The Heat enter the final day before the opener with no new transactions and three players still carrying a designation for Wednesday. The Miami Herald reported the stated goal is the league's best defense, and last season's unit ranked 13th.
Quiet Day, Loud Deadline
No signing, no cut, no clearance since the weekend. The group that survived Friday's four waivers is the group that opens Wednesday, October 21, at home against the Timberwolves on ESPN. Minnesota beat Miami 124-125 in the preseason on October 10, so the first real night brings a familiar opponent and an unpaid bill.
Three Names, One Date
Adebayo's groin, Larsson's illness and Smith's calf all carry a projected return of October 21, which is Wednesday itself. Projected is not cleared. Spoelstra does not bend the standard for anyone who cannot defend, and Adebayo at 20.1 points and 10.0 rebounds a night last season is the one piece a reserve cannot cover.
Defense Is The Claim
The Miami Herald reported that the goal after adding Antetokounmpo is to be No. 1 in defense. Last season the number was a 113.6 defensive rating, 13th in the league, on a 43-39 record. Antetokounmpo played 36 games last season. Closing that gap is a conditioning and effort problem before it is a scheme problem.
Conwell Earned A Look
Ryan Conwell scored 21 in the 115-136 loss at Orlando on October 16, and the Miami Herald reported he is making a strong case for a rotation spot. A 22-year-old rookie on a $209.1M payroll, past the $200.4M tax line, is the cheapest answer on the bench. Simone Fontecchio's 70.8% true shooting over his last 10 games last season is the other one, small sample noted.
Bottom Line
The opener is tomorrow. Adebayo's availability, Thompson's shot and whether two max bigs can share a floor get answered against the Timberwolves, not in October practice reports. One night does not fix 13th. The accountability does start Wednesday.
Is Bam Adebayo playing in the Heat opener against the Timberwolves?
He is listed with a groin designation and a projected return of October 21, the night of the opener. He has not been cleared.
When is the Heat season opener?
Wednesday, October 21, at home against the Timberwolves on ESPN. The Pistons follow on October 23 and a trip to Charlotte on October 24.
