Outlets covering Miami are split between patience and alarm after an 0-3 start. Checked against the roster and the box scores, the shooting and Adebayo's scoring hold up, and the trade verdict does not.
Panic Check
The Miami Herald's Anthony Chiang reported that the Heat say they are "not in panic mode" after their first 0-3 start since 2007. All U Can Heat's Michael Saenz argued the early struggles could forge the character the team needs later. The scores show a team closing the gap but still losing: 106-131, then 111-128, then 110-115. Character is a theory. A loss is a loss, and the power rankings fell from 13th to 30th in a week.
Bam Question
All U Can Heat's Alexy Berson called Adebayo's offensive disappearance a nightmare start to the Giannis era. The Herald reported that the Bam-Giannis lineups are working through it. Saenz argued a starting-five change could be a first step. The numbers back the Adebayo concern: 13.0 points a game and 23.1 percent from three. Nothing in our lineup data says a change fixes it.
Shooting Sinks
Saenz wrote that the shooting woes make the Knicks' signing of Dalton Knecht sting more. We have nothing on that deal, but the misses are real. Wiggins is at 18.2 percent from three, Antetokounmpo 16.7 and Hardaway 17.6. Mitchell, at 46.7 percent, and Portis, at 46.2, are carrying the load. Saenz also called Mitchell's play a lifeline, and 17.0 points with 8.7 assists supports him.
Giannis Verdict
All U Can Heat's Jack Simone wrote that every public concern about the Giannis trade is already coming true. ESPN reported that Antetokounmpo fouled out against the Hornets. He scored 36 against Detroit and averages 28.3 points, so the production is there. The $58.5M contract on a $206.9M payroll, over the $200.4M tax line, raises the stakes. Three games cannot prove the trade right or wrong.
Bottom Line
Dallas arrives at 1-2 with six players out, Cooper Flagg and Naji Marshall among them. Miami is 12th and one game behind Orlando for 10th. Every outlet can keep arguing. The standard here is a win tonight.
What is the Heat's record after three games?
Miami is 0-3 and 12th in the East, with losses to Minnesota, Detroit and Charlotte. The Herald reported it as the team's first 0-3 start since 2007.
Who do the Heat play on October 26?
The Heat host the Dallas Mavericks, who are 1-2. Dallas has six players listed out, including Cooper Flagg.
