3 problem areas confronting the Miami Heat at the quarter season mark
By Simon Smith
2. Offensive rating and lack of production
Offensive rating refers to points scored per 100 possessions, and is widely accepted as the best way to judge the proficiency of a team’s offense. Currently, the Heat rank 27th at 100.7, miles away from the league-leading Golden State Warriors at 114.6. When you compare this to their 109.7 return when they ran roughshod through the league over the final 41 games last season, it’s not difficult to ascertain why they are presently under .500.
While it’s hard to state definitively, it’s quite possible the Heat have become relatively predictable in their offensive approach. Here is where they rank in a number of different categories:
- Elbow touch points: 3.4 per game (last)
- Pull up points: 13.7 per game (29th)
- Post touch points: 2.9 per game (26th)
- Points off cuts: 7.2 per game (28th)
Although the Heat clearly have their motives for their mode of attack, it’s clearly not working on a consistent basis. One area in which they are proficient is driving to the rim, in which they have the second-highest volume in the league at 52.2 per game. However, their returns have not been forthcoming, with the Heat ranking 14th overall in points from drives at 22.2 per game, and ranking first in turnover percentage from these drives at 8.8 percent per game.
Possible solution
Ranking 24th in turnovers at 16.2 per game, an additional ball-handler/playmaker would be a welcome addition. With such a glut of players best suited to either the 2- or 3-spot, a certified backup point guard would be a welcome addition — not only to reduce turnovers and increase the efficiency of the offense, but also to allow some of the players on the roster to settle in to a role more suited to their skill-sets.