Norris Cole Giving Miami Heat Huge Boost During Winning Streak

Norris Cole is under contract for the next three seasons with the Miami Heat and although he only makes a little over $1 million a season, he has been a key part to the team’s current 27-game winning streak. Cole is hardly a part of Miami’s “big three”, but he has been a leader for the “little 12”.

In two seasons in the NBA, Cole averages just short of six points a game and still has just two starts on his resume. However, in the last three games, Cole has been on a tear averaging 12 points and just under five assists a night. The Heat have been big supporters of Cole and although it has been against lesser competition, they have to be excited about his recent outburst as the postseason nears.

Dwayne Wade has been sidelined for the last two games, which has opened the door for Cole to put his stamp on this winning streak. In his previous three outings, Cole has more than doubled his season averages of points per game and assists per game and has been on the floor more than usual, playing in more than 20 minutes in each of those games.

Mario Chalmers has the starting point guard spot at his peril, but his contract is up after the 2013-14 season and the Heat are more than likely going to give the reins to Cole. At 24-years old, Cole has garnered plenty of experience as a 28th-overall pick.

One thing that Cole is going to have to improve on is playing well when the lights shine brightest, as he is shooting a lowly 34 percent in seven career games against heated rival Boston Celtics. As LeBron James and the Heat continue to take the NBA by storm, be sure to keep an eye on Cole’s progression as a starting point guard in this league.