NBA Miami Heat

Miami Heat Rookies Are Earning Their Keep

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By @blackirishpr

Shabazz Napier, James Ennis, Andre Dawkins,

Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

He’s the scapegoat. He’s the little brother. The guy who is often clutch, yet gets ridiculed for having a “Mister Clutch” tattoo adorning his arms. Even though the credit may come few and far between, Mario Chalmers carried the Miami Heat to victory again and did everything for his team against the Brooklyn Nets.

He scored another 22 points, dished out five assists, took charges and went at it with the NBA‘s version of a tall chihuahua, Kevin Garnett.

But last night was not about Chalmers doing what we know he’s capable of if he doesn’t play out of character. It was about three rookies getting a chance to contribute without being afforded the same little sibling treatment he gets. And they flourished for it.

“It was like being back playing summer league together,” guard James Ennis said. “So it was cool, just to be out there at the same time.” (South Florida Sun-Sentinel)

It was also rare to see a Miami basketball team putting three rookies on the court at the same time. Playing that many — let alone having multiple on the roster — is something that usually does not happen on a Pat Riley constructed team. But the youngsters provided the energy that one would need minus the services of Luol Deng, Dwyane Wade and Josh McRoberts with each one having their moments.

Sharpshooting guard Andre Dawkins came through with a key three while the team was a dreadful 0-for-7 from behind the line. Ennis, on the other hand, showed how explosive he could be once the Heat were able to get out in the open court and run, leading to 10 points, eight rebounds and 36 minutes worth of highlight worthy dunks. And Shabazz Napier pitched in with 11 points and several fancy little Steph Curry passes off of the dribble that if properly handled would have netted him more than three assists to go with his three rebounds.

All in all, the boost that the Heat are getting from their rookies could give coach Erik Spoelstra an opportunity to find rest for many of his multi-year vets. But fans should be cautious not to get their hopes up too quick.

“They’re doing well,” Chis Bosh said. “I don’t want to give them too much credit, because we need them to keep going.” (South Florida Sun-Sentinel)

Richard Nurse is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @blackirishpr or add him to your network on Google.

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