The Miami Heat haven’t been to the NBA Finals since the 2013-2014 season. They have not won an NBA Finals since the 2012-2013 season during the “Big 3 Era”. And the last time the Heat seen the playoffs was two years ago when they fell to the Toronto Raptors in the semi-finals.
The Miami Heat have went through many changes over the past few years after the Big Three disbanded. Two of the biggest setbacks was first, when Chris Bosh was forced to end his career in Miami after recurring issues with blood clots in his lungs. Also, the most recent, when Dwayne Wade choose to leave the Heat and head home to play for the Chicago Bulls. Pat Riley and co. have been working diligently trying to put together a team that would be capable of returning them to the NBA Finals.
The first step Miami took was acquiring a true big man in Hassan Whiteside. While a Bosh, Whiteside combo would have been ideal, Whiteside has proven to be a dominant inside/outside center for Miami. Whiteside has had some trouble on the court with his aggressive play and body language but none the less, performs at a high level in many games.
Aside of Whiteside, Miami has not found another true power forward to compliment him as Chris Bosh did. Players like Kelly Olynyk and Bam Adebayo have done an ok job of relieving Whiteside but is just not a Chris Bosh who can beat you in the paint and shooting outside. It you want to count James Johnson and Justice Winslow as part of the front court, then its safe to say, there is added talent in that area.
Justice Winston still has some growing to do and if accomplished, I see him as a great resource at the small forward position, even at the power forward position, Winston scraps hard working the paint. Johnson has emerged as a “diamond in the rough”. Johnson, who was drafted by the Bulls in ’09, is averaging just over 28 minutes a game and 12.3 ppg. True, Johnson does not have a lot of postseason experience. Johnson is also 30 years of age so long season can be much for him if not spared in substitutions. Johnson can definitely score when he is on. Being able to work off the dribble similar to Lebron James, Johnson can be and is at many times, a significant threat for Miami.
The Heat have made the most progress in repairing the back court unit following the departures of guys like Dwayne Wade, Lebron James, Norris Cole, Mario Chalmers, and Gerald Green. Miami now has a solid “back court” in Goran Dragic, Dion Waiters, and back-ups, Josh Richardson, Wayne Ellington, and Tyler Johnson. All players have been an integral part of Miami's success this year. Waiters, who had my doubt’s about, and Dragic are averaging 15.1 and 18.3 ppg respectively. Drgaic is a 14 year veteran both, overseas and in the NBA, and has the ability to dribble/drive and finish over big men and knock down long range shots to compliment. Waiters is still a young guard and has already proven that he is capable of dominating a game and creating opportunities for other teammates. Waiters still has a lot to improve on such as long range jumpers but none the less, still is a big impact for Miami.
Wayne Ellington has been just as resourceful as Tyler Johnson AMD the goes vice versus for these two bench players. Ellington is a veteran in the league with not to much starting experience. Ellington has fell into his role well as a reserve who looks to boost the Heat when entering the game. Ellington proved his impact abilities this year for Miami by tying the Heat’s record of most three pointers in a quarter against the Atlanta Hawks. And just a few days ago, Ellington then hit seven three’s against the Pacers. One thing is for sure, we know Ellington can hit the three ball. Kind of reminds me of a Walt “the Wizard” Williams and Tim Hardaway's efforts. Ellington plays hard and plays with a chip on his shoulder and that is always something that Pat Riley in staff look for in veteran players who are placed into a balanced, role position.
Tyler Johnson is another young and rising talent that Pat Riley found and looks to harness his talent by way of the Miami Heat. Johnson went undrafted in 2014 out of Fresno State. He was added to the Sioux Falls Skyforce as an affiliate player of Miami and after one year, was picked up by Miami in 2015. T. Johnson is a 6’4 guard who can dribble, shoot, and dunk on opposing defenders. And he looks lime he is 6’2 when he is doing it all. Johnson battled through a back and forth stint from the Heat to the Skyforce. He braked shoulder injuries and a broken jaw. All his hard work, effort, and dedication has earned him a 4 year contract with Miami worth upwards of 50 million. Johnson can very well be a deciding factor to any type of championship run as he is seen as the heart of the team.
Pat Riley, Erik Spoelstra, and the front office have not done to bad a job of picking up the pieces from the decline of the “big three era”. Pat Riley looks for coachable players who at with something to prove but also like they have something to lose. These factors help a coach like Spoelstra, young and not to aggressive, hone his players skills. Riley has do a good job of helping Spoelstra be a leader to his players, keeping all the personalities on a stable level in a “family” atmosphere.
True, the Heat need a deeper bench especially in the front court. Also, Miami needs to learn how to hold leads and finish games. These are the things that come with time and a mesh of the entire team. Miami has yet to mesh together to blend their team to the best team it could be. But Riley has been known to put together championship teams or teams that will give the East a run for its money. And Spoelstra has done a good job of leading such talents as Wade, James, and Bosh to a Hassan Whiteside.
Its hard to tell for Miami if this will be the year they return to the NBA finals. I can definitely see s playoff run happening if the team can find a way to become “game closers” and not letting teams beat them in the third and fourth quarters. “Continuity” is something Pat Riley preaches for his players. Its one reason why he wanted to keep Wayne Ellington I’m Miami. It proved to be a good moved. Miami has to buy in to the idea of “continuity”. Consistency will be the next notion to act upon and If the Miami Heat get it right, we will soon here once again, “the Miami Heat are NBA Champions”!
Boston Celtics(16-2) @ Miami Heat(7-9)
Wednesday November 22, 2017
American Airlines Arena; Miami, FL
Game covered on: Fox Sports SUN
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