“ Spo always talks about being Top 5 defenses and Top 5 offenses. This is the formula for success. » This formula, Jimmy Butler and the Heat somewhat left it aside last season. They finished 5th in terms of “Defensive Rating”, but finished much further behind in attack (21st).
Floridians are aware that they must “ improve, innovate », to use the words of Erik Spoelstra. “ We need to subtly improve certain things “, without wanting to revolutionize, targets the coach with the Miami Heraldfrom the Bahamas where the Heat are holding their pre-season camp.
The subtlety in the Heat's new offensive system is to play more in rhythm. Bam Adebayo already notes that it is “ to make everyone feel involved, without it being stagnant at times “.
Transition rather than post play
He and Jaime Jaquez Jr. are seeing more “ fluidity » in the game, due to a desire to make decisions more quickly. And thus to be more unpredictable. Not a bad idea a priori for a team which, over the last five seasons, has finished in the Top 5 of the slowest playing teams (“pace”).
“ I would say it's just about playing faster. We've emphasized this in the past, really trying to run in transition. But also when the offense is half court, we're always trying to find ways to play fast and be difficult to defend rather than slowing down, sending the ball to the post and standing there watching », Analyzes Tyler Herro.
Miami was one of the teams to most played at the position last yearwhile being among the least effective in transition. Speeding up should help the Heat get easier shots and become more efficient.
Limit mid-range shooting
“ We must pay attention to what wins and what is effective. It is very important to generate more uncontested shots. […] This is a point that we will continue to develop », says Erik Spoelstra, also thinking about abandoning mid-range shooting to concentrate on 3-point shots and near the circle.
This prioritization is such that in training, layups and dunks are worth three points, just like long-distance shooting, where mid-distance shots… only count for one point. “ I'm very excited and I think the others are too. It's going to be a fun, fast-paced year, we're all looking forward to it. », appreciates Jaime Jaquez Jr.
Erik Spoelstra considers this “ sophistication “, this “ innovation to bring out the best in everyone » was necessary. Especially since the Heat have “ offensive talent everywhere you look and this is a group that should reach a higher level if we work together to be able to put up points “.
