After a road win Friday against the Magic the Pelicans are right back at it Saturday in Miami. New Orleans face off against a Heat team currently on a two game winning streak. Miami and NOLA have a few things in common from inconsistency to injuries.
An optimist would tell you they’re eventually going to get into a rhythm and be a threat come playoff time. A pessimist will continue to point to negative perceived fits and expect a continuation of mediocrity. We chose to be positive and invited “All U Can Heat’s” editor Allana Tachauer for a few questions. Hope you enjoy our latest installment of “Outsider’s Perspective”
1. Coming into the season, some had Miami as a darkhorse in the eastern conference. What are your thoughts on Miami’s start this season? What needs to change for them to contend?
Because they came off a late 30-11 run last season, a lot of people were expecting big things out of the Miami Heat come 2017-18. But obviously, things haven’t exactly worked out as planned. And while I figured the transition from one year to the next wouldn’t be seamless (with Justise Winslow coming back and the addition of Kelly Olynyk), I wasn’t expecting such inconsistency either. It’s like a new problem pops up every few games… injuries, turnovers, sloppy third quarters, just to name a few. The team needs to go back to Miami Heat Basketball basics if they want to make a serious postseason run. That means a strong defensive identity, lights-out shooting from downtown and playing a team game.
2. The contracts of Dion Waiters and Kelly Olynyk received mixed reviews in the off-season. What were your thoughts when the season started about their roles? What are they now?
I’ll be honest… when I heard the Heat signed Olynyk, I almost fell off my elliptical, mid-workout. And when I found out the details of his contract? It was a wrap. It was the first time I actually questioned president Pat Riley, and his vision for this team moving forward. But I’ll happily admit I was wrong. Olynyk has already proved his worth in my eyes, not just via his on-court contribution, but the fact that he has fully bought into the organization’s culture.
As for Dion Waiters, I was thrilled when they announced he was re-signing. He was a major reason for the team’s end-of-year success, from what he was doing on the court to the mindset he had developed since being under head coach Erik Spoelstra. And I thought he definitely deserved the contract, not necessarily from a financial point of view, but because it signified the front office’s trust in him. However, he’s been a bit of a question mark so far this season, and it’s definitely made me second-guess whether or not he’s a part of this team’s future.
3. Is James Johnson the most underrated player in the NBA?
He may not be the most underrated, but he’s definitely up there. I’ve been rooting for him since day one, when he was drafted by the Chicago Bulls, and am so glad he can finally live up to his potential. He’s a great two-way player, has developed into a true leader, and brings unparalleled energy to the table. However, I do think his teammate and co-captain Goran Dragic is even more underrated. He’s an elite point guard but doesn’t even come up in top ten conversations. *Headshake*.
4. What’s the biggest misconception the outside carries about the Miami Heat?
Hands down that Riley is washed. We’ll be here all day if I open this can of worms but let’s just say The Godfather always knows what he’s doing, and is constantly ten steps ahead of everyone else.
5. Outside perspective on the Pelicans?
The New Orleans Pelicans aren’t a team I keep too close of an eye on, but I do want more for Anthony Davis. I know individually he’s still killing it, but the guy deserves to be on a winning team, with more help around him than just DeMarcus Cousins. While I’m happy they’ve been able to co-exist just fine, I was always skeptical of how far the two of them could really go on their own. And clearly, for good reason.
That’s a wrap for our time with Allana Tachauer .Be sure to follow her on Twitter @AllanaTachauer and the Heat @AllUCanHeat1.