The Miami Heat fined Dion Waiters on Thursday for his comments after the team’s 124-86 loss against the Milwaukee Bucks, reported by David Furones from the Sun Sentinel. The team didn’t announce the amount Waiters was fined. Waiters played 12 minutes in the loss recording 2 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist. After the game, Waiters talked to the media and had some strong comments about his playing time.
“F— patience… I’ve been patient long enough.”
Waiters has been making his return to the court after missing over one calendar year due to injury. After the fine was announced Heat’s coach Erik Spoelstra addressed the media to talk about the situation and Waiters playing time.
“Obviously, it’s not acceptable behavior, particularly coming off the type of disappointing loss we had the other night. It won’t be on his terms. It’ll be on the team’s terms. It’s been a full calendar year, but this is not about him. This is only about the team, and it’s about winning.”
Waiters also talked with the media and reflected on his frustration comments. He obviously feels he is capable to play more than the minutes he’s been given since making his return at the start of January.
“Sometimes, it’s hard holding back the truth, how you really feel, and sometimes the best way is to let it out and move forward. I made a mistake, but at the end of the day, I can live with that because when you hold something in and it’s bottled up, it can wear on you a little bit.”
Waiters made his season debut in a win against the Cleveland Cavaliers after being out with an ankle injury. He has played in five games for the Heat and is averaging 7 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists in 14.3 minutes per game.
