NBA Miami Heat

5 Reasons Why The Miami Heat Are Struggling

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By @ShaneRantSports

5 Reasons Why The Miami Heat Are Struggling

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Everyone knew that the days after LeBron James would be tough for the Miami Heat, but fans did not expect it to be five games under .500 bad. However, Miami is not as bad as the win-loss columns show. Instead, they have been victim of some bad luck and a product of fresh faces. The Heat should get better as the season progresses, but here are five reasons why the defending NBA East champs are struggling.

5. Youth Development

Shabazz Napier Heat
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5. Youth Development

Shabazz Napier Heat
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Pat Riley originally drafted Shabazz Napier as good faith in James returning to South Beach. Fast forward and Napier is still in a Heat uniform. The guard has shown some development for a late first-round draft pick, but Erik Spoelstra would still like to see a bit more out of him. As for James Ennis, he has taken more time to develop. Hopefully more playing time will help both these young players.

4. Team Chemistry

Danny Granger Heat
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4. Chemistry

Danny Granger Heat
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Between all the new players and injuries, it has been hard for Miami to develop chemistry. Chris Bosh just got off a long stretch of injury, Dwyane Wade had his stint and Danny Granger finally seems healthy. Miami has some nice pieces, but they just need to continue to play with one another and mesh.

3. Point Guard Dilemma

Norris Cole Mario Chalmers Heat
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3. Point Guard Dilemma

Norris Cole Mario Chalmers Heat
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To start this season, Norris Cole earned the starting role while Mario Chalmers was the sixth man. Since then, Spoelstra has switched the roles due to Cole's inconsistencies. Despite the switches, both point guards have been inconsistent this season and someone needs to step up. Both have adequate experience and should have no excuse.

2. Injuries Galore

Dwyane Wade Heat
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2. Injuries Galore

Dwyane Wade Heat
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Injuries have been the story of the first half of the season and Miami has had its fair share of them. Bosh just missed eight straight games, Granger missed a solid portion of the season, Wade has experienced his own issues and Josh McRoberts is out for the season. Injuries have hit some of the Heat's most important players and hindered their ability to build chemistry.

1. Front Court Problems

Chris Bosh Heat
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1. Front Court Problems

Chris Bosh Heat
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Dead last in rebounding again and without McRoberts for the season, the Miami front court and inside presence are hurting. Chris Andersen has not played up to expected standards and the Heat really have no one else. It should come as no surprise that the front court is once again Miami's problem as it has been for the last four years. For things to get better, this must be fixed either through trade or free agency.

Shane Phillips is an NBA Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow Shane on Twitter @ShaneRantSports, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also email Shane at [email protected].

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