Fighting Heat were blown out by the Lakers on Monday, an ominous start to a five-game road trip. But Janis Antecumpa has not wavered in his belief that the team can be a contender this season, according to Anthony Chung of the Miami Herald.
“I think we have the pieces? yes” he said. “I think we have a lot to figure out? We have a lot. But I know the culture of the Miami Heat. I know the players in this locker room. I know what I’m about. And I know if we get on the right track, we can make some noise.”
Bobby PortisGiannis’ longtime teammate, echoed those words.
“Obviously it’s off to a slow start, but it’s going to peak at the right time throughout the season.” he said. “I just think it’s a process, a day-to-day process. Guys just drilling things in, getting to know how guys play. It’s a group. We’ve got six or seven new guys on the team. So we’re all just trying to figure it out right away.”
Here’s more from the Southeast Division:
- Heat coach Erik Spoelstra gives Ryan Conwell a longer look at his second unit, Chan notes. Conwell was the first guard used off the bench by the Heat against the Lakers. The rookie had not played in the first half of the Heat’s first six games before entering Monday night’s game midway through the first quarter. Still, Spoelstra was hopeful Drew Smith in place of Conwell in the second half. “In the second half, we went into zone and Drew is one of our best zone guys,” Spoelstra said:But I thought Ryan gave us some good things in the first half.” Conwell, the first pick of the second round, has a three-year contract that includes a team option.
- it turns out Hornets Mog Knueppel will make his season debut against Brooklyn on Wednesday. Knueppel, who has been ruled out with a strained left hamstring, is listed as probable, according to the Hornets PR department tweets. Knuppel, who finished second in Rookie of the Year voting last season, was injured during offseason workouts, but has been making steady progress in recent weeks.
- The magic have a 2-5 record as they embark on a four-game road trip. Jalen Suggs remains aside from a right kneecap impact. He’s not even sure if he’ll be traveling with the team on its road, Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel writes. “Obviously there’s a little bit of frustration” Suggs said. “I’d like to play, but I’m not complaining about anything (anything).”