The Miami Heat are certainly struggling at the moment. And it’s no surprise. Or is it? Most basketball experts predicted that the Heat would nestle right in the middle of the Playoff Picture. 5th, 6th seed seemed written for the Heat. But at the moment. They’re in the 8th seed and looking at their next 5 games (@ Clippers/@ Lakers/@ Warriors/@ Kings/ OKC) I could see them losing 4 of them. Indiana is a game behind. Kemba Walker is on fire and Detroit are streaking.
It’s looking bleak for Miami in their first post-LeBron season. But nevertheless. Despite what has happened this season and what will transpire for the rest of this season. I am here to tell all of you. Heat fan, Heat hater or in between. That the Miami Heat will be just fine.
Reason number 1: Spoelstra’s continued growth.
If you don’t know Erik Spoelstra. Let me fill you in. This man literally started from the bottom. From being the Heat’s video Coordinator to the Heat head coach with two rings and he’s only 44. You think he’s going to get worse at coaching? This is only the beginning for Spoelstra. He’s a great player manager while also being a coach that demands results and wants nothing but 100%. Give him the players and he’ll do the rest. He is fully capable. You all may think that he just rode the Big 3 into 4 consecutive NBA Finals. But I think he deserves credit and he’ll prove his prowess in the coming years.
Reason number 2: Pat Riley is the free agent king.
It’s safe to say Pat Riley was a tad angry when LeBron James left. And it’s fair enough. I think all Heat fans had a little vent about it that week. But Riley has moved on. His no-nonsense attitude is always admired and we see that in the offseason. That’s when he is in his wheelhouse. Who do you think formed the big 3? Exactly. In the next couple of years we’ll see a flurry of top class free agents. Kevin Durant the most notable one. I will guarantee you that despite Washington and OKC being the top 2 choices for KD, Riley will have a go. Pat Riley is a master of building a team through free agency. He doesn’t tank. And if you can’t respect that then you aren’t a true fan of basketball.
Reason number 3: Dwyane Wade has found new knees.
I’m joking about how he’s got new knees. But this season he has turned back the clock in a major way. Without Wade, the Heat would probably be Philadelphia bad. That’s not a joke. Along with Chris Bosh and Luol Deng, Wade has led the Heat like he’s been doing ever since he came out of Marquette. All you great fans have recognized his efforts as he’s in the running to start yet another All-Star Game. He obviously won’t be the same in a couple of years. But with Riley, Spoelstra and the help of Bosh. He still has a good chance of being on another championship caliber team.
Reason number 4: Shabazz Napier is the future.
Shabazz Napier has had an up and down year. Constantly being sent to the D-League and then called back up again. It must be annoying for him. The last time I checked, The D in D-League stood for Development! He certainly is a project. But seeing him lead UConn to that great national championship last year makes me sit back and say “give him time”. Shabazz Napier will be the leader of the Heat as long as he keeps working on his game, the rest will come to him. He has the veteran in Dwyane Wade as a mentor, so it’s all there for him. As long as the Heat carry on developing him, he’ll lead Miami some day. Mark my words.
Those are just four reasons why the Miami Heat will be fine. Of course this season isn’t ideal, But the Miami Heat organization, as a whole, in one of the most professional in the game. Riley knows how to create a team. Erik Spoelstra knows how to coach a team and they have veteran leadership along with a project in Shabazz Napier that will bloom into a great point guard. Just look at Kemba Walker, he went to UConn and what’s he doing now? Dropping 30 points on a nightly basis.
The Heat are just fine.
