Robinson, Herro learn ‘D’ is most critical grade
MIAMI — It is a unique grading system, but for the Miami Heat, you often have to earn your “D” before you can earn significant playing time.
Duncan Robinson seemingly has matriculated to the next level, with Tyler Herro the latest Heat prospect undergoing the team’s rigorous on-the-job training when it comes to defense.
To coach Erik Spoelstra, it is all possibilities, not limitations.
He cites Robinson, who at times appeared lost defensively last season as a rookie, as an example of the team’s growth curve.
“Significantly better,” Spoelstra said ahead of Tuesday night’s game against the Detroit Pistons at AmericanAirlines Arena. “And, like I said last week, he’s put in the time, not only on the schematics — his technique, the effort required and then to build up his body with the 15 additional pounds, to be able to handle players at his position.
“That’s been a joy to watch, his improvement there. He probably surprised a few of us on the staff.”
The Heat are going through similar tutorials with Herro, the 19-year-old taken with the No. 13 NBA draft pick last June as a freshman out of Kentucky.
“He’s working at it,” Spoelstra said. “Look, I’m not condemning any of our players for miscues. That’s going to happen. That’s basketball. He’s learning the league. He’s learning our system. He’s learning what he can do in this league versus college or high school. And he spends the time working to get better.
“I’m seeing improvement. It’s not anywhere where we want it to be, but if he keeps on making these kinds of strides, it will be similar to what you see with Duncan. This has been a year-long [process] with Duncan, working him, drilling him, watching film, his commitment to that process.”
Overall, Spoelstra said more is needed from his team on the defensive end.
“We have to do some things better,” he said Tuesday. “We’ve been disruptive, so we’ve been able to cause some turnovers, create some turnovers. We are pretty active. It hasn’t been an effort thing. It’s more of a detail, discipline deal to be able to protect the paint better and finish plays better.” about
In motion: Among the triggers to the Heat’s surprising start on the offensive end has been the team’s movement without the ball, particularly the success of players cutting to scores.
“Just sometimes that’s the way groups are,” Spoelstra said of this season’s early success in that regard.
He cited the movement off the ball of Goran Dragic and Jimmy Butler, as well as the passing of big men Bam Adebayo, Meyers Leonard and Kelly Olynyk.
“We have some very good cutters by nature,” Spoelstra said. “Goran and Jimmy are very good cutters. Bam has improved as a passer. Meyers and [Olynyk] are inverted in terms of their spacing and their ability to pass. It opens up the floor a little bit.”
Spoelstra said it is inspiring to leading man such as Butler put extra effort.
“One, it’s a great example to guys, ‘Well, if he’s doing it, then I can do it,’ particularly if they have the size advantage,” Spoelstra said.
“But second, you see how effective he and Goran are with their cuts, that it’s opportunities to help the offense and also get an easy bucket behind the defense.” have a in the
2-0 down under: The Heat’s G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce, are off to a 2-0 start going into a Wednesday game against the Stockton Kings.
“They’re mirroring our culture and identity here, defending and playing unselfishly offensively,” Spoelstra said. “Two really good, solid wins to start off with.”
The Skyforce have found success behind the play of undrafted Tennessee forward Kyle Alexander, a final cut during Heat camp, who is averaging 10 rebounds and 7.5 blocks.