62 Comments

We need the return of Manila Heat. Somebody should put out an APB on him.

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he might not be aware of the new site rc i miss him

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Agree. HHH has his email. Hopefully they can reach out to him.

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check the Utah blogs. If he's getting all buddy-buddy with Canadian Heat Fan about Kelly O, I'm declaring war on Danny Ainge

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Should we be putting our caution glasses on with Jaime already? Dude has a longest streak 1 game played with the Heat without time lost to injury

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Don't get me wrong, I'm as bullish on the young fella as anybody. Just thinking a 21-22 year old who doesn't really play with limbs all over the place like some hyper athletes out there maybe shouldn't be so over exerted as to hurt soft tissue like groin or shoulder or ankle like that. NBA season is a looong ass gauntlet by any measure. Back to backs and injury/rest nights for everybody else ahead of him in the rotation are all things we gotta think about. My guy needs a weight room like jovic got, but that mfer hurt too, tho so figuring out the winning rotation without burning the yunguns has already got me thinking...

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Who knows. Caleb was out with a knee. Jovic had an issue too. Probably too early in the preseason, and this season overall, to really say.

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Finally, I thought that this forum is gone forever.

I watched the game and it seems like coming home, or say, its a continuation of last year play off style of playing. I saw aggressive defence and good ball moving.

Players:

-Bam obviously worked on his midrange. He took hard shoots and made them. I believe he finally arrived in that regard.

-Herro is looking very good, if not great, thin, strong, mobile. He played defence very well.

-JRich was what he always was, with all his limitations. He didnt change a bit. I hope he can play like that in majority of games.

-Lowry should be a backup point guard.

-Love didnt played much, he looks as always.

-Highsmith did his complementary plays.

-Dunc. save himself for regular season.

The rest:

Bryant looks like good backup center.

Jaime is extremely skilled and ready to play in the league.

Jovič didnt play much, but shows some flashes of beeing good.

Swider made his shoots, but he is not ready yet for nba level..but interesting player.

O. Robinson was nervous.

Cain didnt play much, but he made a play or two.

I m not sure about Dru. or Hampton. They both looks like prospects now, and not player, which could help team at point guard position.

Generally, I think we have extremely good team, maybe better then last year, and some really good young players. But we also have a big hole at starting point guard position, and probably too many good players.

But after a month always seems that half of the team is missing due injuries, and team is playing with 7-8 players, so I believe, everybody will get their chance. Or there will be trade at some point.

Overall, I m happy and excited about team as it is. I m confident that be in the finals again is not out of the question.

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welcome back! This feels like the first day of school with everyone back from the summer but before classes get serious.

Agree with almost everything you said. Your comments about Duncan are probably true for most of the team (except the Skyforce guys), it's a marathon not a sprint, and this is a team that has played late into the playoffs 3 of the past 4 years. I don't think they're bringing their a-game to the first preseason game.

That said, I agree that this team needs a point guard. With Lowry being the Guard version of Kevin Love, this team could really use a player that could theoretically dish out 10 assists in a game and get the whole team cooking

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10 assist a game is a bit to much too ask. I m thinking about solid point guard... I wonder if Ricky Rubio is out of his problems? I believe he would be a perfect fit.

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Just read that Jaquez sustained a groin injury in practice. 😕

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In general, athletes with groin injuries typically return to sport once they regain about 70 percent of strength and have pain-free motion. Typically, this takes anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks but strongly depends on where the injury is, the athlete's dedication to physical therapy and whether there's a setback. Should return October 25 (first game Home vs Pistons) - December 6 (In-season tournament).

Note: Jovic injured his knee also. Does not appear serious. Only played 7 minutes last night.

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Is the main website not operable? When I enter the URL it just defaults to downloading something.

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It seems you have to go to hothothoops.substack.com. Regular hothothoops gets you that download response. No download necessary.

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More stuff……

Congrats to Spo for being overwhelmingly recognized (objectively) by NBA GMs as the best coach in the league in virtually every category.

Other teams have improved considerably on paper. Games aren’t played on paper.

With three 2-way contracts, you can now have 150 total games (50 each x3) cumulatively played by those players. This gives each team a lot more flexibility.

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Very interesting assessment. I agree with most of it. The team has a great deal of depth! All Miami needs is a two-way PG. I think a trade will be made before the start of the season. https://allucanheat.com/2023/10/11/preseason-important-ever-miami-heat/?utm_campaign=FanSided+Daily&utm_source=FanSided+Daily&utm_medium=email&sc=e0273490fd355e2c28bdb25751d41af65a4dd80936ff00a80be9866c97887955

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That pg question. Do we want a bucket creator or someone to swing us into plays? What is the difference exactly? And who is excluded from starting at the 1 in the process of achieving that?

If tyler stays as aggressive as he was in this game, I'm fine with starting him at pg and using JR at the 2 doubling as a capable defender.

The main point here is that the position necessitates reps. Tyler already has both existing potent chemistry with Bam and Jimmy, and the hair trigger to create and take his own shots. I wanna see some games with headband Herro at the 1 developing some brand new alchemy with our mix of shooters, cutters, and altitude finishers.

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I thought Tyler for a minute, but he doesn't have the patience or the pass first mentality. Plus, his defense is a work in progress with much room to grow. He is a natural scoring SG. I think Jaquez could be an excellent PG with experience. Meanwhile, Lowry is too old and JRich is a good back-up candidate, just not a quality starting PG. There's a deal out there to be had. Riley just needs to find it.

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If there is a deal to be had it better not include Juan Wick.

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How about Duncan and a pick for Rozier or Brogdon?

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I would do that but don't think those teams would do it.

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Detroit has a couple of possible options also.

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Heck, I would’ve recd this just for using ‘alchemy’ in a comment. 😀

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Turning matter into gold, baybee!

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Other observations…

Lowry looks decidedly thinner. Even that big caboose looks like it no longer needs that ‘WIDE LOAD’ sign.

Swider not only has a very smooth shot, but he’s 6’9” with a solid build. I read that people in LA were surprised when he was released as he was a bit of a fan favorite. I’m not sure about his defensive ability, but he has the size to bang with the opponent.

I’m curious what the Heat can do with Hampton. Guy has freakish athleticism, good size, and is supposed to be a solid defender. If they can get him to shoot and distribute better, he will be a steal. For now, keep him on the 2-way.

I still like Jovic’s potential, age, size, and skill set. He had a nice block last night. But after being out most of last season, he sustained some type of knee injury in his first preseason game. I’m a bit concerned about that.

JRich never was or will be a great player, but he will do anything and everything to help his team win. I’m happy to have him back. Hopefully, jnicho follows.

The footwork by Jaquez in the post was pretty impressive.

The block and laser full court pass by Bryant for a Richardson dunk was a thing of beauty.

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Swider seems for all the optics like MPJ minus the expectations

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I’ve seen a number of recent stories in sports media saying the Heat is worse this season than last because of the loss of Strus and Vincent. As if those two were cp3 and Curry! I liked them both, but they were adequate to good complimentary players and nothing more. I’ve been saying the opposite about the team - that they are bigger, younger, and more athletic than last season. That the addition of Bryant and O Robinson is a massive improvement over Zeller. We no longer have to count the seconds when Bam goes to the bench worrying about the backup (and I was not a fan of Love sliding to the 5). Strus can be replaced by (not last night’s version) Duncan or (hopefully signed soon to 2 way or regular contract) Swider. The pg position is still an issue and I hope it’s addressed and expect it will be. Yet, a lot of the ball handling can be done by Butler, Bam, Herro, Richardson, etc, when Lowry is off the floor. Jaquez has size, skill, is very aggressive, and looks like he can defend. Highsmith looks solid. The 3 2-way players are an interesting mix. I think Swider should get the 14th slot or at least a 2-way and perhaps give Cain the regular contract.

More to come as I had many thoughts during this maintenance/upgrade period……

Let’s go Heat!

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If we get Bam's backup minutes like we did last night from Bryant this team is going to be in good hands in the non-Bam minutes. I was watching comparing him to what we got from Dedmon and Zeller and I thought I was watching an All-Star. Lol!

I'm not going to disagree with backup PG right now, but my feeling is they won't need one. At least not yet. I can see the team making do with a mix of Herro, Jrich, limited minutes Lowry (who everyone says is in great shape) and possibly Hampton. By the way, it was good to see Jrich out there with a Heat uniform on again.

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Wow! I didn’t think to check HHH because I can only access via Substack app and not pc. I hate game threads on the phone. I still can’t access via pc browser on multiple pc’s. Hopefully it’s full functional for everyone soon.

The Heat are back, baby! Tyler (aka Pelo Pluma) is back with a vengeance. Jacquez (aka Juan Wick) is ready to contribute a bunch. He’s already significantly better than Jovic due to college experience. Niko has higher ceiling as of now, but he needs to show it and soon. Playing time on this team is going to be hard to come by.

That brings me to having Swider. He already made the team last night. Hopefully over the course of full season we see playoff Duncan and not the version from last night. But when he does have an off night it’s good to be able to throw Swider out there and see if he goes nuclear like he did in that 4th quarter.

Most picked this team to finish 6th. Lol okay we’ll see

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3rd milw boston who else in east better than us

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I agree but know that the national media still loves Philly with Embiid. Some even think Cavs and Nets are better. I think if healthy the Heat can finish top 4 and NOBODY wants to see them in the playoffs. Celtics and bucks might not be scared, but definitely prefer to have someone else play the Heat and take them out.

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Big agree. Media might put Heat at 10th in April. East teams prob wanna buy that too, given the lack of tectonic moves to upgrade. But you bet that ass it's all hands on deck emergency prep mode once the bracket puts them against the white hot

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I liked what Bryant brings. On the other side, why does Love even play? Lastly, we may have something in Jaquez.

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A savvy vet and a vibe vending machine. Can't. Hate. Love.

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he brings alot of love to the team,good for team chemistry

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We were desperate last year so we picked up a benchwarming Cavalier. I think Love's career was fantastic, he was a great player, emphasis on was.

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Someone has to take over the UD role but he can actually contribute a bit on the court. I actually don't think he will be a starter by the time late January/early February starts.

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Don't need a nightly double double to be a significant contributor to all caps WINNING. Def a big upgrade over PJ

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Wow, are we really back? I was reaching the point where I was even missing hfl. Well, almost….

Happy to be back!!

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back for another year of bickering with u and your twin 2qbn aka mr sarcastic.dunc and turtle should be released or traded.the amount of athleticism and skill in those 2 is miniscul or zero.we got better replacements.love the way herro looked .more under control.looks like he gets out of bed and he has 20 pts already.body looks tad bit stronger glad we still have his scoring rc and sunman.

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Really though, happy to see all of you.

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Same here RC.

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The team looks very good this year...very deep. Here's tonight's grades at first glance.

A= Herro, Bam, Jaquez, Bryant, Swider

B= Richardson, ORobinson, Highsmith

C= Hampton, Cain, Jovic, Love

D= Lowry, Smith

F= DRobinson

Footnotes:

1) If you add Butler and Caleb to the A's and B's, you have a solid 10 man rotation.

2) Jaquez has all the makings of a potential PG. He is definitely a solid rotation G/SF.

3) I think Bryant could be paired with Bam against bigger teams, with ORob/Love or ORob/Highsmith coming off the bench.

4) There is enough flexibility and depth to have multiple line-ups to suit every situation.

5) Sure glad we didn't give up Herro, Jaquez, Jovic and picks for Lillard.

6) If I was going to trade for a scoring PG, I would trade one of the D or F players plus a pick to do so.

GO HEAT!!!

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Solid grades. DRob in F is bit harsh tho, no?

I wanna see some more miles on Swider for sure, tho. He stepped up bigly to the task last night. Hoping he picks up more confidence and working with Dunc helps him use the sniper gravity to make plays and wreck defenses.

Jaquez by all measures seems READY to put in real work. No notes.

Jovic's durability at his age and lanky ass build is my only concern for the steady growth of this squad in the coming season.

PS: my absolute favorite thoroughly disrespectful name butchery from last season was 'Highshit'. I'm waiting on opposing teams to break it out purely from frustration

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we back baby!

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What happened to this site over the last week or so?

Strange.

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Down for maintenance.

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cains defense is unreal.best defender on the heat

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Cain, Hampton and Jovic will need to shoot more and do so at a good clip if they expect to get any serious consideration for playing time. Miami needs scorers.

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Was pretty happy with the hampton minutes. He found great shots.

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He was 0-1 in 14 minutes with 0 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 tos and 1 pf.

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0-1 in 14 minutes doesn't say too much to me just yet. It's gna take a little while for new players to be assertive and look for their own shots in an established offense.

3 rebounds and 3 assists for a backup guard in that timespan should count as a productive night though, right? Homie is guarding all the way to the rim, getting up successfully for boards, and getting out where he can be useful in transition and finding the finishing pass when the ball comes to him.

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Hampton has reputation as a good defender. If Miami can help him with his offense and confidence, he could develop into a very good player. The problem for Miami is they have too many players with potential but not enough slots or time. The problem with signing them up for G league is if they show talent/potential, they may be subject to theft from other NBA teams.

* Outside of Two-Way Players and players on NBA Assignment, the majority of players in the NBA G League are available for any of the 30 NBA teams to sign (call up); these NBA G League players have signed contracts with the league rather than their individual team, so by NBA standards they are technically free agents.

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Too many candidates. What a strange problem to have...

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cole swider looks good nice shot

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He's the new Duncan.

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wow miss u hhhh manila reality czech 2qbn

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What am I...chopped liver? OK, now I know. No more breaks for you.

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sorry lebron my bad

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That's Mr. LeBron to you buddy.

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Excuse me mr king of hhh

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Glad to see the site is active again.

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