Heat guard Tyler Herro declined to speak to reporters after Monday’s loss, but his body language suggested that he was disappointed not to get into Game 5 after receiving medical clearance following a two-month recovery process for a broken hand, writes Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun Sentinel.
Head coach Erik Spoelstra explained after the loss that the physicality and intensity of the game made him hesitant to call on a player who hadn’t suited up since mid-April. However, he also didn’t sound certain that he made the right decision by not using one of Miami’s best scorers in a game in which the team finished with just 89 points.
“It’s just a really tough call and I’ll probably have to wrestle with that all summer,” Spoelstra said, adding that the intensity in the Finals was “totally different” from the first round of the playoffs, let alone the regular season. “… That’s the hardest-played, most physical competition you can have. And that would be a tough thing for a guy that’s been out for two months that hasn’t had any kind of ramp-up. But that won’t save me from thinking about that for the next few weeks.”
Here’s more on the Heat:
- Jimmy Butler, who sprained his ankle earlier in the postseason, wasn’t willing to use that injury as an excuse after Monday’s loss, telling reporters that his ankle was “fine” and had “zero” to do with his 5-of-18 shooting night, per Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald. Butler also didn’t necessarily agree with the idea that the Heat need to make offseason moves to improve their offense. “No. We just missed shots,” he said. “That’s what this league is about. We make two, three more shots. … We did enough to win.”
- In his preview of the Heat’s offseason, Bobby Marks of ESPN.com (Insider link) says that re-signing Gabe Vincent should be a top priority for the front office, which will have to decide whether bringing back Max Strus is a necessity or a luxury.
- One under-the-radar decision the Heat will have to make before the end of June is whether or not to extend a $2.3MM qualifying offer to center Omer Yurtseven, Winderman writes for The Sun Sentinel. That QO would make Yurtseven a restricted free agent. He has shown some promise but was limited to just nine games this season due to ankle surgery, so it’s hardly a lock.
- While winning a championship would’ve been a storybook ending for his 20-year NBA career, Udonis Haslem isn’t unhappy about how his final season ended, according to Winderman. “I tell the guys, I have no complaints, I have no regrets. I’m thankful,” Haslem said. “They gave me a final season that I will never, ever forget. That’s all I can ask for.”
- Assistant general manager Adam Simon and the rest of the Heat’s draft staff had been trying to “stay out of the team’s way” while bringing in prospects to the Kaseya Center for workouts since last week, according to Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald. With the Heat’s season now over, the draft preparation can take center stage — the club owns the No. 18 pick in next Thursday’s event.
Their roster is hard to improve on, but they do at least need to add depth. I think going into this offseason after a Finals appearance, they should be able to attract some good vet min guys.
There is still room to improve within the team. Bam needs to develop some more inside scoring. Would like to see Strus improve his conditioning. I think Martin could use some more muscle. Def want to see Lowry lose weight, his IQ makes him effective, but his Stamina limits him. He needs to get on the Ray Allen program.
You think we can keep Strus? I was pretty surprised they were able to keep Caleb at the price they did, so I guess it is possible
I wanted to sign veteran guys like that last year, like Paul Millsap or one of the several other 4/5s that were available all season, but then when they finally were able to fill the roster space, they signed Zeller. They also had guys in the G-league that could have played the 4 next to Love at the 5, but it is what it is.
Everything about the Heat is what sports franchises should strive for. Coaches saying actual comments that aren’t genuine. Best players not making excuses and always sticking up for their teammates while also taking blame. It seems like it should be easy but it isn’t.
*are genuine that aren’t normal bs coach speak
Some of the shots they missed in this series were really frustrating. They mostly got to their spots whenever they wanted. It wasnt missing 3s, it was the shots in the paint or near the rim that I see in my own dreams…
Spo should be thinking about rotation decisions, but not that one. The only chance there was to try Herro, the time of game, and situation was at a point where bringing him in at that point would have been incredibly risky
Strus matters exponentially more than Nnamdi if they’re trying to keep either, but unfortunately both are gone, as was expected even last year. That is a spot they need to address, as well as the 4/5 spot they neglected this year/several years that cost them the championship again.
I dont have the words yet to address the UD situation. It means too much to me; He means too much to me. I wish he could have played in those lineups where we couldnt do anything against Aaron Gordon at the 5, or against Anthony Davis in the bubble…I still think he has a lot left, but as long as he is content, that’s good enough for me. Doesnt mean I’m ready to see him go though. I’ve been watching him since I was a little kid, watching Gators reruns early on the weekends, and then a few years later with the Heat, picking up from where Zo left off, and carrying the culture the last 20 years. THE embodiment of Miami Heat basketball…UD, thanks for everything
You’re probably referring mostly to Bam’s misses in the paint …… which shouldn’t come as a complete surprise, since Bam has been that way for most of his career.
He’s greatly improved though, mostly on those 12 to 15 foot jumpers. But when he misses at the paint, he misses it badly, hard clanks.
Bam BADLY needs to develop a jump-hook/push shot when he’s around the paint.
He should look no further than the Jokic experience he just went through.
Agreed on the jump hook /push
He’s brutal in that 4-7 ft range, has a hitch/yips in the giddy up
That’s something I think can come with time tho
Jimmy and Bam missed a lot of their looks in good spots. Shots they make. There were times where both wouldnt look at the rim, leading to worse shots in those areas or turnovers. Even the last play, Jimmy should have jump stopped, but he went all the way to the rim, stopped, and turned around into the turnover. Quicker decisions from both in those situations in the half court. But again, sometimes you just miss shots. Make or miss
I am puzzled why the Heat have continued to neglect getting a 4/5 that can actually help Bam. From what I saw this year (again), we were beat up by teams with size advantages – regardless of the team’s talent. And when they got K-Love and would use him, they actually seemed more effective than when they had the more talented, younger guys at the 4. For example, we know at this point of their individual careers, Martin is a better player than K-Love period. However, it seemed like the Heat were better with K-Love at the 4 instead of when they played position-less basketball with Martin.
To me, the Heat have two needs that can make the difference next year. Another star and a 4/5 that can actually help take away the size advantages that so many teams have over us.
Herro definitely should have played. You always put all your chips on the table in elimination games. All Spo had to do was give him 2-3 possessions to see if he was ready.
The only point it made sense to do that was late in the 3rd quarter though/maybe even later than that. Do you try that in a 5 point game, in that spot? There were other rotation issues that have een a problem the whole series that mattered more, in my opinion
Heat have 3 1sts they can trade, Lowry, Dipo, Jovic, Herro. Make a move for Dame? Idk a scenario where they wouldn’t have to give up Herro. Which maybe allows them to use Lowrys expiring contract to add 2 players or a bad contract and more draft assets. Like Ben Simmons or THJ and Bertans in a 3 team deal.
Great season for the HEAT ……. had they won, it would have been the greatest/most improbable championship ever, easily eclipsing that 2004 Detroit title run.
They showed once again how a team should compete, regardless of who’s on the floor, be it stars or nobodies.
Those undrafted ones have way over-achieved and should be heralded and copied by most of the NBA – but for any Finals contention, top-tier talent is needed, elite shot-making is needed.
It’s Riles/Elisburg’s turn now, it’s obvious that the HEAT need to go star hunting this offseason.
Would you be saying the same had the Heat been healthy? I dont think it’s fair to just suggest you cant won with this “formula. Rotation players can be found, especially when you already have the foundation. Who do you realistically want to trade for, and who would you give up
Here’s the thing with the HEAT’s current formula of Jimmy, Bam, Herro and others ………. it can work, as proven by deep playoff runs (that BUCKS sweep was an aberration, shortest offseason ever).
However, the margin for error is thin, especially against the very elite teams ……. the HEAT needs to shoot lights-out (defense will always be there) and control the turnovers, for them to have a good chance of winning most games.
Look at the NUGGETS, they’re not an elite defensive team, look at all the unbelievably great looks the HEAT had the first two games ……. yet, they can survive just on the sheer talents of Jokic & Murray.
Having top-talent helps alleviate any of those thin margins – when the clock’s running out, you can have someone make a play out of nothing – throw it to Jokic at the post or let Murray make his own shot.
That upgrade in talent, Kyle was suppose to be a piece, but age and injuries, slowed him down (even his last seasons in Toronto). Unfortunately he needs to be load managed, for him to have some semblance of health in the playoffs.
Dame would be a great piece, but if it means gutting the roster and losing, say 3 of those key undrafted ones ……. might not be as viable.
One thing is certain, Zeller isn’t built for anything close to primetime. HEAT needs a quality big, one who can fill up the paint and can hit the occasional longball.
I find Porzingis’ defense to be way under-rated. He’d be a great fit (like I said that KLove will be) with the HEAT, just don’t know Riles gets him or if he’s even available.
The margin for error is always thin. The difference between the best team and the worst team is usually 1-3 players. Most of the league this year was missing 1 piece. I dont think that is necessarily any sort of revelation about the roster
I think they obviously need to change b/c I dont expect to be able to keep Strus, but I’m still really looking at the same pieces i was last year…
I actually could see Porzingis as someone that could fit, in the right scenario. Didnt put him on the short list I mentioned off the top of my head, but that is a type of addition I was referring to.
Yes, it’s almost inevitable that the HEAT will lose Strus and/or Gabe. Everyone should be glad that their hard work pays off and they get a nice new contract from some team.
That 1-3 players difference (besides culture, coaching) is what separates the bad teams from the rest ……. the margin of error I’m referring to is in-game – most of the undrafted ones need to score and play efficiently for the HEAT to have a chance at winning, against the elite teams.
Like I said, this current system works, they could just run it back and hope for further improvement from Bam, Robinson, Caleb and Herro – but any fan would prefer if Riley gets another top-tier star instead e.g. Dame.
Besides, from what I had heard, if Riley should go star hunting, this offseason is the time to do it. Next offseason, more punitive conditions from the new CBA will kick in (HEAT will likely cross that 2nd tax apron), so this offseason is the only time to do it.
Porzingis’ defense and toughness are over-looked by everyone. Him being tossed around the past few years and sent to Washington hell, didn’t help him bring any new attention to his game.
If he can be had, he’s someone that would address a big need for the HEAT – an extra big man, who can rim protect and stretch the floor.
I was convinced about Porzingis 2 games into his summer league b/c I realized he can actually defend pick and roll. He has been used wrong most of his career
I think you could say that about any team though. In that matchup, we needed them to make shots, but it could be different in other matchups…
For trading in general, I thought the time for that was in the last year or 2, but 1 of the guys I wanted to trade for just was a significant reason the Heat lost in the finals, while the guy people didnt want to trade didnt even play
As for Dame, I’ll just repost what I said in the other thread…
As a Heat fan, the rumors of trading certain people for a “star,” or specifically Lillard, are again at least questionable, the same way I said last year
I would only trade for people like Jaylen Brown or Kawhi Leonard or Paul George, or Draymond Green, Jaren Jackson jr, Scottie Barnes, LeBron, Anthony Davis, Mikal Bridges or if those types of players are available…wings and 4s/smallball 5s that can defend, and preferably shoot. I would also be interested in the lesser tier of similar type of players, most of whom are still super young and likely shouldnt be traded.
If Lowry gets moved, someone to replace him that can defend at guard, like Chris Paul. I also think we’re losing Strus, so a spacer that can play the 3/4/2 and defend adequately. As of now, I dont see Jovic being ready for that spot at the 4 for another year, although he did significantly improve this year past what i thought in such a short time, from where he was
The other idea would be to start Herro at PG, and add a 3 and D wing, as well as addressing that 4 spot, and let Lowry come off the bench, but I personally prefer Herro as a 6th man, the same way I said before this year proved that
Getting top-tier stars is hard – besides availability, there are only a few truly impactful ones.
The inherent advantages that the LAKERS, HEAT, etc enjoyed for years e.g. stories franchise, location, have all been dampened by these salary rules which obviously promote star players staying put, being loyal to their mother teams.
So, when Dame answers that the HEAT is an obvious trade destination for him (regardless of the overall context of the question), it’s a good place for Riley to start kicking the tires …… wanting to go somewhere else, is usually the first small step in ang trade.
Jaylen, Kawhi and PG are no-no’s for me.
Jaylen is proving to be more complimentary than a true star and those handles seem to get worse year after year ……. Kawhi and PG are currently on their slow and painful declines. I’m very curious to see if the CLIPPERS extend them this offseason.
I’ve been saying this since last season, I’d take a close look at John Collins if ever the HAWKS actively shop him around …… he has all the tools to be a menace on defense, though his scoring seems to have stagnated the past few seasons – something which Spo and his staff can fix (corner threes).
All indications, this punitive 2nd tax apron will likely prod teams, including the HEAT, to trade for stars this offseason rather then next offseason.
The upcoming draft might start things off.
I disagree about those players, but regardless, I’m not up to date on the new CBA yet, besides having heard some things, so I cant entirely say, but to me, if what I’ve heard is true, it would seem it makes more sent to continue the way the Heat have, by finding cheap rotation players…
Also, I dont know what type of advantages people think exist in Miami, when we’ve only really ever signed 2 FAs, and that was 13 years ago. People are too scared to play for Pat
The fact that players such as KD, Hayward (peak), Jimmy granted interviews to the HEAT …… and that many more have publicly stated that the HEAT is a preferred destination e.g. KD, Kyrie, etc – Miami was a preferred destination all those years.
Those teams hitting the 2nd tax apron will be heavily restricted in making big trades ….. so most everyone projects that more than a few teams will be unloading/making trades this offseason rather than the next one.
Players have mentioned the Heat for their own leverage, but also, mentioning them isnt actually playing for them, where they know they cant get away with what they can elsewhere
Why didn’t Spoelstra put in Haslem for 1 minute in any of the Heat’s blowout wins this playoff run?
A healthy Herro and Oladipo. Would have made this a better Finals. Still see Nuggets winning.
Hearing lots of talk about Dame to Miami. I’ll tell you he fits them like a glove. I just don’t see how they work out the trade. I still would like to see them get a rim protector. Bam at the 4 would save him for the last 8 mins of the game.
This years draft is the most intriguing in years. We are all waiting to see what Blazers do with third pick. And what if Dame gets moved at the draft. That pick will set up the Blazers future ……. near future.
If I’m Portland, I’m trying everything to get rid of Simons 1000x before moving Dame
Congratulations to the Miami Heat we didn’t finish like we wanted to but we beat the no.1 and no.2 and no.5 team. And made it to the playoffs and won the eastern conference. Great news being the 8th seed. And we didn’t get swept like the lakers we got one in. Thank you UD we will miss you. Hope they get u to be helping coach and mentor the players on the sideline. Thanks for the 20 yrs at Miami. We love you. Heat for Life. We will be looking for you at each game.
Congratulations to the Miami Heat we didn’t finish like we wanted to but we beat the no.1 and no.2 and no.5 team. And made it to the playoffs and won the eastern conference. Great news being the 8th seed. Andh we didn’t get swept like the lakers we got one in. Thank you UD we will miss you. Hope they get u to be helping coach and mentor the players on the sideline. Thanks for the 20 yrs at Miami. We love you. Heat for Life. We will be looking for you at each game.