Miami’s Continued Search to Find A True Identity

The word identity is something that Coach Erik Spoelstra continually harps on, and as of right now, it’s apparent this Heat team has yet to truly find it.

There are a few reasons for this. For one, the current personnel does not allow them to excel in one particular area, due to the many one-way players on the roster. The Brooklyn Nets, for example, may not be a great defensive team, but they know their identity is just to outscore the opponent.

Miami’s lack of point of attack defenders make you think that’s the only issue, but the guys who can defend don’t being a whole lot offensively.

Another thing that can lead to the finding of an identity is a strong bond between a team, as we saw this Heat team had in the bubble. But as of right now, many players are discussing things relating to finding that connection that they once had.

Duncan Robinson and Tyler Herro mentioned after Wednesday’s loss that they need to play for each other once again. And Kelly Olynyk mentioned after shoot-around today, “The more time we can spend together, and build those connections and bonds, is going to be good for us.”

Now, the main reason this stuff about utilizing time to “build connections” is being discussed, is because this season is the complete opposite of the bubble. The only thing there was to do in the bubble was go to practice as much as possible, which allows Miami to thrive. Also, being around one another for a long period of time contributes to on-court success.

This season though, they basically want you to practice as least as possible, due to all of the testing things you must go through in order to  get into the building. This led to Miami not having shoot-arounds in the morning before games ever, except for today.

I’m curious if players will take it upon themselves moving forward to go through early morning testing and practice more, to try and fix whatever the issues are at the moment. Since the Miami Heat answer always seems to be more work, especially a team led by Jimmy Butler.

If Miami moves forward without any roster changes, this may be the only fix to find a true identity. This will lead to Miami needing their best player, Jimmy Butler, to step up in a much earlier fashion than previously expected.

As players have said, it’s about taking it game by game, and that’s exactly what the Heat must do over this next stretch. Once they string a few wins together, the issues of this team will become much less obvious.