Erik Spoelstra’s next Heat challenge involves higher math
MIAMI — In the wake of a blown 24-point thirdquarter lead, the comment largely was overlooked in the moment. And yet it cut to the crux, the entire reason for being of the 2017-18 Miami Heat.
“We’re built different than some of the top teams in both conferences,” coach Erik Spoelstra said in a cramped hallway outside of the locker room at the Wells Fargo Center after Wednesday’s loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. “We have to play to an identity consistently. We need multiple contributors in the same game. That’s just how we’re built.”
With that, Dwyane Wade, former All-Star, and Goran Dragic, current All-Star, headed off to AllStar Weekend in Los Angeles.
But this team was not built to play to a single star or a former star.
Instead, the Heat are quick to point out this: With eight players averaging at least 10 points, their roster features the most in the NBA (counting those who have appeared in at least 30 games).
The Boston Celtics are second, at seven, but Kyrie Irving rates well above any individual featured by the Heat.
In this case, as clichéd as it is, sometimes less is more.
An injury already has removed one player for the Heat’s list of double-digit scorers, with Dion Waiters out for the season following ankle surgery.
But this also could be a time, given this eight-day break, to delineate a hierarchy going forward. When it comes to shot selection, Spoelstra often stresses what Gregg Popovich’s San Antonio Spurs trademarked in finally pushing past the Heat in the NBA Finals — going from good to better to best.
So is it time now to go from good to better to best when recalibrating the rotation, with the Heat already nine deep and Rodney McGruder and Kelly Olynyk possibly set to return when the schedule resumes Friday against the New Orleans Pelicans?
Only three back-to-back sets remain. Of the remaining 24 games, 15 will be at home. And if players don’t come back from this AllStar break rejuvenated, then it’s on them.
The best players have to play. Play a lot. You don’t choose the buffet when you’re hungering for excellence. You seek out the prime cuts.
So here’s what can’t matter:
Feelings. Spoelstra is not one to call out players. He has maintained a bond with his roster through the toughest of times. It is admirable. It is decent. But if stepping on toes — and feelings — is what it takes with a tightened rotation going forward, then deal with the fallout later.
Development. The Heat stress that their development program is ongoing, as it should be, especially for a team having to forward two of its next four first-round picks to the Phoenix Suns to complete the 2015 trade for Dragic. But game time no longer can afford to be development time. Justise Winslow needs to continue to groove his jumper? Practice court. Bam Adebayo has to work through defensive intricacies? Practice court.
Loyalty. There simply might be games when Wade is not a viable option, especially now that he often is playing at point guard. Putting him out there defensively against John Wall, Russell Westbrook, even a De’Aaron Fox is not in the best interests. Yes, there are crossmatches available and certainly substitutes to go against. But this 20-plus-minutes approach might need to be dialed back at times.
Payroll. The Heat have until March 12 to exercise the $5.5 million disabledplayer exception received from the NBA because of Waiters’ injury. If there is a player available that makes the roster better, it should be spent ... even if it means having to pay off Jordan Mickey or even Luke Babbitt to clear a needed roster spot. One player who could help you win one more game could ultimately make the difference in the East playoff race — as a team that missed last season’s playoffs by a tiebreaker should well appreciate.
When the Heat return to practice Wednesday, Spoelstra will have 11 viable rotation options and 240 total minutes per game to divide.
What can’t get in the way is anything other than putting his team in the best position to win.
Even his players recognize the rotation challenge now involves higher math — and higher stakes.
“It’s going to be hard,” Dragic said, “but, at the same time, everybody has one goal in front of them and that’s to make our team better and to make the playoffs. Spo is always saying whatever your role is, embrace it and give something back, help somebody else. And I think that’s a powerful message that everybody relates to: whatever it takes to be a better team to make the playoffs.”
Twitter @iraheatbeat