November 29, 2024 at 2:07 pm CST by Rory Maher
The heat I need more from recent first-round picks Jaime Jaquez And Nikola Jovic if they want to improve on their mediocre 8-8 record, that is Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel (Subscription required).
Both players seemed to be on the rise last season. Jaquez earned a spot on the All-rookie First team, while Jovic started his final 26 games of the 23-24 season. However, they were not as effective in the 24/25 season as both minutes of play were reduced. Jovic has been a healthy substitute in the last two games.
Here's more about the heat:
- What's behind Jaquez's slow start? Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald answers that question in a mailbox, writing that the second-year forward actually attempts more shots in the restricted area – which is usually a good thing – but draws fewer looks in the process (51.1% vs. 65.4% last year Season). The former UCLA star also missed some games due to a stomach illness and an ankle sprain, Chiang noted.
- Veteran guard/forward Josh Richardson admits he was disappointed that the shoulder injury he suffered last season forced him to pick up his $3.05 million player option for '24/25, Winderman writes in another story. “It is what it issaid Richardson. “I like playing basketball. I wish it could have been different because when I got injured last season I thought I had started playing good basketball. But that's life and you can't live with regrets. So I'm just trying to work my way back and make the most of this year.” The 31-year-old, who will be an unrestricted free agent next summer, has been on and off Miami's roster due to a nagging heel injury, but his role appears “unclear” even when he is available, Winderman adds.
- After losing to Milwaukee on Tuesday, Miami fell to 1-2 in NBA Cup play. The Heat will need plenty of help to advance to the quarterfinals, even if they beat Toronto on Friday. Chiang has the details.
