Despite a steep round-one uphill battle, the Miami Heat’s postseason bright spots are evident and something to look forward to next year.
The Miami Heat’s Playoff Bright Spots
Misfortune in the guise of injury has undoubtedly stifled the Miami Heat’s playoff chances of success this season. Injuries have been a season-long reality, and that same reality has snuck up and rained on any deep playoff push parade.
A Miami Heat Season Rattled With Injuries
Former Charlotte Hornets guard Terry Rozier was lost to a neck injury before the end of the regular season. With no disrespect to Kyle Lowry, who they traded away for Rozier, there was unquestionable upgrade needed at the position, and Rozier came in and provided until his injury. Then, of course, Jimmy Butler went down with an MCL sprain during the Heat’s play-in game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Butler and Rozier are unexpected to return in time to provide any life to Miami’s playoff chances against the Boston Celtics.
Beating Boston is almost impossible at this point. Although, if you ask any member of the Heat squad, they would say otherwise. As we watch this series unfold, one might find it difficult to see the good things, but there are a couple.
Bam Adebayo’s Influence in the Offseason
Bam Adebayo, arguably a top-three defender in the NBA, has played well thus far. Scoring 24 points on 10-18 shooting in game one, the Heat have no other grand option than to rely on other than Adebayo. As a high-quality mid-range shooter with Kristaps Porzingis tapped to guard him, Bam might find it productive to look for his shot outside the paint more often. So far, Porzingis has guarded Bam well, and so far, Bam has shot well. Relying on his production offensively might be the catalyst for the Miami Heat’s playoff series against Boston to stay competitive. Adebayo’s skill set, play style, and likability around the NBA are bright spots in their own right.
Miami is sure to go star-hunting again in the upcoming offseason. Bam’s contract (one that Miami is apparently trying to tie together with possible offseason signings) and his stature amongst his competitive peers is something to highlight no matter what becomes of Miami’s play in the next week.
A Rookie Year That Has Exceeded Expectations
The other bright spot in this series so far has been the high-performance play of rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. Game one saw him rack up 16 points, four rebounds, and four assists, shooting 50% from the field. That stat line is something to smile about for a rookie’s first playoff game. Miami’s head coach, Eric Spoelstra has relied on and trusted Jaquez as a rookie from day one. He outperformed his first-year expectations, and Spoelstra clearly has no reservations about keeping him on the floor in this post-season. His four years at UCLA included a heavy fill of tournament experience. So, Jaquez comes into these NBA playoffs knowing the stakes and how to play the right way. Miami’s coaching staff has urged him to be aggressive and stay that way. Without Butler and Rozier, Jaquez has a ripe opportunity to do so, and so far, he is coming through.
Miami’s Future Is Still Open For Business
With this series against the superior Celtics set aside, the Heat have a window right now. This series presents an opportunity for Miami to see what they have in year one and two players in Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Nikola Jovic. It’s also a moment for management to consider next season’s needs. This year’s Miami Heat playoffs may come to a finish early. However, there is hope and potentially some answered questions regarding the future of South Beach.
