Miami Heat Lineup Flux Is Still Hindering Progress
By Richard Nurse
@blackirishpr
Getty Images
Some things never change in the NBA. Unfortunately for the Miami Heat, one of those things is coach Erik Spoelstra’s inability to give his team the stability of a set lineup.
For the last few years, the common theme around the AmericanAirlines Arena has been about players “staying ready” to step in and contribute whenever needed. It was a situation affectionately known as the “Mike Miller” role.
Truth be told, it could have also been pegged the Udonis Haslem or James Jones role. But either way you slice it, Spoelstra made a habit of juggling players throughout the regular season and the playoffs.
It became such a staple of the team that everyone — from the media to the fans — began to look forward to who would trot out, like they were trying to master some kind of roster management game; so much so that there was even a counter on the number of different starting lineups Miami used, which ended somewhere around the 20 mark.
The part that people chose to ignore is that no matter how much of a good face the players put on, disgruntled rumblings about the lack of continuity trickled out all season. And this year is stacking up to be the very same as a combination of injuries and experimentation has had the Heat in flux:
“It’s still preseason, coach is trying a lot of different things,” point guard Norris Cole said. “We understand that in order to win, you have to have different combinations of players that can make plays out there and can play together. He’s trying it; we’re trying it.” (South Florida Sun-Sentinel)
The result of trying has been an early 0-4 start that featured four different lineups at the tip. I wouldn’t want to jinx things, but the odds of the 2014-15 season not looking way worse than expected is swiftly becoming slim to none.
Richard Nurse is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @blackirishpr or add him to your network on Google.
Magic vs. Bulls: Game Preview, Prediction
Previewing and predicting Monday's game between the Orlando Magic and Chicago Bulls. Read More
Boozer Stepping Up Off Bench for Lakers
Carlos Boozer has been a 12-year starter his entire career. He may have found a new role coming off the Lakers' bench and his strong play is dictating that. Read More
Pistons vs. Raptors: Game Preview, Prediction
Previewing and predicting Monday's game between the Detroit Pistons and Toronto Raptors. Read More
Clippers Need Help On Bench
The Los Angeles Clippers may need to make a move to strengthen their bench after a poor performance against the Miami Heat. Read More
The Trade Machine Allows Us to Change Up the NBA
ESPN's NBA Trade Machine is a beautiful device that allows us to hypothesize different roster possibilities. Which scenarios do you find most intriguing? Read More
James Johnson Has Been Great Surprise For Raptors
After a failed attempt with the Toronto Raptors early in his short career, James Johnson has been great this season and continues to surprise. Read More
Chicago Bulls' Pau Gasol Is Rejuvenated
Chicago Bulls PF Pau Gasol has silenced doubters and is playing some of the best basketball of his career with the Bulls. Read More
Heat Should Stand Pat During Trade Period
Although the Miami Heat are having a rough season, they shouldn't rush into signing just any player during the trade period. Read More
Outcome Predictions For Heat's Next 5 Games
The Miami Heat are in the midst of a six-game stretch against the NBA West. With the season possibly riding on the next five games, here are my game predictions. Read More
Trail Blazers vs. Lakers Preview
The Portland Trail Blazers look to continue with their winning ways against the Los Angeles Lakers. Find out how the game will play out. Read More
Washington Wizards vs. Atlanta Hawks Preview
Two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference will square off when the Washington Wizards take on the Atlanta Hawks. Find out how things will play out. Read More
76ers Becoming A Likable Cast of Characters
The Philadelphia 76ers' young roster has often been scrutinized because of Sam Hinkie and the team’s front office. But after their most recent stretch of wins, they are becoming a very likable cast. Read More