Q: Things can really go south soon with games coming up against the Celtics, Knicks, Suns, Kings and Clippers. – Joel, Fort Lauderdale.
A: Or it could provide the motivation to turn things around. After making last season’s NBA Finals as a No. 8 seed after finishing seventh in the East, it is as if the Heat have been searching for their motivation. With the games against the Celtic, Knicks and Clippers on national television, offering anything similar to the past three games would mean national humiliation. Of course, based on where the Heat stand, nothing should be taken for granted even against the Grizzlies on Wednesday night. Yes, Erik Spoelstra is correct that just a week ago things appeared to be falling into place. But this isn’t just about losing, it’s about looking borderline inept offensively. In 2024, reaching 100 should not be nearly this problematic.
Q: If one or two people aren’t happy, it can bleed into the team. – Pipsy.
A: Actually, on 18-player rosters, when only five play at a time, one or two likely won’t be happy. But this also is where leadership –and, dare I say it? – culture have to step in. It can be leadership in the locker room, leadership from the coaching staff, leadership in the executive suite. You either remove the stench of discontent, or you remove the discontent player.
Q: What has happened to Caleb Martin? He looks out of control and is not nearly the defender that Haywood Highsmith is. I hope he turns it around. We need him. – Rolf.
A: I agree that Caleb Martin has been uneven with his play since returning from his ankle sprain, almost as if trying too hard. To a degree, I think starting him is an attempt to get him going. And, yes, defensively, Haywood Highsmith to this point has outplayed Caleb on defense this season. But Caleb is a more complete player than Haywood, someone whose energy works particularly well off the bench.
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