Miami Heat’s Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller looking for additional minutes: NBA News
Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra is desperate for a good player from his bench, who can provided extended minutes in the game and support the Big-3 not only in defence but on the offense as well. So far in the post-season, Spoelstra has tried many options. Some like James Jones have delivered while others have not. His rotation might have worked before, but with a daunting Chicago Bulls outfit as an opponent, Spoelstra needs a consistent performer.
Udonis Haslem would have been his first choice if he hadn’t been out for more than five months due to injury. Haslem has played seven minutes (four in garbage time) in three games after recurring from a foot surgery in November. Exposing him in the all important game-2 of the Eastern Conference Finals can prove to be a gamble for Spoelstra. Haslem on the other hand is desperate to make a comeback. “You can only do so much in practice. For me to take that next step, I have to get minutes.”
Another option in this regard is Mike Miller, but he is also struggling with his fitness. Miller who has been limited to only 39 minutes during playoffs, said, “Obviously, I’m not accustomed to it. … Everybody wants to play more. There are only a few people on this team that don’t need any more.”
Spoelstra said Miller would have been getting more minutes if was healthy and “the same about Udonis.” However, Miller said his thumb which was operated on in the off season is not hampering his game. “It’s sore, but it’s not going to cause me any problems. Basketball is a rhythm sport, especially shooting. Right now, I just don’t have one. Hopefully, I’ll have an opportunity to.”
Miller has had his most frustrating NBA season so far, averaging career lows in points (5.6), field goal percentage (40.1) and minutes (20.4, in 41 games). He was however positive that he will eventually get his opportunity. Miller is a very good defender, especially on the perimeter and Spoelstra knows that. However, he has been struggling with his shooting for a while now. Even in the post-season, he has gone a paltry 2-of-11. Haslem on the other hand, has scored none in the seven minutes so far.
The Heat have been outrebounded by the Chicago Bulls in their previous four contests this season and the major difference in all those game was the non-availability of a die-hard ball scrambler in the Heat ranks. If Haslem plays for more minutes, he will bring a lot of vigour and robustness and that is what the Heat require to counter the likes of Taj Gibson, Omer Asik and Joakim Noah. Miller can fill the role somewhat too.
Now that the duo has expressed its desire to play a more significant role, Spoelstra might tweak his rotations a bit and finally we might see Haslem making a come back.
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