Reentering the NBA playoffs has been a tall task for the Miami Heat, so it is not strange that unusual circumstances have forced the team into more than a few positives this season. Here are five of them.
5. Injuries
Getty ImagesIt sounds weird to describe injuries as a positive for any ball club, but they were truly the catalyst that opened things up for the Miami Heat and their roster.
4. Discoveries
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A season-ending injury to Beno Udrih and shoulder surgery for Tyler Johnson forced rookie Josh Richardson into action earlier than expected. However, the second-round pick is flourishing as one of the bench MOB's main cogs, averaging 11 points per game and shooting 63 percent from three, all, since March.
3. Tempo Change
Getty ImagesSpeaking of injuries, the loss of Chris Bosh for the second season in a row was devastating. But one positive that it provided was forcing Erik Spoelstra to change his coaching philosophy to one that actually fits the roster. It went from the backcourt could not work together to Goran Dragic’s speed being essential to the team being able to win games.
2. Rejuvenation
Getty ImagesJoe Johnson’s season has been rejuvenated in Miami with an average of 13 points per game and 43 percent shooting from three-point range. So has Luol Deng’s. With Bosh out, it allowed Johnson to be pursued and Deng to realize that the second half of his career would be perfectly spent playing at the power forward position, where he is averaging 16 points per game and nine rebounds.
1. Roster Spots
Getty ImagesThe end of this week officially means that help is on the way. By Saturday, the Miami Heat can sign two players to team-friendly contracts that will not push them over the dreaded luxury tax. You can probably expect to see 3-and-D help from Dorell Wright and a chance for a young prospect like Briante Weber.
