Should the Dolphins Trade Jonnu Smith or Pay Him?

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A Breakout Season on a Bargain Deal

Jonnu Smith was signed last offseason on a two-year, $8.4 million “prove-it” deal—and prove it he did. Smith brought new life to a position that has been historically dormant in the Dolphins’ offense, breaking Miami’s single-season tight end records in receptions (88), yards (884), and touchdowns (8).

Smith thrived in Mike McDaniel’s system, especially when quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was healthy. He became a security blanket over the middle, stretched the field, and played well above his contract. Naturally, after a Pro Bowl season, Smith now wants a raise—while still remaining a Dolphin.

As NFL insider Ian Rapoport said:

“I know he wants more money but would like to stay [in Miami]. I know he wants a lot.”
— @PatMcAfeeShow

Contract Talks and Trade Rumors

Despite his desire to stay, contract negotiations have hit a snag. Smith is due $4.8 million this season and is seeking a restructured deal that better reflects his production.

Per Adam Schefter:

“The Dolphins have had trade discussions with the Pittsburgh Steelers… after Smith expressed interest in reworking his deal… His preference is to stay in Miami under a reworked deal.”
— @AdamSchefter

Just months ago, the narrative around Miami’s offseason centered on stars like Tyreek Hill and Jalen Ramsey. Now, the front office faces a difficult decision regarding its only 2024 Pro Bowler.

Miami’s Tight End Expectations

The Dolphins reportedly want more from their tight ends in the blocking department. While Smith’s receiving skills are elite, his run-blocking has been inconsistent. To address this, Miami signed Pharoah Brown, a more traditional inline blocker.

Still, questions linger: If Miami was considering moving on from Smith, why didn’t they draft Penn State’s Tyler Warren—arguably the best all-around TE prospect left on the board? The answer isn’t clear, but it adds to the confusion.

Let’s break down both sides of the debate.

Case to Keep Jonnu Smith

There’s no denying Smith earned a raise. He was “Mr. Reliable” in 2024, delivering elite production and leadership without the off-field noise associated with other stars.

With the addition of Pharoah Brown to help handle blocking duties, Miami could deploy Smith primarily as a receiver—his strength.

Smith hasn’t requested a trade and has remained committed to Miami. He’s a valuable veteran presence for a roster filled with young talent and developmental players. If the Dolphins are serious about rebuilding their culture, rewarding a player like Smith—who’s produced, led, and stayed drama-free—is essential.

As long as a lot isn’t A LOT this should be a no brainer.

Case to Trade Jonnu Smith

At the same time, there are valid reasons to consider a trade.

Smith is entering his age-30 season, and the Dolphins are in one of the worst salary cap positions in the league. Years of bad contracts and questionable roster management have forced the team into tough choices. Trading Smith now—while his value is at its peak—could help Miami recoup assets or fill other roster holes.

There’s also the financial disparity: Smith is currently the 32nd highest-paid tight end by average salary, yet produced like a top-10 player. Nine TEs are making at least $12 million per year; two make $19 million. Smith deserves a raise—but can Miami afford to pay that premium?

Additionally, Miami’s signing of Nick Westbrook-Ikhine—an underrated physical pass catcher—may signal a desire to shift the offense toward more traditional wide receiver targets. Westbrook-Ikhine can replicate some of Smith’s role while a tight end like Brown or one acquired in a trade can handle the blocking and the simple route tree of a traditional, fully rounded tight end.

Final Thoughts

There’s no easy answer. Jonnu Smith’s resurgence was one of the best stories of Miami’s 2024 season, and his departure would sting. But this is a cold, cap-driven league. Unless both sides can find a middle ground, the Dolphins may be forced to move on from their record-setting tight end.

Mateo’s Hoop Diary: “I’m going to be all over the film”: The Pacers dropped Game 5 in New York

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The Pacers were outhustled and outmuscled, plus Jalen Brunson turned into Rambo in Game 5, shifting the series back to Indiana. He scored 32 digits on 66.7% shooting, which included a 16-point blaze in the third quarter on blow-bys and jumpers.

 

Coach Rick Carlisle said his team didn’t play with the force needed, and they couldn’t generate enough traction to get out of the hole. One of the early warnings that the Pacers weren’t sharp was Andrew Nembhard aborting a layup for a pass to the corner that missed. 

 

The Pacers never led, were shut down at the rim, and were beat in two key areas: paint points 60-34 and second-chance points 13-7. Brunson and Mikal Bridges also made six shots at mid-range. 

 

Tyrese Haliburton was pressured and unable to hit shots on the move. Pascal Siakam was outplayed by Karl-Anthony Towns, who bulldozed into the lane for nine baskets. New York also won the 50-50 balls and, at one point, was in such control that they played Landry Shamet and Precious Achiuwa, their 10th and 11th men in playoff minutes.

 

The Pacers emerged from halftime down 11 and didn’t help themselves by recording more turnovers (8) than field goals (7) in the third quarter, four coming from poor passes. On top of that, the Knicks extended their edge to 22 as Deuce McBride nailed a step-back jumper over Bennedict Mathurin on the baseline at the end of the period.

 

A 12-point deficit was the closest the Pacers could get in the fourth quarter, but Josh Hart drove left on Andrew Nembhard for a two-footer and cut up the baseline for a layup, freezing Indiana’s progress. 

 

It didn’t matter that the Knicks weren’t a factor from a long-range because their inside action was like repetitive shots to the spleen, kidneys, and liver, which eventually caved the Pacers in. On the other side, the visitors were impeded in the half-court to 89.3 points per 100 plays, good enough for the 31st percentile, per Cleaning the Glass. 

 

Siakam was off target on drives and jumpers, but he was the only visiting starter to break double-figures (15) and no other logged above eight points. Their five-man unit only splashed three trifectas, too. 

 

The Pacers lost 111-94. They had their most turnovers of the playoffs (20) and made only a third of 3-point attempts.

 

After the game, Siakam said, “We fought tonight, and they were the better team…”

 

Haliburton said, “We gotta be better as a group. I think our pace has to be better, and that starts with me.”

 

Game 6 is on Saturday.

 

 

 

Still One of Them Ones? Tyreek Hill’s Quest to Reclaim His Role

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Tyreek Hill: Always the Center of Attention

Tyreek Hill is generally the center of attention wherever he is, whether on or off the field. His time as a Dolphin has highlighted this to the extreme — from being arrested pregame, to forming a dynamic force with Jaylen Waddle, to quitting on his team, to dealing with allegations, to defending Tua (among other social media stories), to costly drops, and to whatever else has made headlines. But through it all, one thing remains true: Tyreek Hill is still one of the most dangerous weapons in the NFL.

A Rough Ending and a Noisy Offseason

Last season, Hill said he would be open to leaving Miami and also decided to remove himself from the Dolphins’ Week 18 loss to the Jets left a bitter taste for many fans.

“Emotions were high, but at the end of the day, I’m just looking to move forward from that,” Hill said. “I’m hoping that I can prove to my teammates that I’m still one of them ones. Still chasing [2,000 yards], still chasing playoff dreams.”

His words, while measured, echo the reality that many in the locker room once viewed him as a leader — and that trust doesn’t rebuild itself. So far, he has done a good job, but this must continue even when times get challenging, both on and off the field.

Changing the Narrative

The 2024 offseason hasn’t helped. From Hill’s missteps to Jalen Ramsey’s off-field distractions, fans have grown weary. Some even want Hill traded. But to the surprise of many, Hill has taken a different tone.

“I gotta prove myself,” Hill admitted during OTAs. “This OTAs, training camp, I gotta prove myself. I gotta show up different. The mindset’s gotta be different. I don’t feel like I deserve [to be captain], and if I didn’t get it, I wouldn’t dwell on it, I wouldn’t sweat it, because I put myself in that position.”

Hill has taken the high road and acknowledging his missteps are essential to recementing himself as a leader on this team. His self-awareness and accountability are great signs, but once again they must continue.

A Slimmer, Sharper Tyreek

This version of Hill feels different — thinner, more self-aware, and seemingly humbled.

“I’m down from 197 pounds when I got here to 183. It’s something I wanted to do,” Hill explained. “Having that endurance is important. I’m committed to eating right and training hard… Obviously I can run with anyone, but I wanted to lose weight so I wouldn’t get tired on third downs.”

Last season Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle for that matter saw themselves off the field on a lot of crucial downs. Part of this was due to the route concepts they were running and the lack of depth from the Dolphins receiver core. Hill and Waddle both gathered a lot of attention, and no one really stepped up for Miami to help support their dynamic duo. If Hill can commit to being an every down receiver even at his older age, this will just be another sign of him maturing and regaining trust of an entire city.

McDaniel’s Support

Head coach Mike McDaniel took notice of Hill’s commitment.

“Tyreek has done a great job of being proactive with when he got the surgery done and then making sure that he is able to do as much as he can with the team,” McDaniel said. “Whether he’s able to run routes and not block, quarterbacks have gotten used to him getting routes run… he’s been participating above and beyond. From whatever he can do, he has been doing.”

Mike McDaniel himself has to earn the respect of an entire locker room. Rumors of players being late to meetings and other internal issues have led some to question his leadership. So, for him to publicly acknowledge Tyreek Hill’s positive demeanor so far is a good sign. McDaniel must continue to evolve as a coach in this league and having veteran players support him and embody his standards is essential—especially as a younger coach.

Production Never in Doubt

Statistically, Hill remains elite. In 2023, he hauled in 119 receptions for 1,799 yards and 13 touchdowns, earning another Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection. Even a “down” 2024 by his standards — 81 catches for 959 yards — still made him one of Miami’s most productive players. Hill will still be an essential factor in the success of Miami’s offense in 2025, but he has a long road to climb in regaining the trust of his peers.

More Than Stats: A Redemption Arc

But numbers don’t tell the whole story anymore. Hill has turned to therapy, church, and a more reflective outlook.

“I want to be part of something special. I want to win,” he said. “Every day I’m trying to prove myself as one of those guys that this team can depend on in crucial moments.”

It’s clear: Tyreek Hill is fighting for redemption in Miami — not just in stats, but in stature.

Waddle’s Moment — and Hill’s Responsibility

For me, this season is an important turning point — not just for Tyreek Hill, but for Jaylen Waddle. It’s time for Waddle to emerge as the true No. 1 receiver. This isn’t a knock on Tyreek. In fact, a fully engaged Tyreek Hill alongside a fully developed Jaylen Waddle could propel the Dolphins’ offense back to the top of the league.

But for Hill, this recent positive trend — the slimmer physique, the humbled tone, the accountability — must continue. It’s the only way he can truly regain the trust of his teammates and, just as importantly, the fans who once had his back.

‘This Is as Good as It Gets’: Panthers Prepared To Play Their Game in Potential ECF Finale

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RALEIGH, N.C. — The Panthers are well aware they strayed away from their brand of hockey in Game 4.

 

On Monday in Sunrise, the Carolina Hurricanes came out with their best performance of the series to finally get a win on the board against Florida.

 

After failing to sweep the Hurricanes on home ice, the Panthers look to get back to their game and play spoiler to claim their third straight Prince of Wales Trophy on Wednesday night in Raleigh.

 

“We always have a ton of belief,” Matthew Tkachuk said ahead of Game 5. “It’s our preparation that allows us to have that belief, but we got to go out there and execute it tonight. We got to get back to our game. We have to be physical, we have to be fast. We can’t be looking to break anything open. We’ll earn our opportunities when they’re there, but just be hard.”

 

He added: “We always prepare for that seventh game, we’ve said it for years. So tonight’s no different but there’s a little extra energy in here tonight — coming on the road with a chance to win a conference championship. This is as good as it gets, so we’re really excited.”

 

The Panthers are no strangers to closing teams out away from home. This postseason alone they sent the Lightning (Game 5) and Leafs (Game 7) into an early vacation as the road team.

 

Florida will try to be the villains again — if they haven’t already established themselves as that around the league — on Wednesday night in North Carolina. Up 3-1 in the series and a chance to make a third consecutive appearance in the Stanley Cup Final, the Panthers aren’t going to let their mindset waver despite the circumstance.

 

“Well, fighting to not have your mentality shift is the key piece,” Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said when asked if there’s a mentality shift when holding a 3-1 lead. “So to cement an idea, make it part of your identity, you have to have success and your failures in that. In each of the three series prior we [had] blocks of games that we really liked where we’re at, and then you have a setback, because the other team gets paid too. And then the further out you go, you know they’re pretty good teams. So a loss isn’t a failure.”

 

“If you lose a game there’s a reason for it, and being able to identify the reason — hopefully it’s not something that you haven’t seen before… The mentality of a seven game series, it relates to our style of play. It really relates to handling every day.”

 

A win would make Florida just the ninth franchise in NHL history to reach the Stanley Cup Final in three or more consecutive seasons.

 

The lessons learned from their lackluster performance in Game 4 has the team ready to return to Panthers hockey in Wednesday’s potential Conference Finals clincher.

 

“I think it’s just getting back to our game,” Jonah Gadjovich said about what the team needs to do in Game 5. “You know, having fun with it, enjoying coming to the rink and just enjoying this opportunity that we have in front of us.”

Mateo’s Hoop Diary: Haliburton’s historic night leads the Pacers to a 3-1 lead over the Knicks

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Tyrese Haliburton’s signature performance- 32 points, 15 assists, 12 rebounds and zero giveaways- propelled the Pacers to a 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals. He became the first player since turnovers were recorded (1977-78) to put up such a mammoth stat line. The Knicks will try holding them off in Game 5, but they come with bad intentions and the psychological edge that they can’t be stopped at Madison Square Garden.

 

New York matched Indiana’s three-point shooting but couldn’t hang when the afterburners were activated. The hosts were also surgical in the half court, scoring 112.6 points per 100 plays, good enough for the 87th percentile per Cleaning the Glass.

 

Coach Rick Carlisle said his crew had a difficult film review on Monday, but the painful honesty recalibrated their focus.

 

Haliburton was one rebound shy of a triple-double when the hosts led 69-64 at halftime. His fingertips were smoking like the end of a discharged barrel after breaking  coverages in the fast lane and raining four trifectas.

 

Additionally, Aaron Nesmith was barely affected by his right ankle sprain as he got over screens and buried a dozen points before intermission. Carlisle said, “I was really concerned after Game 3 what today was going to feel like for him. He got a lot of treatment yesterday… He was determined to be in this game.”

 

The Knicks had kept it close because they went on a 16-8 run when Haliburton rested at the beginning of the second quarter, and OG Anunoby, Jalen Brunson plus Karl-Anthony Towns countered with baskets from short, middle and long range.

 

Then Haliburton had four assists to four teammates, and targeted Brunson plus Towns for a blow-by and shot against drop coverage in the third. The Pacers eventually took a 13-point lead in the fourth quarter, but had it reduced to six with over four minutes left as they sloppily committed three turnovers, put the Knicks on the line for 10 attempts (seven made) and were burned by two closely covered 3-pointers.

 

Nonetheless, Andrew Nembhard, who was gun shy in Game 3, was colder than a corpse, but doghouse escapee Bennedict Mathurin tallied 20 bench points, including seven in the fourth quarter. In crunch time, Haliburton burst into the lane for a layup through the middle and set up former Knick Obi Toppin with an inbound pass that was the bayonet through New York’s heart.

 

The Pacers won 130-121. They also had 20 points off turnovers, 16 via second chances and 22 on the break. Haliburton said he let the team down in Game 3 but was pleased with his effort on Tuesday. He also said, “This is a big win for us because if we go back down there [tied at] 2-2, that’s probably a little different momentum-wise.”

 

Game 5 is on Thursday.

 

Five Players to Watch as Dolphins’ Camp Ramps Up

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Five Players to Watch as Dolphins’ Camp Ramps Up

As the Miami Dolphins kick off OTAs, they’ve already made a notable roster move—placing cornerback Jason Maitre on season-ending injured reserve and signing Ryan Cooper Jr. in his place. Maitre was a name to watch this offseason after flashing potential last preseason as a nickel corner. With depth concerns in the secondary, two players to watch this camp come directly from this position group.

This season is pivotal for the Dolphins, a true litmus test for the team’s leadership at head coach, general manager, quarterback, and on both lines of scrimmage. A return to the playoffs hinges in large part on the development of the following five players:

1. Storm Duck – CB

Signed as an undrafted free agent last year, Duck made three starts and impressed during preseason with his instincts and tackling. Now entering his second year, he’ll have the benefit of going up against elite receivers like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle every day in camp—a major opportunity for growth. With Jaylen Ramsey’s potential departure looming, Duck’s emergence could be crucial to stabilizing Miami’s secondary.

2. Cam Smith – CB

The former second-round pick is entering his third NFL season without recording a single interception. General Manager Chris Grier recently emphasized the need for Smith to step up. The South Carolina product possesses the athleticism, instincts, and versatility to thrive, but has been slowed by injuries and inconsistent play. With holes in the secondary, Smith must take a leap or Miami’s defense risks being exposed through the air.

3. Patrick Paul – LT

Paul is the obvious candidate here, with Terron Armstead’s retirement opening the door for him to take over at left tackle. While physically gifted and a potential long-term starter, Paul has struggled with leverage and hand placement—areas he must clean up to become a consistent pass protector. His progress could determine not only the strength of the offensive line but also the health of Tua Tagovailoa.

4. Jaelan Phillips – OLB

Phillips made an immediate impact on Day 1 of OTAs, earning the orange jersey—an early sign he’s back in form. However, the bigger question is durability. Coming off both an Achilles and an ACL tear, his explosiveness and staying power remain to be seen. If healthy, Phillips, alongside Bradley Chubb and Chop Robinson, could anchor one of the league’s most feared pass rushes.

5. Jonah Savaiinaea – G

A rookie second-round pick from Arizona, Savaiinaea is projected to start right away. His development is vital for two reasons: bolstering the Dolphins’ underwhelming run game and protecting Tua. In camp, he’ll be tested daily by one of the best front sevens in football. Under the guidance of offensive line coach Butch Barry, the Dolphins hope Savaiinaea can grow into a foundational interior lineman.

Final Thought:
With high expectations and key transitions on both sides of the ball, Miami’s success in 2025 will be tied directly to the development of its young core. These five players represent the difference between another playoff run—or another missed opportunity.

 

This is not a drill: Inter Miami are officially in crisis mode.

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Since welcoming the arrivals of manager Tata Martino and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi in the summer of 2023, Inter Miami have grown accustomed to blowing the competition out of the water. They won the first-ever Leagues Cup in 2023 and reached the U.S. Open Cup Final that same year, whilst 2024 would see them finish with the most regular season points in the history of Major League Soccer, only to lose to Atlanta United in the first round of the playoffs.

 

Despite losing midfield warrior Diego Gomez to Brighton in the offseason, many pundits like Derek Rae and Taylor Twellman considered Miami the team to beat going into the 2025 MLS season. However, there was nevertheless a healthy dose of skepticism for their coaching choice: Javier Mascherano.

 

After a glorious 17-year playing career that saw him win the Champions League with Barcelona and reach the World Cup Final with Argentina, Mascherano hung up his boots in 2020 and moved into coaching. He struggled to convince in his first position as manager of Argentina’s U20 side, with the Albiceleste failing to qualify for the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup only to be given a reprieve after previously selected hosts Indonesia were kicked out after refusing to host Israel. They were given hosting privileges but nevertheless lost 2-0 to Nigeria in the Round of 16, whilst the following year would see Argentina lose to hosts France in the quarterfinals of the Summer Olympics.

 

It was far from the most auspicious start to his coaching career, but it didn’t stop Inter Miami from giving him the first-team manager role on November 26, 2024. On the face of it, it seemed to be rooted in favoritism, solely to appease Messi, who played with Mascherano at Barcelona and Miami, as well as Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez, who also suited up alongside him in a Blaugrana kit. Nevertheless, Miami kicked off the Mascherano era on a strong note, escaping their league opener vs. New York City FC with a 2-2 draw despite playing down a man for 90 minutes, brushing past Sporting Kansas City and Jamaican side Cavalier in the first rounds of the Concacaf Champions Cup, and beating Houston Dynamo, Charlotte FC, Atlanta United and Philadelphia Union. Miami would suffer their first defeat of 2025 on April 2, with Nathan Ordaz’s goal giving Los Angeles FC a 1-0 win, but they would erase the first-leg deficit and win 3-1 at home to advance to the next round of the Concacaf Champions Cup.

 

However, the cracks started to appear for the Herons, who drew to Toronto FC and Chicago Fire before eking out a 1-0 win at Columbus Crew. The final week of April brought a dismal run of affairs for Miami, who relinquished a 3-1 lead and lost 4-3 at home vs. FC Dallas in league play, and who were eviscerated 5-1 in the Concacaf Champions Cup over two legs. They bounced back by thrashing New York Red Bulls 4-1 at home – the very next game, Minnesota United gave them a taste of their own medicine by winning 4-1 at home. Despite taking the lead within a minute at San Jose, they coughed up the equalizer immediately and succumbed to a 3-3 draw, before being caught on the receiving end of a 3-0 defeat to Florida rivals Orlando City. Miami’s defensive woes continued on Saturday, going into halftime down 2-0 at Philadelphia Union, only for Tadeo Allende to pull one back at the hour-mark. Tai Baribo restored the hosts’ advantage, but Messi would cut the deficit to one in the 87th minute, whilst Telasco Segovia snatched a point at the death for the visitors.

 

The reigning MLS Supporters’ Shield champions currently sit sixth in the Eastern Conference, and unless they can find some form in their next two matches vs. Montreal and Columbus Crew, they could end the month outside of the playoff positions. For all their attacking firepower, it is evident that Miami are severely lacking in the defensive department – they don’t have a single elite defender in their squad like Nashville’s Walker Zimmerman or Vancouver’s Tristan Blackmon or D.C.’s Lucas Bartlett. Whilst Miami have been linked with a move to Luka Modric, who is out of contract after departing Real Madrid, they might be better served going for a fullback or center back. As one of the 32 teams that will be participating in the FIFA Club World Cup, Miami will be able to sign up to six new players exclusively for the tournament between June 1 and June 10, although they’ll need to also remain wary of the current MLS salary cap rules and regulations as well. Above all, they’ll need to focus on which holes are most noticeable in their squad – not which available players have the highest profile.

 

“You could see it in that game versus Vancouver, there are definite holes in this team… if you can frustrate and eliminate Messi and his impact on the game, if you can force the other players to be the difference-makers, that’s where you can win,” stated Herculez Gomez, who won the MLS Cup with Los Angeles Galaxy and Seattle Sounders. “Messi is the greatest of all time, but he’s still human, and he’s going to have moments where he needs help from other players. They don’t have those other playmakers: it’’s Messi and friends. And at the expense of Messi and friends, it’s not a situation like Argentina where 10 guys work for Messi, where they have legs for Messi. You’ve got some big holes here for other guys who need legs like Suarez, Busquets and Alba.”

 

“It’s more than just running for Messi, it’s other needs that must be addressed,” added Gomez. “Unless they address those, I don’t see this team lifting a lot of hardware this season. Why is Mascherano the coach? Because he’s Messi’s friend. There are no fundamental merits about his hiring that make you say, ‘Okay, this is something that could be productive.’ They’ll be a team that entertains and wins some games, because that’s Major League Soccer, but we’ve seen it in the past with the Concacaf Champions Cup two years in a row and in the MLS Cup playoffs vs. Atlanta. If this team doesn’t get its act together in terms of construction, it’s gonna be another long season.”

 

Miami have just two games to get back to top form before hosting Egyptian giants Al Ahly in the first match of the FIFA Club World Cup on June 14. If they fail to turn things around in the upcoming international tournament, Mascherano could be bidding farewell to his Miami job after just a couple of months in South Florida.

Breaking Down the Pod: Miami Heat’s Biggest Issues to Fix

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🧩 Breaking Down the Pod: Episode 6

Welcome back to Breaking Down the Pod, where I take you inside the latest from the Five on the Floor crew—highlighting standout moments, passionate takes, and giving you my own fan-driven perspective.

This time, it’s all about the fixes:

🎧 Episode Review: What Must the Miami Heat Fix Most?
Podcast Hosts: Ethan Skolnick & Geo Valdez
Main Question: What are the top five issues the Miami Heat need to address to improve?
Sponsors: RealEstateShoppeFL.com, PrizePicks.com (code: five)
Special Offers: CigarsInternational.com (code: FIVE20), Mood.com (code: FIRST20)

🔍 Summary:

In this fresh, insightful episode, Ethan Skolnick teams up with first-time guest Coach Geo to dissect the Miami Heat’s biggest flaws—and how to fix them. From on-court execution to organizational identity, nothing is off-limits. KD trade talk? Yep. Bam’s workload? That too.

Before diving into basketball, Ethan kicks things off with a rant about the real number one fix Miami needs: the security lines at the arena. He says he thinks the arena should be moved out a bit so it can be entered on all four sides and laments I-95 construction like a true South Florida vet.

📉 The Five Core Issues:

Late-Game Halfcourt Offense
Coach Geo opens with the most glaring concern: Miami’s late-game execution without Jimmy Butler. He believes the team simply doesn’t have enough offensive talent, and that players like Kevin Durant could dramatically elevate the group. Ethan agrees Phoenix may have to sell low, and I think KD could spark a surprise sweepstakes.

They do not believe the talent is in the building to make this happen, they could add new voices which could help as well.

Inconsistent Defense, Especially POA
Miami’s defensive identity has slipped. Geo emphasizes the need for two-way talent that can guard elite scorers, especially at the point of attack. Ethan adds they need better passing lane disruptors. Right now, too much falls on Bam—unfairly.

Identity Crisis
Miami isn’t sure who they are anymore. The gritty Heat Culture—taking charges, out-hustling opponents—has faded. Geo says the team must choose a direction both stylistically and roster-wise. Ethan echoes that Jimmy no longer had the energy to save them nightly, and Herro/Bam aren’t wired to fill that void.

Riley noted this in his end of season presser. How the Heat weren’t many of the things they are known for.

“Hardest working, best conditioned, most professional, unselfish, toughest, meanest, nastiest team in the NBA.”

Lack of Rim Pressure
No paint touches, no foul shots, no rim threat. Outside of Davion Mitchell, no one helped break down a defense and Miami doesn’t have any creators to create shots and points. Geo and Ethan agree that elite playoff teams pair star power with rim pressure and depth—not just top-heavy rosters.

Lack of “Dawgs”
Geo wants more on-court killers. The Heat miss the toughness of guys like P.J. Tucker, Lowry, and even Strus. Davion’s the only one who plays like every possession matters. Ethan adds they also need better transition offense—the fast break is almost nonexistent.

➕ My Two Adds:

  1. Backup Big Man & Two Way Talent
    Too often when Bam sat, the interior defense fell apart. Whether it’s a vet or another developmental project, Miami needs someone who can protect the rim and soak up key minutes.
  2. Pick a Direction
    The Heat can’t afford to stay in the middle. Whether it’s a full reload or a big trade, they need to make a decision and commit. Half-measures lead nowhere.

🔥 Key Quote:
“KD would be awesome. He makes the game easier for everyone.” — Coach Geo

📊 Stats That Say It All:

  • Miami ranked 21st in offensive rating and 28th in pace.

  • Opponent FG% spiked when Bam sat

💭 Final Thought:
This pod pulls no punches. It’s part therapy session, part blueprint for change. Whether it’s big trades or subtle tweaks, the takeaway is clear: the status quo won’t cut it.

📣 Join the Community:
Off The Floor Discord: Click Here (scroll down)
OnlyFins (Dolphins fans): /discord

🎧 Listen on YouTube
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🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts

 

Mateo’s Hoop Diary: The Pacers folded at home in Game 3 against the Knicks

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The Pacers played scared late in Game 3, opening the door for a Knicks comeback fueled by Karl-Anthony Towns’ fourth-quarter explosion after he stunk it up through three periods. The Knicks are now the first team in the play-by-play era (1997 onward) to have three 20-point comebacks in a playoff run, per NBA communications.

 

The mood at Gainbridge Fieldhouse darkened like that of divers surrounded by homicidal sharks. Monday’s film session should be illuminating and as haunting as a recurring nightmare when reviewing all the shots passed up. After the game, coach Rick Carlisle also recognized missed makeable looks as a correctable issue.

 

With the Knicks’ season on life support, Towns missed close-range layups, took low-percentage deep shots that funneled transition scores for Indiana, held the arm of a smaller player on a mismatch, picking up this third first-half foul, and had four turnovers. Coach Tom Thibodeau even played Landry Shamet, which is the equivalent of jamming all the buttons on a PlayStation controller when running out of options against a superior player. 

 

The Pacers led by 20 in the first half and entered the fourth quarter up 80-70 without Aaron Nesmith, who sprained his right ankle in the third quarter. Carlisle made the mistake of resting Tyrese Haliburton for the first two minutes. Then Towns had one of the finest moments of his career as he turned into a superhero for New York. He pierced the lane for three up-close baskets, made five freebies, and nailed three 3-pointers. 

 

The Pacers even got a stimulus from the refs in between Towns’ outbreak when Jalen Brunson got run over, picking up his fifth foul with seven minutes left. Nesmith also checked back in after New York’s failed challenge, but the Pacers couldn’t cash in because they were gun shy, and the juice in their offense was gone: Pascal Siakam attempted a failed long two-pointer over Miles McBride when he could have blown by him on the baseline; Andrew Nemhard passed out of shot he had when driving through the middle; Myles Turner plus Nesmith missed all seven of their attempts.

 

Haliburton said the attack was stagnant, they fouled too much on defense and that the team needed to do better at showing help in the gaps against Towns.

 

Additionally, Towns didn’t pick up his fifth foul until there were fewer than three minutes left, but the Pacers didn’t attack him more before or after.  

 

The Pacers lost 106-100. Their half-court offense logged a rotten 84.4 points per 100 possessions, good enough for the 18th percentile, per Cleaning the Glass. They missed all five fourth-quarter paint shots as well.

 

The Knicks’ win is the first thing that went right for the team since consecutive losses after some of their supporters threw trash at a Pacers fan on the street. 

 

Carlisle said the team wouldn’t know about Nesmith’s status until Monday. 

 

Game 4 is on Tuesday.



Breaking Down the Pod: Most heartbreaking losses in Miami Heat History

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🧩 Breaking Down the Pod: Episode 5
Welcome back to Breaking Down the Pod, where I unpack episodes from the Five on the Floor crew, spotlight the most passionate takes, and share what these conversations mean to me as a fan.

We’re going deep into the emotional archives this time:

🎧 Episode Review: Most Heartbreaking Losses in Miami Heat History
Podcast Hosts: Ethan Skolnick & Greg Sylvander
Main Theme: What are the most gut-wrenching defeats in Miami Heat history?
Sponsors: CousinsUSA.com/5RSN, PrizePicks.com (use code: five)
Special Offers: CigarsInternational.com (code: FIVE20), Mood.com (code: FIRST20)

💔 The Heat’s History of Heartbreaks

In this emotional rollercoaster of an episode, Ethan and Greg walk through the losses that still sting, not just from the organization’s perspective—but also from the fans’. From the heartbreak of the Alonzo Mourning era to the blown opportunity in 2005, and all the way through the Jimmy Butler years, they take you through a timeline of pain, perspective, and passion.

They revisit Game 7 in 2005 vs the Pistons, when Dwyane Wade was injured and Shaq still couldn’t carry the team to the Finals. They touch on the infamous Knicks heartbreaks, the Allen Houston shot, the Mashburn pass that never happened, and more. Then they go into the 2011 Finals loss to Dallas, breaking down how the series flipped after the Game 2 collapse—where the Heat blew a 15-point lead as Dwyane Wade celebrated in front of the Mavs’ bench. LeBron’s shrinkage in that series still haunts fans.

They also hit the “what ifs” around Chris Bosh’s blood clots and how that derailed Miami’s chances to beat Toronto and potentially Cleveland in 2016. And of course, they revisit the Derrick White buzzer-beater in Game 6 of the 2023 ECF—a dagger that almost erased a 3–0 lead. Every era has a wound.

🔥 My Take as a 19-Year-Old Fan

While many of the losses they mention happened before I became a fan, I connected with this episode more personally than any other. My earliest Heat memory? Sitting on the couch with my dad and brothers when Mike Breen shouted:
“Rebound Bosh, back out to Allen, his three-pointer—BANG!”
That moment didn’t just make me a fan—it made me part of the culture.

That’s why my heartbreaks look a little different. Game 6 against the Lakers in the 2020 Finals stands out for me. Jimmy Butler put the entire team on his back, leading a depleted roster through an unforgettable run. That series was full of heart, grit, and raw will—but the loss still hurt deeply.

For me, nothing hits like Game 7 of the 2022 ECF vs the Celtics. Butler drops 47 in Game 6 to force a seventh game, and then—down by 2—he pulls up for the kill shot. It felt right. But it rimmed out. That was the moment that stung the most. The Heat were a 1-seed. Bam was locked in. That team could have beaten the Warriors.

The thing about sports is hindsight is always 20/20. It’s easy to say, “We could’ve beaten Golden State,” or “What if Bosh never got sick?” or “What if LeBron stayed?” Every sports fan plays that game. It’s what keeps conversations alive long after the final buzzer.

We can debate every what-if forever. The takes are limitless. The arguments, endless. The passion? Undeniable.

But the beauty of being a Miami Heat fan is that we’ve had those moments. No matter your age, you’ve seen something other fanbases dream of. And still—we want more. It’s natural. Because in Miami, championships are the standard. That’s what makes the heartbreaks matter. That’s what makes the podcast episodes like this one hit harder.

Whether you lived through Game 7 in 2005, Game 2 in 2011, or Game 7 in 2022—this episode will speak to your soul.

Highly recommended listen.

🎙️ Why You Should Listen
This episode is storytelling at its best. Ethan and Greg blend analysis with lived experience, walking us through not just what happened, but how it felt. Whether you’re a fan from the ‘90s or someone like me who grew up on Big 3 replays and Bubble magic—this episode hits home.

🗣️ Join the conversation and relive the moments that made us, broke us, and still drive us.

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