Miami Heat’s Point Guard Predicament
Miami Heat point guard, Norris Cole, described getting the starting gig as a “lifelong dream” although that dream could be nearing its end, just a few games into the experiment. But it wasn’t all bad.
In fact, he started off on a high having posted a career-high 23 points in the season opener against John Wall and the Washington Wizards. From then on, things have seemingly taken a turn for the worst as his performances have dipped.
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He has failed to live up to the hype created since that game, having posted 10 points in the ensuing contest, then five points in the third and none in the fourth.
During his most recent outing on Wednesday, Cole went 1-for-6 and only two points as he only saw 22 minutes of court time, taking his points tally from the past four games to an underwhelming total of 17 points. Nonetheless, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra still maintains he has faith in the 25-year-old.
"“He just needs to play his role, and he’ll be back at it,” he said after the 96-89 loss to the Charlotte Hornets to snap a 16-game winning streak against Charlotte. “That’s the one thing about Norris, you know he’s pure and you know his work ethic is outstanding. So he’ll be back to work on Friday.”"
While it does appear Coach Spo is content Cole will be able to work his way out of this slump, surely he is starting to reconsider his options – especially when Shabazz Napier has been impressing lately.
The rookie hasn’t been blowing people away with his stats since he is only averaging 5.4 points, along with 2.2 rebounds, 1.4 steals and three assists per game. Instead, he has been impressing with how comfortable he looks running the offense and how well his teammates have responded to him.
And that was Spoelstra’s focal point as he sung his praise.
"“Things are settled when he’s in there,” said the Miami Heat coach. “Guys get to their spots. He’s a very poised young player and he does a good job getting the ball to the right places.”"
The question now is who does he go with as his starter? At this point, we can assume Mario Chalmers is now well and truly out of the running having adapted well to the sixth-man/combo-guard role, so that leaves us with either the struggling veteran (aka Norris Cole), or the rookie who is still getting his feet wet.
Going with Cole does offer the team a sense of continuity as he is already familiar with the system, so (theoretically speaking) he is able to run the offense in his sleep. However, his slump does raise some questions as to whether he is actually ready, or rather, better suited to be a starter.
Throughout his pro career, Norris Cole has primarily been known as the Energizer bunny coming in off the bench to liven things up for the Miami Heat. He has thrived in that role mainly because he was often given permission to utilize his speed and play at 100 mph since that what suited him the most.
As a starter, though, he has to slow the game down, decipher defensive schemes and control the entire tempo of the game – which was usually done by LeBron James in previous times while Cole was essentially a passenger in the game.
So really, Cole is learning the position as he goes along. Meanwhile Napier is already tailor made for the role.
Without a doubt, the Connecticut product possesses the most intangibles to be an NBA point guard – even when you chuck Chalmers into the conversation. He has already shown he an aptitude for the game as a leader, having demonstrated it during his NCAA days.
Plus, he has a tendency of making big plays when it matters.
However, he is still a rookie and as Dwyane Wade pointed out, there will be some growing pains he and the team will have to go through.
"“It’s good that coach has confidence in him,” said Wade. “Like any other player, or probably a little bit more for him ‘cause he’s young, he is going to make mistakes. But he’s going to do some great things as well. That’s what we’ve got to depend on.“We’ll celebrate him when does well, and we’ve gotta be there to pat him on the butt when he doesn’t.”"
Overall, perhaps giving the starting job to Napier could be best, you know, to get some hands-on experience, learn on the job and what not. However, it’s hard to envision the rookie displacing Cole just yet.
In addition to that, it would be unfair for him to be relieved of his duties after just five games on the job.