Heat mid-season report
Eleven wins and 30 losses is the reality for the Miami Heat in the first half of the 2016-17 NBA season. Many thought the Heat might struggle without Chris Bosh but not to the degree of having the second worst record in the league. Bosh is not expected to play this season due to continuing issues related to blood clots. Without Bosh, the Heat offense has been more chilly than hot.
Is it possible for the Heat to be better NOW? Are they in touch with reality? Who are the five most efficient at each position? And, which players have defensive ratings better than the team defrtg? These are the questions we will answer in our Hoop Obsession mid-season report.
Whiteside's efficiency has not been enough in Miami.
The Heat could get better in a hurry if they had better options behind their core of Goran Dragic, Tyler Johnson, James Johnson, and Hassan Whiteside. The only trustworthy bench player is Willie Reed who backs up Whiteside in the middle. Justise Winslow, their second year forward who was the tenth overall pick in the 2015 draft is out for the rest of the season following shoulder surgery. Miami is littered with guys who lack the overall offensive efficiency, and defensive tenacity to really help an NBA team win. Wayne Ellington, Luke Babbitt, Rodney McGruder, Josh McRoberts, Dion Waiters, and Derrick Williams are not consistently effective enough.
Are the Heat in touch with their reality?
It seems so. Pat Riley is usually a smart man. The Heat seemed to be steadfast with their stance on Chris Bosh. It's as if they knew this season would be a struggle and they were okay with it. The Heat are lined up to get a future star in the 2017 NBA Draft. They have their own first round pick (right now, likely to be the 2nd pick overall), and if they finish among the bottom ten, they will have their own second round pick as well.
The team, as presently constituted, has little chance to win due to their lack of depth. Rodney McGruder has played over 900 minutes this season despite being woefully inefficient. The Heat signed Dion Waiters in the off-season but did overpay for him. His total two-year deal is worth less than $6 million.
What happens with Goran Dragic will be interesting. Clearly, this Heat team is not going anywhere this season. Will the Heat trade Dragic?
Five most efficient by position
PG - Goran Dragic .524, SG - Tyler Johnson .486, SF - Josh McRoberts .380, PF - James Johnson .551, C Hassan Whiteside .747
Which players have defensive ratings better than the team defrtg? (players w/ 300 minutes played minimum)
The Heat TEAM defensive rating is 107.7 (14th of 30). The players with defensive ratings better than the team average: Hassan Whiteside 101, Willie Reed 105, and James Johnson 106.
Conclusions
- The Heat bench needs a complete overhaul for the team to be competitive.
- The Heat would be wise to roll as is, and celebrate having a great pick in the NBA Draft.
NBA related. Trade targets.
- Goran Dragic is signed through 2020. He makes BIG money. While many think he is a prime trade target, we would be hesitant to trade for him. As good as Dragic is, the NBA landscape at point guard is crowded with great players. Dragic is scheduled to make $17 million, $18 million, and then $19 million over the next three seasons. We like Goran Dragic but not at that price.
- James Johnson is the guy that could help a contender this season without tying up future money. He has never played better. He makes just $4 million this season in his one year deal. Johnson is shooting a career-high 38% from three-point range. His quick hands and feet allow him to defend multiple positions.
