Miami Heat president Pat Riley is in no rush to see Justise Winslow and Bam Adebayo become great players in the NBA. Winslow and Adebayo are among the young talents in South Beach who are still developing their games.
In a report by the Miami Herald, Pat Riley said Justise Winslow and Bam Adebayo are still young, and they have a lot to learn. However, he praised the efforts they make each night they step on the court. Riley is waiting for the day that they will also be efficient.
At the moment, Riley believes it is too early to "assess" Winslow and Adebayo.
But he has high hopes for them as he wants to see both in the All-Star Game five years from now.
Perhaps the reason why the likes of Winslow and Adebayo are under scrutiny is that they are failing to have a significant impact for the Miami Heat. Winslow, who is coming back from an injury, has struggled in four games so far this season. He is just averaging 7.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assist per contest.
Meanwhile, the rookie Adebayo was surrounded by hype when he entered the league, though he is yet to live up to it. In two outings, including one start, Adebayo only averaged 2.0 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. The good news for the 20-year-old is that he could get extra opportunities with Hassan Whiteside dealing with a left knee bruise.
The injury has sidelined the franchise star for the Miami Heat in the past three games.
Inconsistent Heat
Pat Riley and the Miami Heat are having a rocky start to the 2017-18 NBA season. The Heat lost to the Orlando Magic on opening night despite a monster performance from Hassan Whiteside. After this, the Heat won back-to-back as they bested the Indiana Pacers and the Atlanta Hawks.
However, the success ended early when the Kawhi Leonard-less San Antonio Spurs blew them out, 117-100, last Wednesday (October 25) at the AmericanAirlines Arena.
Homestand continues
Pat Riley's Miami Heat will stay at the AmericanAirlines Arena for their next three games which are part of a five-game homestand. Following the San Antonio Spurs, the Boston Celtics (October 28), Minnesota Timberwolves (October 30), and the Chicago Bulls (November 1) are the ones heading to Miami.
The Heat are looking to go over .500 and improve their standing in the Eastern Conference. They are currently at 2-2 for the 10th spot in the conference. The Heat have a similar record with the Toronto Raptors (8th) and the Charlotte Hornets (9th).
