Five Players to Watch as Dolphins’ Camp Ramps Up

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Five Players to Watch as Dolphins’ Camp Ramps Up

As the Miami Dolphins kick off OTAs, they’ve already made a notable roster move—placing cornerback Jason Maitre on season-ending injured reserve and signing Ryan Cooper Jr. in his place. Maitre was a name to watch this offseason after flashing potential last preseason as a nickel corner. With depth concerns in the secondary, two players to watch this camp come directly from this position group.

This season is pivotal for the Dolphins, a true litmus test for the team’s leadership at head coach, general manager, quarterback, and on both lines of scrimmage. A return to the playoffs hinges in large part on the development of the following five players:

1. Storm Duck – CB

Signed as an undrafted free agent last year, Duck made three starts and impressed during preseason with his instincts and tackling. Now entering his second year, he’ll have the benefit of going up against elite receivers like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle every day in camp—a major opportunity for growth. With Jaylen Ramsey’s potential departure looming, Duck’s emergence could be crucial to stabilizing Miami’s secondary.

2. Cam Smith – CB

The former second-round pick is entering his third NFL season without recording a single interception. General Manager Chris Grier recently emphasized the need for Smith to step up. The South Carolina product possesses the athleticism, instincts, and versatility to thrive, but has been slowed by injuries and inconsistent play. With holes in the secondary, Smith must take a leap or Miami’s defense risks being exposed through the air.

3. Patrick Paul – LT

Paul is the obvious candidate here, with Terron Armstead’s retirement opening the door for him to take over at left tackle. While physically gifted and a potential long-term starter, Paul has struggled with leverage and hand placement—areas he must clean up to become a consistent pass protector. His progress could determine not only the strength of the offensive line but also the health of Tua Tagovailoa.

4. Jaelan Phillips – OLB

Phillips made an immediate impact on Day 1 of OTAs, earning the orange jersey—an early sign he’s back in form. However, the bigger question is durability. Coming off both an Achilles and an ACL tear, his explosiveness and staying power remain to be seen. If healthy, Phillips, alongside Bradley Chubb and Chop Robinson, could anchor one of the league’s most feared pass rushes.

5. Jonah Savaiinaea – G

A rookie second-round pick from Arizona, Savaiinaea is projected to start right away. His development is vital for two reasons: bolstering the Dolphins’ underwhelming run game and protecting Tua. In camp, he’ll be tested daily by one of the best front sevens in football. Under the guidance of offensive line coach Butch Barry, the Dolphins hope Savaiinaea can grow into a foundational interior lineman.

Final Thought:
With high expectations and key transitions on both sides of the ball, Miami’s success in 2025 will be tied directly to the development of its young core. These five players represent the difference between another playoff run—or another missed opportunity.

 

This is not a drill: Inter Miami are officially in crisis mode.

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Since welcoming the arrivals of manager Tata Martino and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi in the summer of 2023, Inter Miami have grown accustomed to blowing the competition out of the water. They won the first-ever Leagues Cup in 2023 and reached the U.S. Open Cup Final that same year, whilst 2024 would see them finish with the most regular season points in the history of Major League Soccer, only to lose to Atlanta United in the first round of the playoffs.

 

Despite losing midfield warrior Diego Gomez to Brighton in the offseason, many pundits like Derek Rae and Taylor Twellman considered Miami the team to beat going into the 2025 MLS season. However, there was nevertheless a healthy dose of skepticism for their coaching choice: Javier Mascherano.

 

After a glorious 17-year playing career that saw him win the Champions League with Barcelona and reach the World Cup Final with Argentina, Mascherano hung up his boots in 2020 and moved into coaching. He struggled to convince in his first position as manager of Argentina’s U20 side, with the Albiceleste failing to qualify for the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup only to be given a reprieve after previously selected hosts Indonesia were kicked out after refusing to host Israel. They were given hosting privileges but nevertheless lost 2-0 to Nigeria in the Round of 16, whilst the following year would see Argentina lose to hosts France in the quarterfinals of the Summer Olympics.

 

It was far from the most auspicious start to his coaching career, but it didn’t stop Inter Miami from giving him the first-team manager role on November 26, 2024. On the face of it, it seemed to be rooted in favoritism, solely to appease Messi, who played with Mascherano at Barcelona and Miami, as well as Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez, who also suited up alongside him in a Blaugrana kit. Nevertheless, Miami kicked off the Mascherano era on a strong note, escaping their league opener vs. New York City FC with a 2-2 draw despite playing down a man for 90 minutes, brushing past Sporting Kansas City and Jamaican side Cavalier in the first rounds of the Concacaf Champions Cup, and beating Houston Dynamo, Charlotte FC, Atlanta United and Philadelphia Union. Miami would suffer their first defeat of 2025 on April 2, with Nathan Ordaz’s goal giving Los Angeles FC a 1-0 win, but they would erase the first-leg deficit and win 3-1 at home to advance to the next round of the Concacaf Champions Cup.

 

However, the cracks started to appear for the Herons, who drew to Toronto FC and Chicago Fire before eking out a 1-0 win at Columbus Crew. The final week of April brought a dismal run of affairs for Miami, who relinquished a 3-1 lead and lost 4-3 at home vs. FC Dallas in league play, and who were eviscerated 5-1 in the Concacaf Champions Cup over two legs. They bounced back by thrashing New York Red Bulls 4-1 at home – the very next game, Minnesota United gave them a taste of their own medicine by winning 4-1 at home. Despite taking the lead within a minute at San Jose, they coughed up the equalizer immediately and succumbed to a 3-3 draw, before being caught on the receiving end of a 3-0 defeat to Florida rivals Orlando City. Miami’s defensive woes continued on Saturday, going into halftime down 2-0 at Philadelphia Union, only for Tadeo Allende to pull one back at the hour-mark. Tai Baribo restored the hosts’ advantage, but Messi would cut the deficit to one in the 87th minute, whilst Telasco Segovia snatched a point at the death for the visitors.

 

The reigning MLS Supporters’ Shield champions currently sit sixth in the Eastern Conference, and unless they can find some form in their next two matches vs. Montreal and Columbus Crew, they could end the month outside of the playoff positions. For all their attacking firepower, it is evident that Miami are severely lacking in the defensive department – they don’t have a single elite defender in their squad like Nashville’s Walker Zimmerman or Vancouver’s Tristan Blackmon or D.C.’s Lucas Bartlett. Whilst Miami have been linked with a move to Luka Modric, who is out of contract after departing Real Madrid, they might be better served going for a fullback or center back. As one of the 32 teams that will be participating in the FIFA Club World Cup, Miami will be able to sign up to six new players exclusively for the tournament between June 1 and June 10, although they’ll need to also remain wary of the current MLS salary cap rules and regulations as well. Above all, they’ll need to focus on which holes are most noticeable in their squad – not which available players have the highest profile.

 

“You could see it in that game versus Vancouver, there are definite holes in this team… if you can frustrate and eliminate Messi and his impact on the game, if you can force the other players to be the difference-makers, that’s where you can win,” stated Herculez Gomez, who won the MLS Cup with Los Angeles Galaxy and Seattle Sounders. “Messi is the greatest of all time, but he’s still human, and he’s going to have moments where he needs help from other players. They don’t have those other playmakers: it’’s Messi and friends. And at the expense of Messi and friends, it’s not a situation like Argentina where 10 guys work for Messi, where they have legs for Messi. You’ve got some big holes here for other guys who need legs like Suarez, Busquets and Alba.”

 

“It’s more than just running for Messi, it’s other needs that must be addressed,” added Gomez. “Unless they address those, I don’t see this team lifting a lot of hardware this season. Why is Mascherano the coach? Because he’s Messi’s friend. There are no fundamental merits about his hiring that make you say, ‘Okay, this is something that could be productive.’ They’ll be a team that entertains and wins some games, because that’s Major League Soccer, but we’ve seen it in the past with the Concacaf Champions Cup two years in a row and in the MLS Cup playoffs vs. Atlanta. If this team doesn’t get its act together in terms of construction, it’s gonna be another long season.”

 

Miami have just two games to get back to top form before hosting Egyptian giants Al Ahly in the first match of the FIFA Club World Cup on June 14. If they fail to turn things around in the upcoming international tournament, Mascherano could be bidding farewell to his Miami job after just a couple of months in South Florida.

Breaking Down the Pod: Miami Heat’s Biggest Issues to Fix

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🧩 Breaking Down the Pod: Episode 6

Welcome back to Breaking Down the Pod, where I take you inside the latest from the Five on the Floor crew—highlighting standout moments, passionate takes, and giving you my own fan-driven perspective.

This time, it’s all about the fixes:

🎧 Episode Review: What Must the Miami Heat Fix Most?
Podcast Hosts: Ethan Skolnick & Geo Valdez
Main Question: What are the top five issues the Miami Heat need to address to improve?
Sponsors: RealEstateShoppeFL.com, PrizePicks.com (code: five)
Special Offers: CigarsInternational.com (code: FIVE20), Mood.com (code: FIRST20)

🔍 Summary:

In this fresh, insightful episode, Ethan Skolnick teams up with first-time guest Coach Geo to dissect the Miami Heat’s biggest flaws—and how to fix them. From on-court execution to organizational identity, nothing is off-limits. KD trade talk? Yep. Bam’s workload? That too.

Before diving into basketball, Ethan kicks things off with a rant about the real number one fix Miami needs: the security lines at the arena. He says he thinks the arena should be moved out a bit so it can be entered on all four sides and laments I-95 construction like a true South Florida vet.

📉 The Five Core Issues:

Late-Game Halfcourt Offense
Coach Geo opens with the most glaring concern: Miami’s late-game execution without Jimmy Butler. He believes the team simply doesn’t have enough offensive talent, and that players like Kevin Durant could dramatically elevate the group. Ethan agrees Phoenix may have to sell low, and I think KD could spark a surprise sweepstakes.

They do not believe the talent is in the building to make this happen, they could add new voices which could help as well.

Inconsistent Defense, Especially POA
Miami’s defensive identity has slipped. Geo emphasizes the need for two-way talent that can guard elite scorers, especially at the point of attack. Ethan adds they need better passing lane disruptors. Right now, too much falls on Bam—unfairly.

Identity Crisis
Miami isn’t sure who they are anymore. The gritty Heat Culture—taking charges, out-hustling opponents—has faded. Geo says the team must choose a direction both stylistically and roster-wise. Ethan echoes that Jimmy no longer had the energy to save them nightly, and Herro/Bam aren’t wired to fill that void.

Riley noted this in his end of season presser. How the Heat weren’t many of the things they are known for.

“Hardest working, best conditioned, most professional, unselfish, toughest, meanest, nastiest team in the NBA.”

Lack of Rim Pressure
No paint touches, no foul shots, no rim threat. Outside of Davion Mitchell, no one helped break down a defense and Miami doesn’t have any creators to create shots and points. Geo and Ethan agree that elite playoff teams pair star power with rim pressure and depth—not just top-heavy rosters.

Lack of “Dawgs”
Geo wants more on-court killers. The Heat miss the toughness of guys like P.J. Tucker, Lowry, and even Strus. Davion’s the only one who plays like every possession matters. Ethan adds they also need better transition offense—the fast break is almost nonexistent.

➕ My Two Adds:

  1. Backup Big Man & Two Way Talent
    Too often when Bam sat, the interior defense fell apart. Whether it’s a vet or another developmental project, Miami needs someone who can protect the rim and soak up key minutes.
  2. Pick a Direction
    The Heat can’t afford to stay in the middle. Whether it’s a full reload or a big trade, they need to make a decision and commit. Half-measures lead nowhere.

🔥 Key Quote:
“KD would be awesome. He makes the game easier for everyone.” — Coach Geo

📊 Stats That Say It All:

  • Miami ranked 21st in offensive rating and 28th in pace.

  • Opponent FG% spiked when Bam sat

💭 Final Thought:
This pod pulls no punches. It’s part therapy session, part blueprint for change. Whether it’s big trades or subtle tweaks, the takeaway is clear: the status quo won’t cut it.

📣 Join the Community:
Off The Floor Discord: Click Here (scroll down)
OnlyFins (Dolphins fans): /discord

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Mateo’s Hoop Diary: The Pacers folded at home in Game 3 against the Knicks

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The Pacers played scared late in Game 3, opening the door for a Knicks comeback fueled by Karl-Anthony Towns’ fourth-quarter explosion after he stunk it up through three periods. The Knicks are now the first team in the play-by-play era (1997 onward) to have three 20-point comebacks in a playoff run, per NBA communications.

 

The mood at Gainbridge Fieldhouse darkened like that of divers surrounded by homicidal sharks. Monday’s film session should be illuminating and as haunting as a recurring nightmare when reviewing all the shots passed up. After the game, coach Rick Carlisle also recognized missed makeable looks as a correctable issue.

 

With the Knicks’ season on life support, Towns missed close-range layups, took low-percentage deep shots that funneled transition scores for Indiana, held the arm of a smaller player on a mismatch, picking up this third first-half foul, and had four turnovers. Coach Tom Thibodeau even played Landry Shamet, which is the equivalent of jamming all the buttons on a PlayStation controller when running out of options against a superior player. 

 

The Pacers led by 20 in the first half and entered the fourth quarter up 80-70 without Aaron Nesmith, who sprained his right ankle in the third quarter. Carlisle made the mistake of resting Tyrese Haliburton for the first two minutes. Then Towns had one of the finest moments of his career as he turned into a superhero for New York. He pierced the lane for three up-close baskets, made five freebies, and nailed three 3-pointers. 

 

The Pacers even got a stimulus from the refs in between Towns’ outbreak when Jalen Brunson got run over, picking up his fifth foul with seven minutes left. Nesmith also checked back in after New York’s failed challenge, but the Pacers couldn’t cash in because they were gun shy, and the juice in their offense was gone: Pascal Siakam attempted a failed long two-pointer over Miles McBride when he could have blown by him on the baseline; Andrew Nemhard passed out of shot he had when driving through the middle; Myles Turner plus Nesmith missed all seven of their attempts.

 

Haliburton said the attack was stagnant, they fouled too much on defense and that the team needed to do better at showing help in the gaps against Towns.

 

Additionally, Towns didn’t pick up his fifth foul until there were fewer than three minutes left, but the Pacers didn’t attack him more before or after.  

 

The Pacers lost 106-100. Their half-court offense logged a rotten 84.4 points per 100 possessions, good enough for the 18th percentile, per Cleaning the Glass. They missed all five fourth-quarter paint shots as well.

 

The Knicks’ win is the first thing that went right for the team since consecutive losses after some of their supporters threw trash at a Pacers fan on the street. 

 

Carlisle said the team wouldn’t know about Nesmith’s status until Monday. 

 

Game 4 is on Tuesday.



Breaking Down the Pod: Most heartbreaking losses in Miami Heat History

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🧩 Breaking Down the Pod: Episode 5
Welcome back to Breaking Down the Pod, where I unpack episodes from the Five on the Floor crew, spotlight the most passionate takes, and share what these conversations mean to me as a fan.

We’re going deep into the emotional archives this time:

🎧 Episode Review: Most Heartbreaking Losses in Miami Heat History
Podcast Hosts: Ethan Skolnick & Greg Sylvander
Main Theme: What are the most gut-wrenching defeats in Miami Heat history?
Sponsors: CousinsUSA.com/5RSN, PrizePicks.com (use code: five)
Special Offers: CigarsInternational.com (code: FIVE20), Mood.com (code: FIRST20)

💔 The Heat’s History of Heartbreaks

In this emotional rollercoaster of an episode, Ethan and Greg walk through the losses that still sting, not just from the organization’s perspective—but also from the fans’. From the heartbreak of the Alonzo Mourning era to the blown opportunity in 2005, and all the way through the Jimmy Butler years, they take you through a timeline of pain, perspective, and passion.

They revisit Game 7 in 2005 vs the Pistons, when Dwyane Wade was injured and Shaq still couldn’t carry the team to the Finals. They touch on the infamous Knicks heartbreaks, the Allen Houston shot, the Mashburn pass that never happened, and more. Then they go into the 2011 Finals loss to Dallas, breaking down how the series flipped after the Game 2 collapse—where the Heat blew a 15-point lead as Dwyane Wade celebrated in front of the Mavs’ bench. LeBron’s shrinkage in that series still haunts fans.

They also hit the “what ifs” around Chris Bosh’s blood clots and how that derailed Miami’s chances to beat Toronto and potentially Cleveland in 2016. And of course, they revisit the Derrick White buzzer-beater in Game 6 of the 2023 ECF—a dagger that almost erased a 3–0 lead. Every era has a wound.

🔥 My Take as a 19-Year-Old Fan

While many of the losses they mention happened before I became a fan, I connected with this episode more personally than any other. My earliest Heat memory? Sitting on the couch with my dad and brothers when Mike Breen shouted:
“Rebound Bosh, back out to Allen, his three-pointer—BANG!”
That moment didn’t just make me a fan—it made me part of the culture.

That’s why my heartbreaks look a little different. Game 6 against the Lakers in the 2020 Finals stands out for me. Jimmy Butler put the entire team on his back, leading a depleted roster through an unforgettable run. That series was full of heart, grit, and raw will—but the loss still hurt deeply.

For me, nothing hits like Game 7 of the 2022 ECF vs the Celtics. Butler drops 47 in Game 6 to force a seventh game, and then—down by 2—he pulls up for the kill shot. It felt right. But it rimmed out. That was the moment that stung the most. The Heat were a 1-seed. Bam was locked in. That team could have beaten the Warriors.

The thing about sports is hindsight is always 20/20. It’s easy to say, “We could’ve beaten Golden State,” or “What if Bosh never got sick?” or “What if LeBron stayed?” Every sports fan plays that game. It’s what keeps conversations alive long after the final buzzer.

We can debate every what-if forever. The takes are limitless. The arguments, endless. The passion? Undeniable.

But the beauty of being a Miami Heat fan is that we’ve had those moments. No matter your age, you’ve seen something other fanbases dream of. And still—we want more. It’s natural. Because in Miami, championships are the standard. That’s what makes the heartbreaks matter. That’s what makes the podcast episodes like this one hit harder.

Whether you lived through Game 7 in 2005, Game 2 in 2011, or Game 7 in 2022—this episode will speak to your soul.

Highly recommended listen.

🎙️ Why You Should Listen
This episode is storytelling at its best. Ethan and Greg blend analysis with lived experience, walking us through not just what happened, but how it felt. Whether you’re a fan from the ‘90s or someone like me who grew up on Big 3 replays and Bubble magic—this episode hits home.

🗣️ Join the conversation and relive the moments that made us, broke us, and still drive us.

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Breaking Down the Pod: Miami Heat Decisions: Should They Keep/Extend or Trade Niko Jović?

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🧩 Breaking Down the Pod: Episode 4

🎧 Miami Heat Decisions: Should They Keep/Extend or Trade Niko Jović?

📢 Don’t miss a pod!
Subscribe to Five on the Floor on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Podcast Hosts: Ethan Skolnick & Eternal Bast
Sponsors: InsuranceByLinnette.com, PrizePicks.com (code: five)

🔥 Episode Summary

In this episode pulled from the “Off the Floor” subscriber Discord, Ethan Skolnick and Eternal Bast dive deep into one of the Heat’s biggest offseason questions: What should Miami do with Nikola Jovic? Should they pay him? Trade him? How do they define his role and evaluate his potential going forward?

The conversation was inspired by a question from Discord regular Neem: What is Jovic’s realistic upside—and is he worth an extension or better used as a trade asset?

📌 Key Points from Ethan & Eternal

📊 Jovic by the Numbers:

  • 21 years old, on a rookie deal.
  • Averaged ~10.7 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists.
  • Dealt with injuries and inconsistent usage.
  • Eligible for a 3-year, $30 million extension.

🔓 Untapped Potential, or Trade Chip?

  • Eternal sees Jovic’s realistic ceiling in the next 3 years as a 15/5/5 guy.
  • Strong facilitator, improving defender, versatile offensive toolkit.
  • Great in transition, mid-post decisions, and mismatch hunting.
  • Needs to tighten handle and improve rebounding.

“He has the skillset we talk about Miami needing—he’s just not always available.” — Eternal

🧠 Mentality & Makeup:

  • Ethan and Eternal both emphasize Jovic’s maturity, self-awareness, and willingness to be coached.
  • Euro background shows in his approach to team play and fundamentals.
  • Made defensive impact in games vs. Cleveland despite recently coming off injury.

🏗️ Role Definition is Key:

  • Ethan: “They’ve got to decide what he is and use him that way.”
  • Eternal: “He flourishes with pace and freedom.”
  • Both agree that Miami’s offensive system currently doesn’t maximize Jovic’s strengths.

🧠 My Take

The Miami Heat fanbase loves to talk about “untouchables” — young players they refuse to part with, especially when trade rumors start swirling around star talent. But this year feels different. In my eyes, no one should be off the table. The Heat are in their worst position in years, and clinging to unproven upside over actionable improvement is a recipe for stagnation.

The two names constantly mentioned in this context are Nikola Jović and Kel’el Ware. In this episode, Ethan Skolnick and Eternal focus on Jović — a conversation originally sparked by Off the Floor Discord member Neem.

Jović is still just 21 years old, on a rookie contract, and has drawn attention across Heat Twitter for his potential. He averaged nearly 11 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists this past season, but consistency remains an issue — both in role and availability. He’s eligible for a 3-year, $30 million extension this summer, and as Ethan puts it: it’s decision time.

Eternal projects Jović’s realistic next-three-years upside at 15/5/5. He’s improved defensively and earned a starting spot before being sidelined by injury. He’s a great facilitator, a confident shooter, and a strong transition player — all traits that fit Miami’s offensive needs. But his rebounding still needs work, and his handle isn’t tight enough to consistently serve as a lead initiator. He thrives in a system with pace and freedom — which Miami doesn’t currently provide.

To me, that’s exactly why Miami should keep him — if they also bring in the kind of offensive-minded assistant coach we talked about in episode three. Jović embodies the “pace and space” archetype. A new voice on the bench could unlock his game in ways Spoelstra’s system hasn’t yet.

Eternal notes that Jović is one of the few Heat players who can break down a defense, get two feet in the paint, and make smart decisions — whether that’s a kick-out to the corner or a lob pass. Eternal calls him the second- or third-highest offensive upside guy on the roster, right behind Tyler Herro — and I agree. It’s hard to name someone else above him.

And yet, as Ethan and Eternal both acknowledge, he’s not always there. Injuries, inconsistency, role confusion — all of it chips away at the vision.

They were even mismatch hunting with Jović early in games, especially in transition or half-court sets when smaller guards were on him. He showed flashes as a mid- to low-post decision-maker and even impacted Game 2 vs. Cleveland defensively — even after returning from a broken hand. He willed Miami back into that game… and then shot them out of it. That’s Jović in a nutshell, not in the sense of shooting, but the inconsistency and availability.

Ethan is open to extending him and Davion at around $10 million per year each. That could be a steal if they deliver high-level production on manageable deals. He says it plainly: “Would I want to trade Jović? No.” But he also sees the potential trade value if it helps Miami land a meaningful upgrade.

And I agree. The Heat have poured three years of development into Jović. Spo has invested real time. His skillset is what Miami needs, and he’s one of the few young players in the league with untapped two-way potential. But if the right deal comes along? You have to consider it.

🔚 Final Thought

Nikola Jovic is the kind of player who could either help lead a resurgence in Miami — or flourish somewhere else. The Heat’s decision shouldn’t be about sentiment or fear of regret. It should be about fit, vision, and commitment.

If they believe in him, they need to fully invest — not just financially, but structurally. Build an offense that lets him shine.
If not? Move him before someone else figures out how.

❓ Question for Heat Fans:

Would you extend Jovic at $10M/year — or package him in a trade? Who would you target in return?

Mateo’s Hoop Diary: Pacers take a commanding 2-0 lead with the series shifting to Indiana

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Pascal Siakam was the go-to man and stabilizer across 17 lead changes and 17 ties in the Pacers’ Game 2 win in New York. They snatched a 2-0 lead for the second time in the playoffs on the road, and he set a playoff career-high of 39 points, making 65.2% of attempts. His coach, Rick Carlisle, said he had a special game. “In the first half, he was the guy who got us going and got us through some difficult stretches.”

 

Droves of Knicks supporters were waiting to celebrate in the streets, but they went home as crestfallen as they had been for the last 25 years. Perhaps coach Tom Thibodeau can summon Red Holzman’s ghost for counsel. Or he can suck up to the boss by playing Dolan’s music from JD & the Straight Shot so he doesn’t fall out of favor. 

 

First, Siakam had 16 of Indiana’s 24 first-quarter points, attacking on the break plus hitting fadeaways and a 3-pointer. After the Pacers went up by 10 points, New York throttled back with three dunks by OG Anunoby and Jalen Brunson’s deep shooting, ending the frame up 26-24.

 

Knicks reserve big man Mitchell Robinson turned into the dollar store Bill Russell for 16 straight first-half minutes, denying shots and picking up extra possessions. Additionally, Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns did the heavy lifting, but neither side could grasp control. Siakam followed up with another open-court gash, a jumper over Towns with contact and scored on a broken possession, charging to the hole on the right side. 

 

The Pacers were down 52-49 at halftime and no one other than Siakam got to the line. On top of that, he was the lone Pacer who had logged more than three field goals (9).

 

Then Tyrese Haliburton picked up his scoring in the third quarter, and Siakam was flawless on four attempts at short and long range. Yet, aside from missing five freebies, Indiana guarded the arc poorly, conceding four treys, and was tied at 81 going into the fourth quarter. 

 

Siakam added another fastbreak layup and triple, but Myles Turner’s detonation on rim attacks and jumpers was the main force that held off New York’s late rally, sparked by Brunson and Mikal Bridges. Indiana even got away with not fouling Brunson on his 3-point attempt to tie.

 

The Pacers won 114-109, getting their sixth road dub of the playoffs. They also had 17 points off 12 New York giveaways and shot 43.3% on 3-point tries.

 

After the game, Siakam said, “We’re not really thinking ahead. [We’re] focused on Game 3 at home…”

 

Andrew Nembhard was asked about being unfazed, playing in a hostile environment. He said that because the team has experience, “Playing in MSG doesn’t feel as big as it did last year.”

 

Game 3 is in Indiana on Sunday.



Jaylen Waddle: Time to Take Over

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Jaylen Waddle was the Miami Dolphins’ 6th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, reuniting with his former Alabama quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa. Now entering his fifth season, Waddle stands at a career crossroads — and the opportunity to emerge as the Dolphins’ true No. 1 wide receiver has never been clearer.

Last offseason, the Dolphins showed their belief in Waddle by signing him to a 3-year, $84.75 million extension, keeping him in Miami through 2028 at a total value of $104.6 million. With Tyreek Hill (31), facing mounting off-field issues, and carrying a hefty contract, the torch is primed for a new carrier.

Career Snapshot (62 Games)

  • Receptions: 309

  • Receiving Yards: 4,129

  • Receiving Touchdowns: 20

  • Scrimmage Yards: 4,182

  • Total Touchdowns: 21

  • Yards per Touch: 13.0

Per 17-Game Average:
85 receptions, 1,132 yards, 5 touchdowns

Trends & Takeaways

Explosive Start (2021–2022):
Waddle burst onto the NFL scene with a record-setting 104 receptions as a rookie, breaking Jarvis Landry’s Dolphins record and topping Anquan Boldin’s NFL rookie mark. That breakout year earned him a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team. He followed it up with a staggering 18.1 yards per catch in 2022, showcasing his big-play ability alongside Tyreek Hill.

Steady but Quieter (2023–2024):
While his targets and touchdowns dipped in the past two seasons, Waddle remained one of the league’s most efficient pass-catchers, including a 69.9% catch rate in 2024 — among the NFL’s best. He also continued to protect the football with only three fumbles across 321 career touches.

Health Check:
Aside from missing five combined games in the past two seasons, Waddle has been largely durable and consistent.

Elite YAC & Speed:
A former track standout with 4.29 speed, Waddle remains one of the most dangerous threats after the catch, using agility and acceleration to turn short throws into explosive gains.

New Voice, New Direction: Robert Prince Steps In

This offseason brought a major coaching change: the Dolphins parted ways with receivers coach Wes Welker and brought in veteran Robert Prince. Prince, 60, has decades of experience, coaching for teams including the Falcons, Jaguars, Seahawks, Lions, Texans, and Cowboys, along with seven college programs.

“What we’re trying to do is get them to play fast, physical and with elite technique,” Prince said. “In the meeting room, it’s about mastering the details — the routes, the releases, the top of the route — and on the field, it’s all about execution.”

Prince has a direct but supportive coaching style. “They’ll know when I like it, and they’ll know when I don’t,” he explained. “Coaching is like raising a child — you set expectations, you inspect what’s done, and then you give feedback. That’s what we’ve been doing.”

Robert Prince on Jaylen Waddle:

“The thing with Jaylen — he’s a very explosive player, very dynamic. When the ball’s in the air, he can go get it. And once it’s in his hands, he’s a dangerous run-after-catch guy. We’re just working on our techniques and fundamentals to help him get even better.”

His arrival signals a fresh approach and renewed emphasis on fundamentals — a perfect match for a player like Waddle, who thrives when technique meets raw athleticism.

 Wide Receivers Coach Robert Prince meets with the media | Miami Dolphins

The Moment is Now

There’s no denying Waddle’s talent. But this season, he must show he’s not just part of the offense — he’s the focal point.

The struggles of 2024 — quarterback inconsistency, offensive line woes, and a sputtering run game — contributed to his dip in production. But with a healthier Tua, a fortified offensive line, and a new coaching voice, Waddle is primed for a resurgence.

This could be a transitional year for Miami’s receiver room. If Waddle reclaims his dominant form, the Dolphins may look to shift resources and focus his way, potentially drafting or signing a complementary young receiver to build the next elite duo.

Bottom Line

There’s still time for The Cheetah and The Penguin to make noise as one of the NFL’s most electric receiver duos. But as the 2025 season unfolds, don’t be surprised if Waddle begins to emerge as the alpha. With elite speed, improving technique under Robert Prince, and a chip on his shoulder, Jaylen Waddle is ready to stop sharing the spotlight — and start owning it.

Breaking Down the Pod: Should the Miami Heat Refresh the Coaching Staff?

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🧩 Breaking Down the Pod: Episode 3

🎧 Should the Miami Heat Refresh the Coaching Staff?

📢 Don’t miss a pod!
Subscribe to Five on the Floor on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Podcast Hosts: Ethan Skolnick & Sean Rochester
Sponsors: Water Cleanup of Florida, PrizePicks.com (code: five)

🧠 The Pod’s Premise

This episode circles a major offseason question: Is it time for a new voice on the Miami Heat’s coaching staff? With longtime assistant Chris Quinn reportedly in the mix for the Phoenix Suns head coaching job, Ethan and Sean examine what a staff shakeup could look like—and if Miami would ever actually consider going outside the family tree.

📌 Key Points from Ethan & Sean

🔄 The Heat Are Insular—By Design

Ethan calls the Heat a “very insular organization.” They hire their own, promote from within, and emphasize culture above all.

“The Heat are a very insular organization… They hire their own, which can be a really good thing for stability, understanding the quote-unquote culture. And it has worked.” — Ethan Skolnick

But there’s a potential downside: too much internal familiarity can lead to a lack of fresh ideas.

“There can be kind of a groupthink scenario… If you look at the Heat’s recent assistants—Chris Quinn, Malik Allen, Anthony Carter, Karon Butler, Wayne Ellington—all played for the team. Even going back to Pat Riley, it was Bob McAdoo and others with ties. They stay in-house (Sean added).” — Ethan
“You’re not going to pick someone completely opposite of you. But new ideas in the room can be beneficial—as long as there’s still alignment.” — Sean Rochester

🚪 Chris Quinn May Leave—And He Could Take People with Him

There are conflicting reports about Quinn’s position in the Suns’ search, but if he leaves, it might not be solo.

“If he meshes with guys on this staff, they might go with him.” — Sean

The Heat could promote from within, but the real question becomes: what kind of voice do they promote?

🧪 What Would a New Voice Bring?

⚙️ The Offense Needs Help

The offense has been stuck. Ethan and Sean both agree that injuries, regression, and shaky performance from key players (Rozier, Jaquez) have hurt. But there’s a systemic element, too.

“They tried. And Jimmy took offense to it.” — Ethan, on trying the threes-and-layups model

“It’s not just about the ‘Heat Way’ anymore. It’s about the right way.”

Ethan even floated a big name for conversation’s sake:

“You want a new voice? Think Mike D’Antoni—not necessarily as a hire, but as a reference point. Someone who brings an offensive blueprint that rethinks the room.” — Ethan

Sean grounds the point:

“You still need talent. You can marginally improve a system, but without an elite scorer, you’re limited.” — Sean

🧩 The “Missing Piece”: Player or Coach?

Sean leans player—he believes the offense will always stall without a go-to elite scorer. But both agree: even without the star, the system can be modernized.

“Change the offense—whether you bring in an assistant or not—to something that better highlights the guys.” — Sean

They also touch on the idea of a “coach on the floor”—someone Spoelstra can trust to run the offense when things get muddy.

“Spo needs a little bit of offensive tweaks and he needs a coach on the floor… someone who’s been in those situations, gets the ball to the right guy at the right time, throws it to Bam and gets out of the way.” — Ethan

🧠 My Take

The Heat don’t just promote from within—they trust from within. That trust built Spoelstra, developed Chris Quinn, and helped sustain one of the most stable franchises in sports.

But that trust comes at a cost when the offense flattens year after year. Internal hires start sounding like echoes in the same hallway.

I loved Ethan’s point about Spo looking outside the box—like when he sought insight from Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel. Spo clearly wants fresh perspective. The question is: will the organization actually give him one in the room where it matters?

Right now, the Heat don’t have a “coach on the floor.” Kyle Lowry once filled that void. His absence is felt—not just in stats, but in orchestration. Ethan’s point hits: they don’t have someone who can slow things down, make the right read, and tell Spo, “I’ve got this.”

This isn’t about blowing up the bench. It’s about breaking the echo chamber.

I want Miami to bring in an offensive-minded coach—someone who can freshen things up and provide a new voice in the room. Sometimes, all it takes is a different perspective for something to click. A new voice can unlock something that’s already been said, just not heard the same way.

Find the fit. Embrace the offense.

Final Thought

This isn’t a crisis. Chris Quinn might stay. The Heat might keep it in the family. But when the offense sputters and Spoelstra starts seeking out outside philosophy? That’s a cue to listen.

“The culture isn’t broken. The blueprint isn’t flawed.
But the house? It could probably use some new furniture.”

Reader Question

Who would you like to see Miami bring in to refresh the coaching staff?
Would someone like Michael Malone interest you?
Drop your dream name—realistic or not—in the comments.

Mateo’s Hoop Diary: Dwyane Wade and Mychal Thompson address Heat business

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Jimmy Butler’s playoff ride with the Warriors was cut short because they came across a superior team, and Stephen Curry hurt his hamstring, only playing 13 minutes of the series versus Minnesota. Butler’s pelvis contusion was a factor, but he still had big-time outings after and too many moments of looking to pass first, second and third. Sometimes the right play is making it for yourself, especially when two of the weapons are Draymond Green and Brandon Podziemski.

 

Dwyane Wade added credibility to his criticisms of Butler as his 2006 Finals MVP trophy rested on his torso as he sat for an episode of his podcast. He said Butler took his foot off the gas, which put more pressure on Jonathan Kuminga after securing a two-year, $121 million extension. Wade also said it was reminiscent of Butler not looking at the basket in the 2023 Finals against Denver.

 

Butler attempted a sparse nine and 11 attempts in the Warriors’ Games 4 and 5 losses as Julius Randle plus Anthony Edwards took over the series.

 

Twice champion under Pat Riley’s coaching with the Lakers, Mychal Thompson said on May 5 that the Heat president made the right choice in trading Butler. He said, “You’re always going to lose that battle if you’re gonna go head-to-head against Pat Riley, so they did the right thing. If you’re not going to go along with the Miami culture, or program, or Riley’s rules, you gotta go. Jerry West told me that…”  

 

Butler’s agent, Bernie Lee, playfully wrote on his X(formerly Twitter) account that Wade’s podcast can kick rocks and that his client’s playoffs started on Feb. 1, which he’s correct about. The Warriors’ record was 24-24 that day and the margin for error was slim as four other teams were in a race with them for the four play-in spots. Butler added a dimension as a playmaker that Andrew Wiggins couldn’t give them and got to the line more, putting more pressure on opposing defenses. Curry also raised his production as a result of the pairing.

 

They’ll need to get lucky with health next season to have a chance. Yet consider this: no team has won a title with its top three players being 35 and 37 years old. It’s too hard to do what the 2011 Mavericks did: winning with the top guys being 33 and 38. Furthermore, if Kuminga is kept around, they’ll need him to be the third scorer consistently and more of a defensive presence because the team lacks high-level athleticism.

 

As for the Heat, it will be a while until they are as good as they were with Butler again. They likely can’t make real improvements without doing something bold, like trading Tyler Herro or Bam Adebayo.