Why Giannis and the Miami Heat Are Off to a Slow Start

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From Outspoken With Dan Sileo

Miami’s Slow Start and a Three-Point Pick Against Golden State

Giannis is averaging 28 points, while Bam Adebayo is scoring around 19, yet Miami has started 3-5. The issue is not Erik Spoelstra, who remains one of the greatest coaches of his generation. Giannis and Bam have performed as expected, but the Heat do not have enough around them.

Miami traded several pieces, including Tyler Herro and Kel’el Ware, while Norman Powell left in free agency. Giannis needs to be surrounded by shooters, and the Heat are not shooting well enough.

The larger problem is Miami’s three-point defense. The Heat rank last in the NBA in three-pointers allowed and opponent three-point percentage. That creates an unfavorable matchup against Golden State.

Rather than backing Steph Curry, the pick is Brandon Podziemski to make more than 2.5 three-pointers. He has cleared that mark in three of his last five games and in his last five against Miami.

Miami is also second to last in three-point percentage defense above the break, where Podziemski takes 78% of his three-point attempts. With Davion Mitchell focused on Curry, Podziemski could get open looks.

A trade near the deadline may be difficult because Miami does not have many movable pieces. Bam would be one possibility, while Jović has not done much in his career and Mitchell did not attract much interest before arriving in Miami.

The Eastern Conference also presents a major challenge. Philadelphia, Boston and Toronto have looked good. Washington is at .500, Atlanta is beginning to improve, and the Knicks have won three straight. Charlotte also appears improved, while Detroit, Cleveland, Indiana and Orlando remain part of the crowded conference picture.

With so many teams competing for position, the prediction is that Miami will miss the playoffs. Giannis may have moved from a situation without enough support in Milwaukee to the same problem in South Beach.