The Heat acquired a lot of talent during the offseason, but the new squad has just two wins in its first seven games, Ira Winderman of The Sun-Sentinel writes in the article only for subscribers. Commercial blockbuster Janis Antecumpa did not pay immediate dividends, but Bobby Portiswho also came to Miami as part of the deal, cautions that it takes time to adjust to playing alongside a superstar.
“I don’t think it’s just Giannis. I think it’s just basketball in general.” said Portis. “It’s not a 2K game where you just put guys on a team and it works. I think it’s a process. You have to go through the ups and downs of what the season throws at you. All teams peak at the right time and have a chance to win.”
Antetokounmpo has been sensational in his new environment, averaging 28.4 points, 12.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists in seven games while shooting 58.6% from the field. After Monday’s loss to the Lakers, he was asked if he had enough talent to compete for a title.
“I don’t know” he said. “I’m just a basketball player. I just came here to compete. I think we have the pieces? yeah I think we have a lot to figure out? We have a lot. But I know what the culture of the Miami Heat is. I know what the players in this locker room are about. I know what I’m talking about. And I know that once we get on the right track, we can make some noise.”
There are more from the Southeast Division:
- Heat coach Erik SpoelstraPerhaps man’s patience is running out, Winderman tweets. “Obviously we have to make some adjustments now” Spoelstra said in a press conference before Wednesday’s game against the Clippers. “I’m not waiting.”
- Mog Knueppel played less than six minutes during his season debut tonight in Brooklyn before leaving with a sore left leg Hornets declared (Link to Twitter). Knuppel missed the first eight games of the season with a strained left hamstring.
- Wizards a beginner A. Ya. Dybants according to Josh Robbins of The Athletic (Link to Twitter). The top pick in this year’s draft sprained his ankle in the team’s final preseason game and didn’t make his regular season debut until Oct. 28.
- When Dibanza started next to him Anthony Davis and Deandre Ayton On Monday in Orlando, for the first time since 1984, the team selected three No. 1s in the starting lineup, Wizards tweeted. The Mavericks matched that tonight with Cooper Flagg, Kyrie Irving and Zachary Ryzaker all starting in San Antonio, notes Lou Murray of The Athletic (Link to Twitter).
- The magic hope to turn their season around during a four-game western after a 2-5 start, state Jason Beede of The Orlando Sentinel (subscriber link). “Whenever you go on a road trip, the idea is that you work together, come together and ultimately become closer and better because of it,” coach Sean Sweeney said. “That’s part of the idea is to get better and get closer.”
