5. Norris Cole
Mario Chalmers has been the Heat’s starting point guard since his rookie season of 2008-09.
That likely won’t be the case when the Heat open the regular season versus the Washington Wizards. Though ‘Rio did start Miami’s first preseason game, it was Norris Cole who started at point guard for the remaining seven contests.
Though he didn’t post spectacular numbers–7.5 points and 3.1 assists per game–he solidified his hold on the position with his steady play and ability to set up teammates for easy baskets.
Erik Spoelstra complimented Cole’s play at the point, via Jason Lieser of The Palm Beach Post:
“He really focused on organizing us in training camp — getting us into our offense and being the loudest guy in the gym. He’s been taking that message to heart and he’s finding ways he can be aggressive.”
The most impressive stat concerning Cole’s preseason was the fact he turned the ball over just eight times while appearing in all eight contests.
The Heat don’t need Cole to be spectacular. They just need him to be steady, and that’s exactly what he provided the team in the preseason.
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