Why Miami should extend Jimmy Butler

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There’s a saying out there: “relationships matter.” In a league where perception can be everything, how a franchise treats its stars can define its legacy just as much as wins and losses. For the Miami Heat, the time has come to make a decision about Jimmy Butler, a player who has carried this franchise to heights it had no business reaching. 

Yes, Butler is 35. Yes, his basketball career has more years behind it than it does ahead of it. Thing is, the same can be said for Pat Riley, Micky Arison, and some of the other more tenured members of the Miami Heat basketball operations. The question now is: will Miami do right by Jimmy Butler, not just for him, but for the future of this franchise? 

 

A History of Complicated Endings 

Miami’s history with star players hasn’t always been smooth. 

  • Alonzo Mourning left for New Jersey when Miami didn’t meet his terms. Zo returned, of course, to win a championship in 2006, but there was a time when the separation seemed permanent. He is now part of the Heat’s front office, but that fracture required healing. 
  • Shaquille O’Neal, Miami’s first true mega-star who delivered his promise of bringing the city its first NBA championship, almost came to blows with Pat Riley and eventually saw his tenure end in turmoil when he was traded to Phoenix. 
  • LeBron James? Probably the most publicized breakup in NBA history. LeBron’s return to Cleveland left a sour taste, with tensions flaring on both sides to the point that Miami just now, 10 years after LeBron left, signed a Klutch Sports client in Alec Burks. 
  • And then there’s Dwyane Wade, the icon who should have never worn another jersey. That hurt lingers, even after his triumphant return to finish his career where it started. 

For a franchise that prides itself on loyalty and culture, these separations have often sent the wrong message to the league. They’ve been loyal with several of their role players, who eventually returned to become assistant coaches or vital parts of the organization. How come when it comes to some of their biggest stars, things go down a different path? The lesson? Relationships matter, and how you handle a star’s twilight years reverberates beyond one player. 

 

 

Jimmy Butler’s Legacy 

Jimmy Butler isn’t just some fringe star. He’s been the heart and soul of Miami’s resurgence. This is a player who, in his tenure, has dragged an overachieving team to two NBA Finals, once as a 5-seed and once as an 8-seed. He’s also delivered countless unforgettable and historic

playoff performances while making this organization relevant again. He’s done this without a “superstar” co-star, with rosters that have been patched together through development and grit. No excuses. No shortcuts. Just Jimmy being Jimmy. 

And now, Butler has made his desires clear: he wants to remain in Miami and finish his career here…as long as he is paid his worth and to have the chance to compete at the highest level. 

Should Miami give Butler the two-year max extension he’s reportedly seeking? Maybe not. But something close—like a 3-year, $135 million deal—feels like the right balance between honoring his contributions and keeping flexibility towards surrounding him with the pieces needed that’ll push them over the mountaintop. 

The NBA is watching. Stars across the league notice how organizations treat their players. Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, Miami’s future pillars, are watching too. If Miami mishandles this situation, it sends a message about what they value and how they operate. 

Pat Riley, the architect of this dynasty, is 79. The “Godfather” deserves to go out with one last championship run. Jimmy Butler gives him that chance. 

Riley’s style has never been universally loved. He’s relentless, sometimes abrasive, and always demanding. But it works. 

His regrets? He’d never admit to them, but the way things ended with Wade probably tops the list. 

That is why they need to capitalize and understand that this could be Riley’s last shot to secure Miami’s fourth title, and Butler is the player to build around. Extend him, surround him with the right pieces, and let him lead Miami into the sunset of Riley’s career. 

Extending him reinforces the belief that this organization not only rewards those who give everything for the cause. It also proves to many that are watching that they’re going all in. 

Pay Jimmy Butler. The league is watching. Your future is watching.

*******

Geo Valdez can be found at @GeoValdez_ on Twitter and @CoachGeo_ on Instagram.

He is the founder of Transfiguration Fitness, a premier fitness and wellness brand specializing in personalized training, nutrition assistance and performance coaching.

Learn more at www.coachgeo.training

Mateo’s Hoop Diary: The Heat left Houston with a win following a scuffle and a big night from Tyler Herro

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Tyler Herro cooked the Rockets so hard that Amen Thompson had to throw him down to make it stop, but the Heat were already too far ahead.  The crew overcame the league’s second-rated defense plus 13 lead changes en route to one of the top wins of the season. 

 

“That’s what happens when someone’s scoring, throwing dimes, doing the whole thing. I’d get mad, too,” Herro said in the locker room postgame.

 

Herro led the way early, dribbling to the hoop for a couple of baskets and hitting a deep pull-up. Terry Rozier logged four shots and Adebayo made two in the paint.

 

But the defense couldn’t stop Alperen Şengün piercing the lane four times, and Rozier fouled Jalen Green on a 3-point try. 

 

Then Adebayo, Rozier and Highsmith added two field goals apiece, but the rest of the team made two of nine. Defensively, 3-pointers weren’t hurting the crew, but Şengün was perfect on three extra attempts in the restricted area.

 

At halftime, the Heat was up 53-50. They had 30 paint points, nine on the break, eight via second chances, 10 off turnovers and nine from the bench. 

 

The Rockets had 28 paint points, six on the break, seven via second chances, six off turnovers and 11 from the bench.

 

Subsequently, the Heat started the turd quarter, getting outscored 18-5 in five minutes. Jalen Green was also catching fire on scores from long and close range. But the flow of the match changed as soon as Herro connected on a corner triple supplied by Haywood Highsmith. The Heat ended the quarter making eight of 10 baskets on screen rolls and open jumpers. 

 

The fourth quarter began with the Heat down 82-81. It was a defensive struggle after four minutes when the Heat went down seven points. No team shot above 31.6%, yet the visitors were sharper to close, holding the Rockets to 11 connective misses and three baskets in the last 18 tries. 

 

Herro was the only Heatle to hit multiple shots in the frame, but Nikola Jović’s wing dagger over Thompson put the game out of reach. 

 

Next, Fred VanVleet got ejected while arguing over a five-second violation. Herro made the technical free throw, but while waiting for the ball to check in, he and Thompson got tangled up. Herro was thrown on the ground and bodies instantly came into the fray- Rozier went for Thompson in particular. 

 

It resulted in ejections for Herro, Rozier, Thompson, Green, Ime Udoka and Ben Sullivan.

 

The Heat won 104-100. They had 48 paint points, 14 on the break, 15 via second chances, 15 off turnovers and 31 from the bench. 

 

Herro scored 27 points on 10 of 17 attempts, with six rebounds, nine assists and three turnovers. 

 

Jović had 18 points on five of nine shots, with seven rebounds and six assists. 

 

And Highsmith had 15 points on 67% shooting, with eight rebounds, two assists, two steals, one block and a turnover. 

 

The Rockets had 44 paint points, 19 on the break, nine via second chances, 12 off turnovers and 18

from the bench. 

 

After the game, Adebayo said the team’s response to the dust-up was appropriate. “That’s what being in this locker room is about… one of us get in a scuffle, we all jump in.”

 

The Heat’s record is now 16-14.

 

Observations: 

 

  • Kel’el Ware’s size was a problem for the Rockets. He scored on screen rolls with Herro and Jović. The Heat will need more of Ware’s vertical spacing when Adebayo rests.

 

  • Jović had his top game of the season. He made three of five triples on the catch and dribble, plus maneuvered into the lane for two baskets. 

 

  • It would be unjust if the NBA’s chief disciplinarian Joe Dumars suspended Herro. Getting dropped, cursing at an aggressor and waving goodbye to the crowd is not cause for it, but pretending to be in mixed martial arts is. 

 

  • This is what getting a win out of the mud looks like. The team’s half-court offense was halted to 84.1 points per 100 possessions, good enough for the 18th percentile of all games played this season, per Cleaning the Glass. 

 

The Trade Target the Heat Should Pursue: De’Aaron Fox

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The Miami Heat are no strangers to the NBA rumor mill, often tied to big-name free agents or trade targets. Yet, recent years have seen them fail to land game-changing talent. With limited assets compared to other contenders, the Heat must find creative ways to reshape their roster. Enter De’Aaron Fox, the Sacramento Kings’ explosive point guard, who could transform Miami’s backcourt into one of the best in the league.

Why Fox Is a Perfect Fit for Miami

De’Aaron Fox is among the fastest players in the NBA and excels in both transition and half-court settings. Fox is averaging 26.2 points, 6.1 assists,1.6 steals and 5.0 rebounds while shooting 48.2% from the field. His ability to attack the rim, create for teammates, and defend opposing guards makes him a seamless fit for Miami’s culture of toughness and versatility.

Pairing Fox with Tyler Herro would create a dynamic backcourt capable of rivaling the league’s elite tandems, such as:

  • Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving (Dallas Mavericks)
  • Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland (Cleveland Cavaliers)
  • Devin Booker and Bradley Beal (Phoenix Suns)
  • Derrick White and Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics)

Fox’s speed and playmaking would complement Herro’s elite shooting and scoring ability, forcing defenses to pick their poison. Defensively, Fox’s quickness would add much-needed pressure on the perimeter, helping Bam Adebayo anchor the paint.

 

The Kings’ Turmoil: Why Fox Might Be Available

The Kings recently fired head coach Mike Brown following a disappointing start to the season. With Sacramento struggling to gain traction in the Western Conference, rumors suggest the franchise could pivot toward a rebuild, making Fox’s contract expendable. The Heat should pounce on this opportunity, using their young assets and draft picks to bring Fox to South Beach.

 

Fox and Bam: A Kentucky Connection

Fox and Bam Adebayo share a strong bond dating back to their days at the University of Kentucky. This pre-existing chemistry could accelerate Fox’s integration into Miami’s system, especially under the Heat’s renowned development program. Both players bring elite athleticism and a desire to win, aligning perfectly with Miami’s culture.

 

What Would a Fox Trade Look Like?

The Heat are adamant about keeping Tyler Herro and their core of Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo intact. A realistic package for Fox could include:

  • Miami Heat Receive: De’Aaron Fox
  • Sacramento Kings Receive: Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jović, Duncan Robinson, and three future first-round picks

This trade gives the Kings a mix of young talent and draft capital to kickstart a rebuild while Miami gets the dynamic playmaker they need.

 

Who is Untouchable? The Heat have been hesitant to make any moves, making it hard to judge who they consider untouchable. Herro and Bam are the clear members and despite Pat Riley making it clear about Jimmy, we could still see him moved.

This could be a way for Miami to move Jimmy, meaning a trade for Fox could include a third team.

 

Could Miami Keep Jimmy, Bam, Herro, and Fox?

It is possible, though it would require maneuvering around the salary cap and convincing Sacramento to prioritize future assets over immediate contributors. Keeping all four players would instantly shoot Miami to the top of the food chain, with a lineup that combines scoring, defense, and playmaking at every position.

 

How the Heat Stack Up

Adding Fox would instantly elevate Miami’s backcourt to elite status. Alongside Herro’s 23.8 points per game, Bam’s elite defense, and Butler’s clutch performances, the Heat would match up with any team in the league. Fox’s knack for breaking down defenses would also open opportunities for Miami’s shooters, making their offense far more potent.

 

A Move for Debate

While Fox seems like a dream acquisition, the Heat would need to deplete their limited assets to make it happen. Critics might argue that Miami should focus on building depth instead of consolidating star power. However, in a league dominated by superstar duos and trios, the landing of Fox could be the move that finally pushes the Heat over the top, with or without Jimmy Butler.

If the Heat are to move Jimmy, Fox, Herro, and Bam would still be a big three capable of competing for an NBA championship (with adequate depth).

Is this the right gamble for the Heat or is it just one of the many stars tied to South Beach?

 

*****

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Mateo’s Hoop Diary: Heat folded late in Atlanta

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A masterful second half by Tyler Herro wasn’t enough to lift the Heat out of danger. Trae Young and Jalen Johnson went wild against the defense, and the hosts closed the game on a gut-punching 14-5 run.

 

The Hawks had 35 opening points, including scores on three backdoor cuts. Herro, Bam Adebayo and Haywood Highsmith countered with baskets from long and close range. 

 

Then Duncan Robinson, Alec Burks and Herro poured in five treys. And Adebayo and Highsmith scored at the rim. The defense forced five turnovers but couldn’t stop Zaccharie Risacher and Johnson from making six shots in the lane.

 

At halftime, the Heat was down 61-58. The team had 26 paint points, eight on the break, seven via second chances, 10 off turnovers and 15 from the bench. 

 

The Hawks had 36 paint points, seven on the break, seven via second chances, nine off turnovers and 27 from the bench.  Infamous Heat killer Garrison Mathews also sent his regards with 10 on three of six shots off Atlanta’s bench, and De’Andre Hunter also had 10.

 

Next, Herro scored 11 points at the line, attacking on the break, Euro-stepping into the lane and nailing a deep triple. Highsmith and Jaime Jaquez Jr. chipped in multiple baskets apiece, but aside from them, the crew made three of 12 shots. 

 

For the Hawks, Johnson dribbled and cut his way into the lane for three baskets. Hunter added three of four makes. And Mathews downed two more treys. 

 

The fourth quarter started with the Heat down 93-84. They got within a point after Herro hit a pull-up triple with four minutes left. To that moment, the crew had made seven of 13 baskets in the period. 

 

Subsequently, Atlanta went on a 14-5 run, which was supplied by Hunter, Mathews, Johnson and Young to close the game. 

 

The Heat lost 120-110. The team had 50 paint points, 17 on the break, 12 via second chances, 17 off turnovers and 27 from the bench. 

 

Herro had 28 points on eight of 15 shots, with seven rebounds, 10 assists and two turnovers. 

 

Adebayo put up 17 points on 47.1% shooting, with 10 rebounds, two assists, one steal, two blocks and two turnovers.

 

And Highsmith had 14 points on six of eight attempts, with six rebounds, two assists and a turnover. 

 

The Hawks had 56 paint points, 17 on the break, nine via second chances, 12 off turnovers and 59 from the bench. Hunter had 26 off the bench. 

 

After the game, coach Erik Spoelstra said, “We had some plays where we got them to the last five seconds of the clock and just could not finish… and on the other end, we came up empty.”

Observations:

  • Spoelstra rested Herro four minutes to start the fourth, which was a bit too long because he was the team’s main source of offense. He played slightly below 36 minutes. There is nothing wrong with the star breaking 40 every once in a while.

 

  • This was Highsmith’s fourth night of the season making at least six shots.

 

  • The Heat converted 17 of 25 shots in the restricted area and 47.1% in the paint non-restricted area, finishing slightly above average efficiency in both spots.

 

  • The half-court offense generated 97.5 points per 100 plays, good enough for the 53rd percentile of the stat in all games played this season, per Cleaning the Glass.

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Mateo’s Hoop Diary: Heat escape Orlando after a big fourth quarter from Tyler Herro and Alec Burks

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The Heat were saved by Tyler Herro and Alec Burks after being down 17 points, giving the Magic its third home loss of the season. The crew was outrebounded by nine and had 20 turnovers, but successful deep shooting from five players made up for it.

 

Jimmy Butler (return to competition conditioning) and Josh Richardson (right heel inflammation) were absent for the Heat. Paolo Banchero (oblique injury), Franz Wagner (oblique injury) and Mo Wagner (ACL tear) were unavailable for the Magic. 

 

Turnovers and being a step slow on defense put the Heat in a 14-point hole to start in the four minutes. Additionally, Jalen Suggs scored easily on screen rolls, and rookie Tristan da Silva logged seven points on the dribble and catch.

 

At one point, the Magic had them down 22-5, but Nikola Jović had the juice off the bench, making two treys and laying in a transition lob. The next high-scoring Heatle was Herro, also with eight.

 

Then they found a crack in the Magic’s armor. Five Heatles scored on an 18-9 run, briefly cutting the deficit to four points. But the hosts responded with an 8-1 run to close the half.

 

At halftime, the Heat was down 52-41. They had 18 paint points, eight on the break, three via second chances, 15 off turnovers and 21 from the bench.

 

The Magic had 28 paint points, eight on the break, nine via second chances, 15 off turnovers and six from the bench. Suggs was their high scorer with 18 points.

 

Next, the third quarter was a defensive showdown. The Heat mixed in more zone with man coverage, holding the Magic 35% shooting, including no triples and forced three turnovers in the period. The Magic countered by containing the Heat to five of 18 shots.

 

The fourth quarter started with the Heat down 71-61. Then 3-pointers from Burks, Rozier and Jaquez helped cut the deficit to a digit as Orlando called for a stoppage a few minutes in. One of the pivotal moments of this stretch was Jaime and Haywood Highsmith rushing back in transition to deny Cory Joseph at the cup. Then Burks nailed more jumpers at mid and long range, and Herro scored the final seven points to close, including the last shot from 18 feet away to win the game.

 

The Heat won 89-88. They had 24 paint points, 13 on the break, seven via second chances, 25 off turnovers and 41 from the bench.

 

Herro had 20 points on eight of 17 attempts, with three rebounds, two assists, one steal and six turnovers.

 

Burks had 17 points on 80% shooting, with six rebounds, three steals and a turnover.

 

Jaquez had 15 points on four of nine shots, with four rebounds, four assists, five steals, one block and three turnovers.

 

The Magic had 44 paint points, 18 on the break, 13 via second chances, 28 off turnovers and 12 from the bench.

 

After the game, coach Erik Spoelstra said, “This was a total throwback, ‘90s game… nobody was giving any inch of ground defensively. We were able to give [Herro] the ball, give him a little bit of space, and then he was able to take it to a spot and elevate.” He also added it was the team’s toughest win of the season.

 

Takeaways:

 

  • This was one of Jaime’s top games of the season and his first recording at least five steals in his career. Three of his four baskets were 3-pointers, and he made 60% of those shots.

 

  • More Herro heroics. Herro’s game-winning basket came with the Heat down a point after Goga Bitadze made a tip-in on the previous possession. Out of the Heat’s timeout, Herro caught the ball at the top of the key, dribbled down to the right side and made a jumper over Trevelin Queen.

 

  • Burks recorded 24 minutes. His last game was on Dec. 2, playing nearly eight. The last time he got some real burn on the court before the win was on Nov. 14, in the victory over the Mavericks. Spoelstra should look to him sooner when a rotation is getting destroyed. Spoelstra also said postgame that Burks “doesn’t get sick at sea.”

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Legendary Larrañaga

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And suddenly it was over.

The wikipedia entry doesn’t even feel real. “James Joseph Larrañaga[1] (/ˌlɛərəˈneɪɡə/ LAIR-ə-NAY-gə; born October 2, 1949) is a former college basketball coach and was most recently the head coach of the University of Miami Hurricanes men’s basketball team from 2011 to 2024 when he stepped down.”

The words punch you in the gut. “Former college basketball coach.”

While the program had gone off the rails (4-18 in the last 22 games) and it felt like the end was near, the suddenness of it was still jarring.

We all expected a retirement announcement, a victory lap, and for the man that elevated Miami basketball to a level previously unimagined to get his flowers. Instead, the game against Mt. Saint Mary’s, the crushing overtime loss, was his last.

Gone in a flash.

The man who had never taken no for an answer, who had built a Miami program in the face of doubters, and had time and again reinvented himself and his style of play, was “exhausted” and with no path forward. At 75 years old, it was jarring to see Larrañaga discussing his “failures” given that his resume is Hall of Fame worthy.

Larrañaga always had a path forward, a new way to play, a new idea. The 2013 ACC Championship team played big and physical, pounding opponents into submission. 10 years later, he went to the Final Four on the back of small ball. And yet here he was, out of ideas, left to waxing poetically about a bygone era when he could focus on teaching. This modern era was something he was unable and unwilling to adapt to.

Greatness Redefined

When Jim Larrañaga arrived at Miami, he found a program with a relatively new on campus arena in a basketball power conference and not much else.

Conventional wisdom was that Miami could not compete in the ACC. And there was logic behind that wisdom. Previous head coach Frank Haith was 43-69 in ACC Play at Miami, with one NCAA Tournament Appearance and one 8-8 conference record in 7 years. That record got him job security! Not only did the Miami Athletic Department think that record was reasonable given the school’s standing, but Missouri hired him based on that performance.

Larrañaga talked today about how he always dreamed of coaching in the ACC, and Miami afforded him that opportunity. But he did so much more than coach in it. He defined it. 

When he came into the ACC, the notion of Miami basketball as an ACC contender was a joke. It turns out the joke was on everyone else. In his wake, Larrañaga leaves 2 ACC Regular Season Titles, 1 ACC Tournament Title, 6 NCAA Tournament Appearances, 4 Sweet 16 Appearances, 2 Elite Eight Appearances, and a Final Four Appearance in a little over 13 seasons. The numbers are so astounding that they sound made up.

The court should be named after him (and Coach Katie Meier) one day. The photo of them taken together 2 short years ago as they headed off to Sweet 16 games (which both would win) seems like from a different timeline.

Image Courtesy of the Miami Herald

And yet that is our reality. Larrañaga leaves behind a legacy of program building and winning. He has raised the expectations to such levels that it will be nearly impossible for any future coach to reach the standard he has set here.

Miami is not supposed to be able to beat Duke and North Carolina. But Larrañaga did that, repeatedly. About the time Kenny Kadji was dunking a ball thrown off the backboard by Shane Larkin in a 2013 home game against Duke we knew something had changed. 

The program was never the same, the bar permanently raised. It was no fluke. There were the ups and downs that all programs experience. But the one thing that was consistent is that no one wanted to play against a Jim Larrañaga team.

That was due to his love of coaching. Not just of being a coach, but the mechanics of coaching. He loved to teach, and he was so unbelievably good at it that even his “bad” teams were tough to play. We saw that last year when in the face of an unending losing streak the Canes battled the ACC’s top team, North Carolina, to the last play, twice.

With Larrañaga, there was always a chance. Miami basketball went from something to kill time between football seasons to must watch TV.

Imperfect, But Fitting End

Jim Larrañaga took Miami basketball from the outhouse to the penthouse. And it did with a smile on his face, the lovable winner. He did it amongst the backdrop of an ever-changing college basketball landscape.

There is never a perfect ending. Life isn’t a fairy tale.

If there was a time machine, we’d go back to that night in Houston when the Canes’ Final Four run ended and Larrañaga would retire on top. But we can’t go back, and in the end this retiremen was quintessential Larrañaga.

He left on his own terms. And did so after serious thought and reflection. He did so to avoid a messy ending. True to himself and his values.

Larrañaga selflessly stepped aside, choosing the University of Miami, the community he had grown, and the program he had built over himself. 

He came up just short of the ultimate goal, a National Championship, believing such a feat is possible at the university, but that he was not the one to accomplish it.

This is an ending, but it is so much more than that. It’s a bittersweet day.

Jim Larrañaga will be missed. But sometimes you really don’t take time to reflect on what and who is important. And if nothing else, Larrañaga’s retirement will allow the space to do just that, to honor the man who has honored us with his presence. He’ll be remembered more for his impact off the court than his wins on the court. He built a community around the basketball program that will outlive us all.

Larrañaga talked today about how coaching at Miami was a dream for him. A life goal. And he should be congratulated for accomplishing that dream.

But I have to correct one thing. It was so much more than just his dream. It was a dream for everyone.

By accomplishing his dream, Coach Larrañaga allowed all of us to dream. And I will always be grateful for that. 

Today, Jim Larrañaga became the former Miami basketball coach. But he’ll forever be our Coach L.

Vishnu Parasuraman is a show host and writer for @FiveReasonsSports. He covers the Miami Hurricanes Football for @SixthRingCanes Miami Hurricanes Basketball for @buckets_canes , and Miami Hurricanes Baseball for @CanesOnDeck as part of the @5ReasonsCanes Network. You can follow him on twitter @vrp2003

Ware Is the Help for Bam: The Case for Kel’el Ware to Start

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In today’s NBA, dominant big men are essential to championship contention. Teams like the Denver Nuggets and Milwaukee Bucks have proven the value of size and physicality in the paint. Meanwhile, the Miami Heat appear stuck in a state of indecision, hesitant to fully embrace the league’s modern realities. This reluctance has been epitomized by Erik Spoelstra’s puzzling decision not to start 7-foot rookie Kel’el Ware. The evidence in favor of Ware’s promotion to the starting lineup is overwhelming—and it is time for the Heat to act.

 

The Rebounding Crisis

One glaring issue for the Heat has been their inability to secure rebounds. Over the past three seasons, Miami has consistently ranked in the bottom half of the NBA in total rebounding percentage. The problem is not simply effort or scheme; it is structural. Bam Adebayo, an elite defender, often gets pulled away from the basket due to his ability to guard the perimeter. Opposing teams exploit this by drawing Adebayo out of the paint, creating opportunities for offensive rebounds and second-chance points.

This issue has been particularly damaging in the playoffs. During last year’s Eastern Conference Finals, the Boston Celtics capitalized on the Heat’s lack of size, averaging nearly 13 offensive rebounds per game. The problem was magnified in the NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets, where Nikola Jokić and Aaron Gordon dominated the boards. Miami allowed a playoff-high 14.6 second-chance points per game during that series, a stat that directly contributed to the Nuggets clinching their first-ever NBA championship.

How Ware Fixes This Problem

Kel’el Ware is the kind of physical presence the Heat have been missing. Standing at 7 feet with a 7’5” wingspan, Ware brings elite rim protection and rebounding instincts. His size and length allow him to contest shots and secure rebounds, even against elite frontcourts. Ware’s performance in limited minutes this season already hints at his potential. In a recent game against the Orlando Magic, Ware posted a staggering +26 plus/minus in just 13 minutes, a clear indicator of his impact.

Had Ware played more minutes in that game, the Heat might have avoided the defensive lapses and rebounding deficiencies that cost them a late lead. His ability to hold his position in the paint and prevent second-chance opportunities is exactly what Miami needs.

Ware’s potential was also evident in the NBA Summer League, where he highlighted his abilities by averaging 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game while shooting 55% from the field (Summer League stats).

Bam Adebayo’s Offensive Potential

Starting Ware would not just fix rebounding; it would also unlock Bam Adebayo’s offensive ceiling. Adebayo is at his best when he can utilize his mid-range jumper, passing skills, and face-up game. However, being the Heat’s primary center forces him to expend energy battling bigger players in the paint.

By moving Adebayo to power forward, he would face matchups more conducive to his skill set. He could operate in space, exploit mismatches, and serve as a secondary facilitator from the high post. This adjustment would give the Heat a more dynamic offense while preserving Adebayo’s energy for defensive assignments.

Lessons from the League’s Best

The success of teams with dominant big men underscores the importance of size. The Nuggets built their championship run around Jokić, whose size and skill allowed Denver to control the boards and dictate the pace of games. Similarly, the Bucks relied on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s presence in the paint to secure their 2021 title.

Even the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers have embraced this philosophy. Boston’s addition of Kristaps Porzingis and Philadelphia’s reliance on Joel Embiid have kept them among the league’s elite. The Heat, by contrast, have stubbornly resisted this trend, sticking to small-ball lineups that leave them vulnerable against bigger, more physical teams.

Spoelstra’s Time to Adjust

Erik Spoelstra is widely regarded as one of the NBA’s top coaches, if not the best. But even great coaches need to adapt. The decision to limit Kel’el Ware’s minutes reflects a cautious approach that is not serving the Heat well. Spoelstra himself has acknowledged Ware’s potential, stating, “It is going to happen for him. You have the talent, work ethic and the commitment. You have to stay patient with it—not be happy about it—and then when you get your opportunities, you know what I say: ‘Make us watch you, then make us play you and then make us think twice about even thinking about not playing you.’”

The question is: What is the wait? Ware has already proven himself. The Heat are struggling in areas he can immediately improve, yet his opportunities remain limited. Spoelstra must recognize that the NBA’s landscape has shifted. Dominant big men are not a luxury—they are a necessity.

Conclusion

The Miami Heat can no longer afford to ignore the evidence. Their struggles with rebounding and second-chance points, particularly in the playoffs, demand a solution. Kel’el Ware is that solution. Starting Ware would shore up the team’s interior defense, elevate their rebounding, and unlock Bam Adebayo’s offensive potential.

If the Heat want to return to the NBA Finals and compete with the likes of the Nuggets, Bucks, and Celtics, they need to evolve. Starting Ware is not just a tactical adjustment—it is a necessary step toward reclaiming their place among the league’s elite.

 

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Mateo’s Hoop Diary: The Heat was outmatched by the Thunder, 104-97

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander plus Jalen Williams took over on offense, and Isaiah Hartenstein was the most dominant big man on the floor, leading the Thunder to a dub at Kaseya Center.

 

In the first quarter, the Heat’s long-range bombs were missing, save for two, but Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo carried the offense with fastbreak scores and half-court paint attacks. The Thunder raised the intensity by 60° on defense, forcing three host turnovers that stalled the offense midway through the period. Butler twisted his left ankle, got checked out, but didn’t return because he was also bothered by an illness. The Sun Sentinel’s Ira Winderman reported that he asked trainer Armando Rivas for something before rolling his ankle.

 

For the Thunder, SGA made two jumpers on the dribble at long and mid-range, plus made a second-chance layup on his miss. His co-star, Williams, added a 3-pointer and ripped through the middle for a layup. The rest of the Thunder were still rolling, making six of 11 baskets.

 

Through 12 minutes, the Heat was down 25-30

 

Next, Nikola Jović was summoned, contributing seven points. Herro broke into the heart of OKC’s defense for two layups. And Terry Rozier blew past Williams for a scoop and nailed a 3-pointer.

 

Defensively, the crew made a stand, holding the visitors to 38% shooting in the second quarter. They also stayed in the 2-3 zone longer than usual, likely because of Butler’s absence.

 

At halftime, the Heat was down 47-50. They had 26 paint points, eight on the break, four on second chances, eight off turnovers and 21 from the bench. 

 

The Thunder had 20 paint points, six on the break, five via second chances, 12 off turnovers and 13 from the bench. 

 

Then Jaime Jaquez started the second half in Butler’s place. He accidentally elbowed Adebayo above the left eye while hunting for a defensive rebound. Adebayo left momentarily to get seven stitches and returned with four minutes left. He finished the period with a putback dunk. 

 

The Heat briefly took the lead on actions from Herro, Dru Smith and Haywood Highsmith. But the Thunder recovered it quickly as Williams dribbled to the elbow for a jumper, scored on the break and SGA made a quick 3-pointer after pickpocketing Dru Smith.  Coach Erik Spoelstra called a stoppage, but the zone and man coverage were no match for SGA, pulling up on the dribble from long and mid-range. He tore up the Heat for 13 points on five of 12 baskets in the period. 

 

The fourth quarter started with the Heat down 70-81. Williams burned the Heat with two more shots from mid-range, two up close and one from deep. And Hartenstein added six points and six rebounds. 

 

The Heat’s response- nine of 20 baskets from Adebayo, Herro, Smith and Duncan Robinson wasn’t enough to lift the squad out of the deficit. 

 

The Heat lost 97-104. They had 46 paint points, 10 on the break, 12 via second chances, 15 off turnovers and 36 from the bench. 

 

Herro had 28 points on 11 of 24 shots, with 12 rebounds, five assists and three steals.

 

Adebayo had 17 points on seven of 11 attempts, with 10 rebounds, one assist, one steal, one block and six turnovers.

 

And Dru Smith had 13 points on 83.3% shooting, with four assists, two steals, one block and three turnovers. 

 

The Thunder totaled 40 paint points, 13 on the break, 11 via second chances, 27 off turnovers and 17 from the bench. 

 

After the game, Spoelstra said SGA is a great player and that “you’re not going to hold a guy like that to 25 points, but you have to scramble around, hopefully keep their team average down. We did that for the most part but weren’t able to put points on the board.”

 

Observations:

 

1. Adebayo’s turnovers were caused by bad passes, getting stripped by SGA and traveling. The Heat had 18 in total. This was the third game with at least that many but the first loss.

 

2. Herro had double-digit rebounds for the second time this season. His other 10-rebound game was in the Heat’s win versus the Dallas Mavericks on Nov. 24.

 

3. The Thunder were 21-1 when taking a lead into the fourth quarter and are now 22-1. They were on the second night of a back-to-back, having beat the Orlando Magic on Thursday.

 

4. The Heat’s attack saw a ferocious set defense for 82.9% of the time.

 

5. Adebayo’s double-double moves him past Alonzo Mourning for second-most in Heat history with 206. Rony Seikaly is still first with 221.

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Mateo’s Hoop Diary: NBA Notes through Week Nine

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Fortunes can change in the NBA in a matter of weeks. The public and yours truly was almost done burying the Milwaukee Bucks for their poor start, but they’ve since become one of the hottest teams in the league, thanks to beating up on a bunch of bad squads. On top of that, they are the latest Emirates Cup champions, crowned on Tuesday after their victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

 

Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard is balling so hard this season that he may be the first guy since Darrell Armstrong in 1999 to be the Sixth Man of the Year and claim the Most Improved Player crown.

 

The Orlando Magic’s defense is the third-rated in the NBA, and they have been without its best players, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner for 23 and three games.

 

Let’s review some other things of note in the NBA…

 

Denver Nuggets guard has taken a huge leap

 

Christian Braun is a better player now than Kentavious Caldwell-Pope ever was with the Denver Nuggets. CB was promoted to the starting unit after KCP’s departure and has emerged as the team’s top two-way player.

 

Last season, Braun averaged 7.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.5 steals, 0.4 blocks and 0.7 turnovers. He shot 38.4% from deep on two tries and 49.8% from two-point range, on mostly half-court cuts. He only played 20.2 minutes nightly.

 

Yet, life comes at you fast in the NBA. Braun has been a top-three Nugget 23 games into 2024-25 after all his work in the lab. In 14.5 extra minutes this season, he is recording 15 points on 56.7% shooting, with 5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.7 blocks and 1.4 turnovers.

 

Braun’s third-year leap is real and not just numbers from a player logging more minutes. If he were the same guy, his effective field goal percentage and true shooting percentage would be the same or lower. He has elevated both of those categories by 9.6% and 10%.

 

He is excellent at moving without the ball and is more of an open-court threat for quick baskets. His efficiency at the rim is 6.7% higher than the league average, which is where he slightly hovered above last year. Defensively, he stays on the dribble well plus is good at locking and trailing.

 

The league’s best paint attackers in the half-court

 

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, De’Aaron Fox, Luka Dončić, Jalen Brunson, LaMelo Ball, and Ja Morant bludgeon the paint in the half-court like no one else. Examine their efficiency below.

 

Players

SGA

Fox

Dončić

Brunson

Ball

Morant

Drives

21.2

16.6

15.3

18.3

16.5

16.3

FGA

10.0

8.5

7.0

7.3

8.8

7.7

Accuracy

58.6

58.1

57.9

50.3

51.5

51.2

 

SGA, Fox, Brunson, Morant and Ball have explosive first steps. Dončić does not, but his elite handle and strength on the dribble allow him to maneuver anywhere. Each of them are high-powered engines who create many overreactions.

 

Stand out guys

 

Tyler Herro and LaMelo Ball are the only NBA players averaging at least 24 points, four assists and four 3-point makes per game this season, per Stathead.

 

Aside from this year, those numbers have been recorded just 14 times in NBA history by Stephen Curry (8), James Harden (2), Luka Dončić and Damian Lillard (3). Each player was an All-Star that season.

 

What to think about James Harden passing Ray Allen…

 

Better late than never, but James Harden passed Ray Allen for second all-time in regular season 3-point makes on Nov. 17 with two treys in eight tries against the Utah Jazz.  He’s not a more lethal shooter than Allen, but the way Harden has done it deserves respect.

 

For his career, Harden has downed 36.3% of 3-point attempts in the regular season and 34% in the playoffs. Yet, only 40.1% (regular season) and 34.9% (playoffs) of those shots were assisted. An incalculable amount of these baskets came from his step-back move. Also, it’s harder to be a deep threat this way because the defense knows where the rock is coming from. When someone is playing off-ball, they get open more because the defense loses track of seeing them and the ball.

 

Allen has him beat by 3.7% and 6.1% in career long-range accuracy. But his 3-pointers were assisted 84% (regular season) and 85.2% (playoffs) of the time.

 

Allen can always brag about his superiority when recalling Game 6 of the 2013 Finals, shattering the hearts of the San Antonio Spurs with a second-chance corner triple to tie.

 

Nonetheless, Harden’s achievement deserves tons of praise because he was a slasher, above all, with an exceptional ability to mislead the refs and take trips to the line.

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Mateo’s Hoop Diary: Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo took over in the Heat’s win versus the Raptors

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The Heat overcame a 16-point-first-half deficit to defeat the Raptors, winning four in a row for the first time this season. The defense cranked up in the second half, plus Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo took over. 

 

To start, the hungry Raptors scored 20 points in the lane in the first quarter on fastbreak strikes and screen roll attacks in the half-court. Jakob Poeltl and Gradey Dick caused most of the destruction inside. 

 

Yet, the Heat countered with seven straight points from Herro at long and close range. Jimmy Butler also made two trips to the line, and Duncan Robinson scored six points on layups.

 

But the defense in the second frame was still chewed up, even when deploying the zone. A 14-2 Toronto run forced coach Erik Spoelstra to call a stoppage as his team was down 16 points. At that moment, the Heat had menmotum, as Pat Riley calls the opposite of momentum. 

 

Then the Heatles had a 14-2 run, supplied by Herro, Adebayo, Nikola Jović and Terry Rozier to force a Toronto timeout. After that stoppage, Dru Smith connected with Butler for soft alley-oop through contact, and Jović sprinkled in a trey and made a layup. 

 

At halftime, the Heat was up 58-51. The team had 28 paint points, three on the break, three via second chances, eight off turnovers and 23 from the bench.

 

The Raptors had 36 paint points, 14 on the break, three on extra tries, 13 off turnovers and 29 from the bench. 

 

Out of intermission, the defense shut down RJ Barrett by promptly bothering his close-range shots. On the other side, Herro crossed up Kelly Olynyk from at the top, dribbling down for a layup and drained two deep shots (one was a four-point play). On top of that, Kevin Love put up six points and Butler tallied two shots.  At the end of the period, the Heat led 89-76.

 

Subsequently, Adebayo cracked open the fourth quarter making two floaters, a wing triple and a layup for nine straight points. He added four more before the period ended, and Jaime Jaquez scored multiple field goals, too. 

 

On defense, the Heat prevented a comeback effort by intercepting the ball twice, poking it free once and holding Dick plus Barrett to two of 11 treys. 

 

The Heat won 114-104. Additionally, the team had 52 paint points, five on the break, 15 via second chances, 14 off turnovers and 42 from the bench.

 

Herro had 23 points on nine of 13 shots, with four rebounds, four assists and two turnovers. 

 

Adebayo had 21 points on 47.1% shooting, with 16 rebounds, five assists, one block and one turnover. 

 

The Raptors had 56 paint points, 19 on the break, 10 on extra tries, 23 off turnovers and 50 from the bench. 

 

Observations:

 

1. Dru Smith played 34 minutes, making it his third straight game with at least 25. He was a pest, bothering the ball on the dribble and after the catch. He is emerging into one of the Heat’s top perimeter disruptors.

 

At the postgame presser, Spoelstra said about Smith, “When you can find guys who do winning things over and over and over, that’s kind of a superpower in this league.”

 

2. The Heat held the Raptors to 18 of 33 shots at the rim, which is 11.1 percentage points below the league average (65.6).

 

3. Jović got his first minutes since the Heat’s win versus the Dallas Mavericks on Nov. 24. He was perfect on three shots in the first half, hitting two 3-pointers and dribbling on the baseline for a layup.  In the second half, he made an alley-oop layup through contact. 

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