Katie Taylor defeats Amanda Serrano, remaining the undisputed champion

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The trilogy concluded with Katie Taylor claiming her third straight win over Amanda Serrano, keeping her junior welterweight championships with a majority decision in a bout that was the opposite of the first two. After 20 minutes of a high-level chess match, Taylor said her name is connected to Serrano’s forever. 

 

Taylor is an orthodox fighter, and Serrano is a southpaw. Naturally, a matchup like this can result in crashing heads and gnarly cuts, which happened to Serrano in the second fight on Nov. 15. This time, both combatants were far more appreciative of defense, to the point of frustrating the bloodthirsty crowd inside Madison Square Garden. After the fade, Serrano said she was trying to keep her distance and fight smarter because going guns blazing failed twice. 

 

The first round was quiet with only three punches connecting, per Compubox data. There was a flash of the prior two clashes in round three as both stood in the pocket, discharging venomous strikes, but Taylor won the exchanges via combinations and her left hook.

 

The pace slowed back to third gear with both of them fighting on the outside. It was more favorable for Taylor as she maneuvered around almost every inch of the ring, landing counters. One of the more memorable tradeoffs was the pair landing left hooks in the corner at the end of round eight, followed by Taylor’s jab.

 

In the ninth, Taylor took control, totaling seven power punches to the head. She was told going into the 10th that she needed the round. Serrano was informed by trainer Jordan Maldonado that she was ahead but also needed the round. 

 

Taylor subsequently was the bolder and more accurate fighter, emitting left hooks and straight rights. 

 

The three judges scored it 95-95, 97-93 and 97-93. and all of them awarded the last two rounds to Taylor.

 

Serrano said she would have to watch the fight, but believed her team that she won.

 

At the post-fight presser, Taylor said, “The game plan tonight was not [to] let her feet set.” 

 

When asked about retirement or having more left in her, she said she didn’t know but wanted to enjoy the victory and reflect before deciding. 

 

Mateo’s Hoop Diary: Heat front office still has its fastball, bringing in Norman Powell via trade

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The Heat wanted an upgrade as the Eastern Conference opened up because of injuries to a few squads and they made a nice splash in the three-team deal with the Clippers and Jazz, bringing in Norman Powell, age 32, and shipping out the vestige of Kevin Love and Kyle Anderson. 

 

Powell is an athletic two-way player who wants to live at the arc and cup, plus can maneuver on the dribble and roam without the ball. The self-shot creation should help Tyler Herro so he isn’t hounded as fiercely, as 39.9% of Powell’s two-pointers last season were unassisted. One of his valuable assets is his strength, helping him overpower slimmer opponents en route to the cylinder, where he converts 71.8% of tries.

 

He made 41.8% (7.1 attempts) of catch-and-shoot triples last season and 35% in the playoffs (5.7 attempts). His reliable sniping is added ordnance that will be used plenty on kick-outs from Bam Adebayo and Herro.  Taking advantage of Powell’s body as a screener is one of the ways to set this up.

 

To boot, Powell drained 179 3-pointers (41.8%) in the last regular season, which was the 29th most and only 11 behind Duncan Robinson (39.3%). The trade now fixes the spacing concerns that Robinson’s departure left. He will probably be guarded the same way, which should be another tool for the two-man game with Adebayo if he can get the ball to him after getting trapped outside for less contested rolls. 

 

Combining Powell with Andrew Wiggins and Adebayo gives the starting rotation three high-level athletes to work with. The defense was top nine last year, but it should be better in 2025-26, counting on Powell being a good option guarding up top before Davion Mitchell emerges from the bench with suffocating intentions. 

 

The committee, led by Nick Arison, still has their fastball, bringing a champion (2019) who still has years left of being a quality contributor. If the team can stay lucky and keep their health in 2025-26, they may have a top-six East outfit.

 

The Miami Heat Won’t Trade Bam Adebayo—And They Never Should: Five Reasons Why

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Bam Adebayo’s Ranks in Miami Heat Franchise History:

  • 4th in points

  • 2nd in rebounds

  • 3rd in assists

  • 4th in steals

  • 5th in blocks

  • 1st in double-doubles

  • 3rd in triple-doubles

The Miami Heat have one untouchable. Not Kel’el. Not Herro. It’s Bam Adebayo—and if you’re thinking otherwise, you haven’t been watching closely enough.

In light of recent trade hypotheticals making the rounds—involving Bam Adebayo—it’s time to draw a firm line in the sand: the Miami Heat will not trade Bam, and they absolutely shouldn’t.

Why? Because Bam Adebayo is more than just a stat line. He’s more than his All-Star nods or All-Defensive selections. He’s the soul of this team—a homegrown cornerstone who embodies everything the Heat stand for.

Since being drafted 14th overall in 2017, Adebayo has steadily developed into one of the NBA’s most versatile and impactful players. He’s a three-time All-Star, a five-time All-Defensive honoree, and arguably the best defensive big man in the league. But beyond the accolades, Bam is the identity of the modern Miami Heat.

He’s Heat Culture personified—gritty, loyal, relentless, team-first. And that’s precisely why the mere suggestion of trading him feels not only wrong—it feels impossible.

So let’s break down five undeniable reasons why Bam Adebayo is untouchable:

1. He’s the Defensive Anchor Every Team Wants

Bam Adebayo is one of the few players in the NBA who can legitimately guard all five positions. His lateral quickness allows him to switch onto guards, his strength and timing let him body centers, and his anticipation disrupts passing lanes and screens alike. In the 2024-25 season, he’s averaging 1.1 steals and 0.7 blocks per game, also tallying 4.0 defensive win shares this past season, 7th in the NBA despite the Heat’s minimal defense. His iconic block on Jayson Tatum in Game 1 of the 2020 Eastern Conference Finals remains a defining moment, showcasing his ability to swing playoff games. Bam doesn’t just defend—he dictates the game’s flow, allowing Miami to deploy creative schemes while staying a top 10 defense.

Via @Dru_Star on X

“Bam might not get the credit that he is due because we got guys that score a lot more points. And that’s what people like. That’s pretty. That’s cute. But the one consistent piece that has kept that shit together is Bam.” –

@ThisIsUD

w/ @TaylorRooks

2. Rare Two-Way Versatility

Offensively, Bam is more dynamic than he’s ever been. This season he averaged 18.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists, while shooting a career-best 35.7% from three. He’s not just a dunker or mid-range shooter anymore—he’s stretching the floor and creating for others, becoming a true modern big.

Bam ranks highly in every major category and would only get better with some pressure taken off.

At 28, Bam is in his prime—and his game is still evolving. He’s the rare big who can initiate offense, run dribble-handoffs, hit timely jumpers, and score efficiently inside. And he does it while still being your best defender on the other end. That’s superstar-level versatility.

3. The Face of Heat Culture

You can’t manufacture leadership. Bam has grown into that role organically.

Much like Dwyane Wade before him, Bam is a homegrown star who commands respect with his work ethic, toughness, and consistency. He’s not the loudest guy in the room, but he sets the tone in the gym and on the floor. He plays through injuries. He defends the best player on the court. He never complains. He shows up.

Trading Bam wouldn’t just send away your best player—it would be a betrayal of the franchise’s identity.

Via @Dru_Star on X

“When they were on the 10 game losing streak me & Bam would talk about not letting go of the rope. Stuff looks bad right now. Everything’s crumbling. I think Bam emerged as a leader. I think Bam is now the leader of the Miami Heat. I think he took the leader role…” –

@DwyaneWade

4. He’s Durable, Reliable, and Consistent

In a league where superstars often come with red flags around injuries or motivation, Bam is as steady as they come. He’s played at least 64 games in every season but 21/22, often through bumps and bruises that others would sit out. He doesn’t need to be load-managed. He shows up every night.

And he produces. Not in streaks, not in flashes—consistently. That’s why you build around him.

5. You Don’t Trade What You’re Trying to Find

Here’s the paradox of Bam trade rumors: teams spend years hoarding picks and assets trying to find a Bam Adebayo.

Trading Bam for picks or projects makes no sense, because Bam is the player you hope those picks become.
A leader. A defender. A floor-raiser. A winner.

Just look at what the Rockets and Thunder did—yes, they tore it down and built up assets, but they’re still looking for a Bam-level star. The Heat already have theirs. Why start over?

The Bottom Line

If you want to consider moving Herro, sure. But Bam there’s not many justifications. Herro, while a talented scorer, doesn’t shift the identity or ceiling of a team the way Bam does. Scoring guards are easier to replace—defensive anchors who can run your offense and lead your locker room are unicorns. Now, you only trade Herro if you can land another superstar to pair with Bam, someone who elevates the Heat to true championship contention.
My goal would still be to add a third star to this current core—Bam as the foundation, a new superstar, and Tyler Herro.
Players want to play with Bam, and it’s the organizations fault for putting them in this current position to pair one with him.
Yes, Miami’s asset chest is thin. But trading Bam? That’s not strategy—it’s malpractice. You don’t trade the foundation. You build on it.
Bam Adebayo is the kind of player you don’t trade. You build around him. He’s not just part of the Heat’s present—he is the future; the guy Miami needs to bring a championship back to South Beach.

Mateo’s Hoop Diary: Fever rising and the tumbling Aces

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The Indiana Fever minus Caitlin Clark started their five-game home stand, smacking down the Las Vegas Aces on Thursday. Two things should be clear: the Fever are a top-four team with a healthy Clark, and the Aces are in trouble. 

 

Indiana already had the league and public’s attention after schooling the Lynx in Tuesday’s Commissioner’s Cup final for the trophy and cash plus crypto prizes, without their dynamic flamethrower’s help. The outside artillery strikes weren’t falling against Las Vegas, but they were faster on dribble and the off-ball movement created openings.

 

Despite A’ja doing everything while the purposeless Wilsonettes were glued to the background, Aliyah Boston’s vigor was unequaled as she whooped coverages on rim attacks and jumpers.  Kelsey Mitchell added 25 digits on 50% shooting, dusting defenders and pulling up in their faces. She said after the game that defense is helping the team feast on the attack because of deflections and misses, creating transition.

 

Clark will soon return to a team whose recent connectivity levels are soaring like a shuttle in orbit. Adding her to the mix is like upgrading with turbo. 

 

On the other side, complex schemes and zones won’t save the Aces (8-9) because they are unathletic and older. Does the public need to observe another execrable performance after suffering one at the hands of the Golden State Valkyries, Seattle Storm and now the Fever?

 

Chelsea Gray retired her nickname point gawd being invisible rather than a defense bender. Jewell Loyd again proved why the Seattle Storm were ahead of the curve in getting rid of her. 

 

Coach Becky Hammon said her team lacked professionalism, arriving with their effort level and didn’t want to fight back in a “rugby match.” She was mostly disturbed by the amount of paint access and layups the Aces conceded, saying it was the worst offensive game she’s coached in her four seasons. 

 

On top of that, Las Vegas desperately moved their 2027 first-round pick for the talented but undependable NaLyssa Smith, who was defective in her debut, because the team has no other bigs besides Wilson. Keep in mind that they also moved their 2026 FRP to Seattle as part of the six-team swap that got them back what’s left of Loyd. 

 

Hammon mentioned their close win on the road in Phoenix and went on to bemoan what her squad has been, yet somehow concluded that the issues were more on them than on Indiana.  The opposite is true: the Aces are done as a dynasty and sped up the demise of their build, picking Gray over Kelsey Plum. 

 

 

Mateo’s Hoop Diary: Duncan Robinson’s time in Miami, notes on Satou Sabally and more

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Duncan Robinson exercised his early termination option and is a free agent. This now gives the Heat the chance to use the full mid-level exception on anyone on the market. Considering the Heat’s suspect outside shooting and Bam Adebayo’s comfort in playing with Robsinson, he probably figures he can get more than $10 million guaranteed. He conspicuously missed exit media interviews after the Heat were swept by the Cavaliers.

 

After seven seasons, including six postseason appearances, as a Heatle, Robinson will be remembered as arguably the team’s top sniper ever. He never downed a shot of consequence like Ray Allen’s heartbreaker against San Antonio in Game 6, but he was a higher volume marksman (Allen’s Miami years). After he made his 500th trey as the fastest player in NBA history, coach Erik Spoelstra said it was staggering. “It really is a credit to how much work he has put into his craft to develop his shooting ability on the move, under duress and evolve versus different coverages and scouting reports that are designed to take him out of that shot.”

 

He is first all-time in regular season made triples (1,202) and first in the playoffs (147) for the Heat. He was an essential piece of the Heat’s 2020 outfit that made the Finals, losing in six to the Lakers, and on the eighth-seed crew in 2023 that also advanced to the championship round, losing in five to the Nuggets.  

 

To Robinson’s credit, he improved after Max Strus usurped his position and later left for the Cavaliers. His handle and inside off-ball movement became more of a feature, making him more than a 3-point threat. He is a decent connector on hand-offs, too, slipping the pass back when crowded, mainly to Adebayo. In fact, Robinson was second in assists to Adebayo (53), counting all Heatles in 2024-25.

 

His time has mattered. Don’t forget that he and Udonis Haslem are the only undrafted players in Heat history to log at least 4,000 points. 

 

LeBron is coming back for a 23rd season:

 

The all-time minutes leader, who will turn 41 on Dec. 30, will add to his record with another tour of duty as he has opted into his $52.6 million player option. His agent, Rich Paul, says he wants to compete for another title, but it would have been more accurate if he said, “Ol ‘Bron wants to win his way.”

 

No matter his age, James will always be an attraction if he’s wearing shorts and sneakers because he’s one of the game’s titans. Yet it’s hard to justify his salary when his legs don’t have the juice late in games as he used to, and he does not guard at a high level full-time. It’s impossible to win with his defensive impact combined with Luka Dončić’s refusal to guard. 

 

Paul also wanted to “evaluate what’s best for LeBron.” Got to wonder if that means legacy is more important than finances, which is only possible since he is the rarest of athletes as a billionaire. Keep in mind that his current salary is 5.26% of a billion dollars. With money like that, what helps him more: another short, max deal (over 38 rule ) or more championships to elevate his all-time status? 

 

(Forget about him taking the MLE or vet minimum.)

 

Keep eyeballs on Satou Sabally and the Mercury:

 

Satou Sabally is a top-level player because if her offense isn’t working, she will guard like she’s possessed. Her 3-point shot has disappeared, but she’s still dangerous at close range and is the Mercury’s leading scorer in her first season with her new club. 

 

Interestingly, Sabally recently told Lisa Leslie in an interview for Just Women’s Sports that felt she finally arrived in the WNBA when getting to Phoenix, which proves there is some good Mat Ishbia has done since acquiring the Mercury and Suns. The way she defends, the honeymoon period may never end. Her combination with new addition Alyssa Thomas and All-Star guard Kahleah Copper is the nucleus of one of the league’s top four teams. 

 

Sabally’s reps in Unrivaled, the three-on-three league created by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, sharpened her conditioning plus timing on reads, and her workouts with Jimmy Butler have paid off as she’s 12th in the first All-Star voting returns.

 

One of the best actions to use her in a horns set as the ball handler or cutter, taking advantage of her 6-foot-4 stature and power as she plunges toward the rim after crossing the screen. Additionally, Thomas is the teammate she has the best connection with, being the recipient of 21 baskets.  

 

After five seasons in Dallas, the Mercury are easily the best squad Sabally has been on. The Mercury are on pace for 31 wins and she’s never been on a team with more than 22. 

 

 

Kasparas Jakucionis to the Heat: A Surprise Slide, a Perfect Fit

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Kasparas Jakucionis Falls to No. 20 — and Right Into Miami’s Hands
(Pronounced: CAHS-per-us yah-koo-CHOH-nis)

For a team needing a point guard, shooting, and long-term upside, the Miami Heat found all three with the 20th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Kasparas Jakucionis, the Lithuanian-born combo guard who starred at Illinois and developed through the prestigious FC Barcelona system, wasn’t expected to be available this late. He didn’t even work out for the Heat. And yet, here he is — a lottery-level talent joining one of the NBA’s most structured and demanding cultures.

A Dream Realized

“I’m so excited. I’m just grateful for this moment, to be in this place, to get this opportunity to get my name called. It’s special for me. It’s what I was working for, all my life, since I was little. It’s a dream, but now it’s just the beginning.”
— Kasparas Jakucionis

It’s clear the moment wasn’t lost on him — nor the opportunity ahead.

“I think I can prove a lot there… I’m ready to work.”

Though he didn’t meet with Miami pre-draft, Jakucionis immediately pointed to the fit:

“The playmaking ability is what I do. I’m just grateful to play with a guy like Adebayo, play pick-and-roll.”

He also noted his excitement about teaming up with Tyler Herro and mentioned that he speaks fluent Spanish — a small but useful detail in Miami’s diverse locker room and city culture.

Heat’s Perspective: Adam Simon on the Pick

Vice President of Basketball Operations Adam Simon offered a candid look into the Heat’s thinking:

“I think this draft was a little different. It was a pretty unanimous top 8 from our board… Looking at this draft, it was a literal unpredictable.”

“We didn’t think he would be there. We had him higher than where we took him.”

The Heat tried to get Jakucionis in for a workout, but didn’t push too hard, assuming he’d be gone before their pick:

“We tried to get him in, but we didn’t think he’d be there at 20. We spent some time with him in Chicago.”

Simon highlighted his driving ability, vision, and overall offensive skill set:

“He showed versatility in his playmaking… His handle’s really strong, he understands the game very well. He’s a true leader, someone who can get the team organized.”

“He’s a very good scorer, he can get downhill and also make reads, and that’s just part of the learning process.”

Even with Jakucionis shooting just 31.8% from three in college, the Heat believe in his long-term potential:

“He’s projected based on our analytical numbers to become a good shooter.”

“There’s things in his game that he certainly has to work on… What he’s accomplished at the junior levels — everywhere he’s played, he’s been effective and efficient.”

Defensively, Simon acknowledged the limitations — but also emphasized mindset:

“What he has is a toughness to him. He has an edge, he has an IQ.”

“He’ll be an astute learner in our defensive systems. I think he’ll be able to defend at a high level in our league.”

On the concern of turnovers, Simon struck a patient tone:

“Turnovers are high, but they’re turnovers you can work with.”

And when asked about the bigger picture:

“It was important for us to make this pick tonight… It’s more important now to have more rookie-scale deals in the modern NBA.”

Offensive Conductor with High Upside

Jakucionis’ biggest strength? Running an offense with poise and vision. He’s not just a passer — he’s an orchestrator. At Illinois, he averaged 15.0 points and 4.7 assists per game, but the raw numbers don’t capture his feel. He reads defenses like a veteran, shifts pace effortlessly, and manipulates defenders with head fakes and body positioning.

In the pick-and-roll, he’s exceptional — threading tight windows and keeping defenders guessing. His ability to drive with control and finish through contact (71.7% at the rim) gives him real versatility, even without elite speed.

His three-point shot dipped after a midseason forearm injury, but early-season tape showed pull-up range and confidence. He finished at 31.8% from deep — below ideal, but promising, especially considering his 84.5% free-throw mark.

The main concern? Turnovers. At 3.7 per game, many were the product of overdribbling or hunting for highlight assists instead of making the simple play. It’s part of the young creator learning curve, but a clear development area.

Defensive Questions, Competitive Edge

Defensively, Jakucionis competes — but his tools are limited. The claims of lateral burst limitations have been debunked and I would say he just more so can’t play above the rim. He isn’t a disruptive playmaker yet still, he rotates well, stays locked in off the ball, and doesn’t take plays off. With added strength and coaching, he could become a neutral or slightly below-average defender. But he’ll need to be paired with better athletes on that end to stay out of mismatches.

Jakucionis rebounding ability is worth noting as well as he averaged 5.7 rebounds per game and is willing to play physical.

The Heat believe his edge and IQ can close the gap. As Simon put it: “He’ll be an astute learner in our defensive systems.”

National Perspective: A Steal at 20

ESPN draft analyst Jonathan Givony ranked Jakucionis No. 11 on his top 100 board and called it “surprising” that the Lithuanian guard slid to 20. But any disappointment over falling out of the lottery, he noted, was likely short-lived:

“Any temporary disappointment over the money he lost was probably replaced by the realization he landed in arguably the most desirable situation of any guard prospect in this draft — a team desperate for shot creation and playmaking.”

Givony praised Miami as an ideal landing spot, citing Jakucionis’ “culture and toughness” fit and his ability to play multiple backcourt roles. He called the pick his favorite of the draft outside the top 10.

“It wouldn’t be surprising to see him eventually emerge as the franchise’s future point guard, thanks to the savvy he displays running pick-and-roll and his exceptional feel for the game.”

His national media backing further cements what the Heat clearly believe: they got their guy, and he might be more than just a rotation piece. He might be a building block.

I struggled to find anyone who believes Jakucionis was a bade for the selection for the Heat except one National media member who has his own history with the franchise.

Trade Context: The Butler Deal

The Heat’s selection of Jakucionis also takes on more meaning in light of the blockbuster trade that sent Jimmy Butler to Golden State. In return, Miami received Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, Davion Mitchell, and the No. 20 pick — which became Jakucionis.

In essence, Miami turned an aging star into a defensive wing (Wiggins), a gritty guard (Mitchell), a versatile veteran (Anderson), and a high-upside young playmaker. The Heat didn’t just rebuild — they reshaped.

Long-Term Outlook

Jakucionis projects as a high-IQ second-unit playmaker with eventual starter potential. If his shot stabilizes and he cuts down on turnovers, he could become the kind of steady, creative guard every contender needs — someone who makes others better and raises the floor of a team’s offense. If not, he still profiles as a valuable bench piece with international experience, toughness, and leadership.

The floor is high. The ceiling? Higher than where he was drafted.

Mateo’s Hoop Diary: Thunder triumph in Game 7, capturing the NBA title

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The Pacers failed to complete another signature, improbable comeback after being dropped into a large fourth-quarter crater, starting with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s right-side triple. Bennedict Mathurin’s rim attacks and trips to the line kept the Pacers’ faint heartbeat pumping, yet the Thunder triumphed thanks to drawing cheap fouls and holding their guests to 33.3% shooting late. The hosts were subsequently crowned champions in front of their passionate supporters, most of whom refused to sit for the entire Game 7.

 

Tyrese Haliburton stood on crutches, saluting his teammates in the tunnel as the podium was quickly assembled on the court for the championship presentation. Confetti rained as the players raised and surrounded the Larry O’Brien trophy, and SGA lifted his Finals MVP prize as the crowd screamed in adulation for the second-youngest group to win it all. 

 

SGA said winning took “so much weight off my shoulders; so much stress relieved. No matter what, you go into every night wanting to win, and sometimes it doesn’t go your way. And tonight could have been one of those nights [but] we found a way.” He also said the Thunder have room to grow.

 

Haliburton suffered an Achilles injury following three made triples in the first quarter as he attempted to dribble past SGA. The Pacers led 48-47 at halftime as four of them logged three shots apiece.  Mathurin later started the second half for them while Alex Caruso did, in place of Isaiah Hartenstein for OKC. The Pacers followed through, giving up control and wasting TJ McConnell’s 12-point blaze with seven turnovers courtesy of tight pressure. Jalen Williams also got his licks in, dribbling through the lane for a left-handed scoop and connecting on a mid-range jumper over Myles Turner. 

 

OKC’s skittish finish included SGA plus Williams shooting 11 blanks in the fourth quarter. Yet there were some overwhelming factors: two of Cason Wallace’s steals were in Indiana territory and he made two treys; Chet Holmgren had four blocks in the second half after getting attacked a few times before intermission; 22 second-chance points; 23 points off turnovers. 

 

The Thunder used their last timeout with four minutes left trying to inbound the ball against full-court pressure. Next, Aaron Nesmith fouled out by falling onto SGA while trying to hound the ball as the Thunder were up 10  late and it was curtains. OKC won 103-91 and held Indiana’s half-court attack to 81.9 points per 100 plays, good enough for the 13th percentile, per Cleaning the Glass.

 

Williams said it would take him a couple of days to get back to Earth as he addressed reporters with the trophy seated to his left on the table.



Breaking Down the Pod: Miami Heat: Most Valuable, Jovic, Ware or 20th Pick?

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🧩 Breaking Down the Pod: Episode 7
🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts
🎧 Listen on Spotify

As the Miami Heat gear up for the NBA Draft and brace for potential trade season shakeups, the Five on the Floor crew dives into an intriguing question: would Niko Jović or Kel’el Ware be selected higher than the 20th pick if they were prospects in this draft?

In this episode, Ethan Skolnick, Greg Sylvander, and Digital Adel weigh each player’s upside, the league’s current scouting tendencies, and what that says about how Miami should value its own assets. With speculation swirling and front-office decisions looming, this conversation arrives at the perfect time.

Miami Heat Once Again in Trade Rumors

The Miami Heat are always thrown in trade rumors for numerous superstars, and this year it comes back once again with rumors swirling around Kevin Durant (who was just traded to the Rockets). Today’s discussion is whether or not Kel’el Ware or Nikola Jovic are worth more than the upcoming 20th overall pick in regard to assets.

So, who has more value?

Adel’s POV

Available at pick 20- Jase Richardson (Greg says), Nolan Traore, Danny Wolf (received a green room invite, unicorn like phenomenon), Thomas Sorber (strongest hands, 7’6 wingspan, dawg). Adel believes that if Jovic was next to Bam in the starting lineup it is cleaner on the offensive end, Jovic isn’t sturdy in post defense as he is more of an outside big. His improvements were seen in using his length and proper angles, yet he believes the inside defense is worse. Believes Danny Wolf is the perfect one for one switch with Jovic.

“My contention that no one can really answer is the teams biggest need last season was a primary ball handler and facilitator. Niko was on the team. He wasn’t that type of guy to solve that issue. He has the opportunity to showcase that part of his game especially when all the guards were injured and we didn’t see it. How can we say it’s the team holding him back or he’d pop somewhere else when he has all the opportunity in the world to display that all season”

  1. 20, if Sorber is there
  2. Ware
  3. Niko

Greg’s POV

Says Ware has more value to the Heat due to upside play. Claims Niko would be as impactful in a different system as the Heat haven’t added an engine to change the offensive scheme. Ware and Adebayo need more run together and is more valuable to a contending starting lineup for the Heat. Greg reiterates that they are talking about the importance to Miami, any player that is going to get paid a lot more money is less worthy in the trade market than a rookie salary, in regard to Niko (least value). Ethan adds that he also has less value to your team due to tax brackets and aprons. Greg thinks Niko has more value than pick #20.

  1. Ware
  2. 20, salary purposes
  3. Niko

 “It’s a shame because I think Nico is a project that they thought if that pick hit it could really be transcendent to a lot of things that they were trying to do”

Ethan’s POV

Believes Jovic has the strong upside as well just not sure Miami will play in to it. Claims Jovic and Bam look better together than Ware and Bam so far. If Niko or Ware is not including in the deal for KD Ethan believes Jovic would start over Ware because KD has not played the 3 and has played more 5 than the 3 over the last bunch of years. Guys guard up when they get older. Believes the fit with Jovic would be easier and Ware coming off the bench would bring a perfect rotation. Wants Ware to work on his physicality.

“I think Niko is going to be a really good player, just not here.”

  1. Ware
  2. 20
  3. Niko

Notes

  • Jovic is only 22.
  • Jovic is almost up for an extension.
  • Ware better than Whiteside to start and doesn’t have the same concerns, processes faster.
  • Pick 20 gives Miami their choice for their future schemes.

So for me the value of each player depends on who Miami is getting in return and if the direction of the team itself. Say Miami trades for Giannis, any and everything is on the table, Ja Morant, then Ware has more value. But as for who currently has more value for the Miami Heat, I Will agree with Ethan and Greg. Miami will have a plethora of options available at 20 whether it is in the front court or the back court and for Ware, he has massive upside and has shown flashes of being a high impact player in this league, especially next to Bam Adebayo. To their points many aspects of Ware’s game need touched up, but you can’t teach athleticism and raw talent. I trust Miami’s coaching staff to develop Ware into one of the leagues next dominant bigs. As for Jovic the opportunities have been there but also hindered as Ethan and Greg pointed out minutes with Rozier, injury troubles, and other rotational/scheme issues. But Adel brings a fair point in regard to the fact Jovic has been given the opportunities and rather needs work in refining thinks such as his handles and overall consistency in his play.

  • Ware
  • 20
  • Jovic

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Mateo’s Hoop Diary: Paige Bueckers is separating herself for the Rookie of the Year crown

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Paige Bueckers led the Dallas Wings to their third win of the season, chopping down coverages like The Bride in Kill Bill against the Connecticut Sun. They sent doubles at her, and she wasn’t fazed by the pressure, either. It’s their second straight win, coming after a seven-game skid, and it was her fifth time leading her team in shots.

 

Coach Chris Koclanes hasn’t been so relieved at pressers since training camp. His bold move of having DiJonai Carrington come off the bench paid off as she supplied seven offensive rebounds and extended the lead to seven with 45.1 seconds left on a driving right-side layup.

 

Bueckers drilled 11 second-quarter points, curling around a stagger screen for a triple and made four mid-range jumpers. Her partner on four of those baskets was Li Yueru, who helped with screening and passed to her after offensive rebounds. Bueckers said after the game, “It’s super fun to play with her. She is super smart and has a high IQ…”

 

Bueckers is the leading rookie scorer (18.0) by 4.4 points. She is notably making 53.5% of her shots in the paint non-restricted area, which is one of the hardest spots to score because defenses collapse there against penetration. Additionally, she’s nailing 46.6% of her middies, which is her favorite look.

 

She still isn’t taking enough 3-pointers, but the team should change that immediately because she’s a deadeye despite her splits hovering at 33%. The most she’s hoisted is seven versus the Phoenix Mercury (71.4%) and five against the Minnesota Lynx (40%) and Golden State Valkyries (0%). She and Arike Ogunbowale can help each other here by running more two-woman sets, taking advantage of the separation they create on the dribble to make corner feeds or above-the-break passes. Defenders naturally overload on the ball. 

 

Bueckers’ confidence is rising with every match and it only took her 11 games to hit 35 points and three to record her first double-double of 12 digits and 10 offerings. She’ll doubtlessly continue on this pace and run away with the rookie of the year award because she’s a much deadlier threat to score and create for others than all her drafted peers. 

 

The Wings are logging the second-highest pace, but have the second-worst record in the WNBA as they are three games out of the eighth spot with 30 outings left.  They can still turn things around, but their defense will have to protect the 3-point line better and be sharper against screen rolls.

 

 

 

Mateo’s Hoop Diary: The Pacers crushed the Thunder, forcing Game 7 for the championship

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The Pacers defiled the Thunder, sparing their followers the indignity of a rival championship ceremony at home. The fourth quarter was garbage time thanks to a cascade of 3-pointers, a healthy dose of fastbreak points, and Pascal Siakam plus TJ McConnell lighting up schemes at short and mid-range.

 

Game 7, the first of the Finals since 2016, is for all the marbles on Sunday in OKC. Coach Rick Carlisle didn’t want to reminisce, saying it was meaningless because only one thing mattered.

 

The Pacers failed to launch on time and were down eight early after missing their first eight shots. Jalen Williams grilled Aaron Nesmith and Myles Turner on the dribble, but Pascal Siakam’s second-chance jumper in the middle ignited the firing squad’s nine first-half trifectas. It was like watching children thrash a cheap piñata. Tyrese Haliburton, whose status was in question before the game with a calf strain, contributed a dozen points, plus made the feed to Siakam for the booming dunk over Williams on the break. Siakam also nailed a left-side turnaround jumper over Alex Caruso, sending the Pacers to halftime ahead by 22.

 

Turner failed to register a field goal in six tries, but it didn’t matter because Chet Holmgren was invisible in OKC’s offense, the Thunder had only one made triple in 11 attempts and had committed 12 turnovers by intermission. 

 

Then Indiana’s defense was as tight as stainless steel handcuffs, contesting drives and jumpers promptly, and it didn’t allow a field goal for five minutes. Additionally, Siakam extended possessions with four offensive rebounds, and four Pacers connected on five 3-pointers, including Ben Sheppard’s 26-footer to end the period up 30.

 

None of OKC’s starters played the fourth quarter. Haliburton was the only one for Indiana that didn’t, but the others were on the bench after a few minutes. 

 

The Pacers won 108-91, holding their guests’ half-court offense to 81.7 points per 100 plays, good enough for the 13th percentile, per Cleaning the Glass. 

 

Carlisle said Game 7 would be a monumental challenge. Home teams win Game 7 of the Finals 78.9% of the time, per the NBA’s Facts and Figures. After the game, Siakam was asked what it takes to win one. He said there are no secrets between teams this late in a series, but that it’s about “who wants it more.”