar like ‘Bron with the addition of veterans and young players, and the task of transitioning becomes even tougher. Developing chemistry among new teammates can take weeks, even months. Be patient Heat fans, because in due time this team will eventually find itself. We’ve seen flashes of brilliance with this current roster, but there will always be peaks and valleys when a new squad is learning to play together as a unit. Not to mention the abundance of Heat players going in and out of the lineup due to injury. Win or lose, every game helps improve cohesiveness; the closer this team gets, the better they’ll become.
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2. It’s Still Early
Miami has only played 19 games, and they’re one game below .500. That’s hardly anything to panic about. The NBA is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s the same reason star guard Dwyane Wade has been in and out of the lineup to ensure he’s rested come playoff time. Make no mistake, Miami has to play better, but the season is still very young. In the 2010-11 campaign, a similar transition year for Miami, the team started 11-8. Just two more wins, two fewer losses than this current roster has at the present moment. That year’s team had James and Wade in their primes, but they still struggled early on because it took time to develop the chemistry mentioned earlier. Despite the rocky start, Miami went on to make the NBA Finals that season, and although they lost, it was a testament to their ability to shake off the early-season struggles. The Heat in 2014-15 knows the health of D-Wade is paramount going forward, and they’ll be willing to sacrifice wins in the early going to develop their young talent and preserve their weapons for when the real season begins.
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3. Pat Riley
With Pat Riley running the show, the Miami Heat are never at risk for a meltdown. Riles successfully won the biggest free agency period in NBA history, and more recently, he averted catastrophe by snagging Chris Bosh before he could leave for the Houston Rockets. If there’s a move out there, he’ll make it, but if no other options exist, rest assured he’ll still figure a way to adapt.
Take Riley’s instrumental signing of Chris Andersen in January of 2013 for example. Riley took a low-risk high-reward opportunity with the veteran big man by signing Andersen to a 10-day contract in hopes that the team’s rebounding problems and interior defensive issues would be bolstered. Not only was Andersen offered a long-term contract, but “Birdman” ended up being one of the key reasons that the team repeated as NBA champions.
Pat has always been a fighter, and even in defeat, he has always been realistic about what it takes to compete in the association. He’s a man that’s seen many battles in the NBA, and you can bet he’d be telling those fans panicking about this disappointing rut so far to “get a grip.”
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4. Miami Plays in the Eastern Conference
Luckily for Miami, they’re not in the Western Conference. Only in the Eastern Conference can you have a sub-.500 record and still rest easy knowing a playoff spot is right around the corner. At 9-10, the Heat are currently a 7th seed in the East, whereas the 9-10 Denver Nuggets are currently a 10th seed in the West. Regardless, playing in a weaker conference doesn’t excuse mediocre play, especially when you’re in the midst of a tough road trip that continues in Memphis on Sunday. Miami should be able to remain competitive and gather some much needed momentum going forward; however, rest assured, even if their record dips, as long as they finish with an even record or better late in the season, they should be fine considering a six-game-below-.500 Atlanta Hawks squad locked down an 8th seed in last year’s playoffs.
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5. Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh Are Still Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh
If there’s a reason for Heat fans to still keep the faith, it’s the fact their two superstars are still capable of playing at a very high level. Although they only have one win in their last five games, Miami got five 20-plus point games from “Flash” with back-to-back 28-point outbursts in the past two contests. He’s also been averaging about six assists on the season, so he’s been successful at moving the ball around while creating for himself.
Bosh has been just as phenomenal having scored atleast 20 points and hauling down atleast five boards in eight straight games. It’s unfortunate Wade has missed seven games so far in the season, but Heat fans should be encouraged that the rest is paying off. D3 has clearly looked refreshed and more than willing to shoulder the load, and he has Bosh alongside for extra firepower. It’s also important to note that neither player is a stranger to adversity. They know what it takes to win championships, and they’re not going to let some early frustrations stymie their title hopes.
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