Trust issues would be the best way to describe the Miami Heat when Erik Spoelstra has his entire unit to put to the floor. This is partly because Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade and coach Spo all want the ball running through their two All-Stars so that they can manage every move made, regardless of how much it undermines the idea of bringing in a point guard like Goran Dragic in the first place.
The result of such focus often leads to forced shots, lapses on defense and immaturity shown through complaining every time a referee misses a call. And that goes for everyone, not just Wade and Hassan Whiteside. All of the players fall victim to the pressure with the lack of their leaders’ trust. However, with nine and 10 men, everything went more than well.
With no Bosh, Wade or Whiteside, the ball went from side to side with ease. The pace also remained at a tempo to accent Dragic’s old attacking Phoenix Suns ways, to the tune of averaging 21 points, nine assists and seven rebounds in the last two games.
The other upside to the ball not sticking was the chance to see a more aggressive Luol Deng, Josh McRoberts and Justise Winslow contribute on a higher level.
Both Winslow and McRoberts had the basketball in their hands enough to masquerade as alternate point guards, starting fast-breaks and setting up the half-court offense. Their Swiss army knife styles provided a two game average of 16 points and eight rebounds for Winslow and a 19-point, 10 assist outing for McRoberts. Add Whiteside’s 25-point, 23 rebound statement off the bench and the third Duke Blue Devils‘ (Deng) 29-point, 11 rebound average — in the absence of Bosh — and fans are getting a view of what they thought the team would look like in October.
That is not to say that the Heat are better minus their stars, but the change in style needs to persist when they come back. This means Wade — and to a lesser degree Bosh — have to be willing to give others the opportunity to contribute without fear of being ridiculed if they fail. That change goes for coach Spoelstra too, as he will have to keep Dragic engaged by at least giving him his own time to shine by pushing the tempo with the second unit.
No one knows if these changes will bring the team together, but after a silent trade deadline and all of the lost draft picks, Miami has to do their due diligence and try.
