As a Group of 5 program with minimal success in the face of the No. 2 team in the nation, if victory is unattainable, the next best thing is to win respect.
Tulane fell to No. 2 Oklahoma 40-35 but has come away as a team worth respecting this season. The Green Wave entered the season aiming for a fourth straight bowl appearance but their performance on the road has broaden aspirations.
One of the main reasons why is the emergence of Boca Raton native Michael Pratt. Prior to joining the Green Wave, Pratt led Deerfield Beach High School to the Florida Class 8A Semifinals as a senior in 2019.
The freshman quarterback made his debut last season in a year that doesn’t count towards eligibility due to the coronavirus pandemic. After taking the reins in Week 3, he finished the year with 1,806 yards passing and 20 touchdowns, the most among any true freshman quarterback in the nation. He also scored eight touchdowns on the ground.
With Pratt under center, Tulane went from 2-4 to 6-4 going to its third straight bowl game. The Green Wave offense scored at least 21 points or more each game throughout the season.
Pratt was practically the entire offense against the Sooners last week, throwing for 296 yards and three touchdowns while leading the Green Wave in rushing with 34 yards and a touchdown. An argument could be made that he out-dueled Heisman Trophy frontrunner Spencer Rattler, who throw form 304 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
The Sooners led 37-14 at halftime and normally a score like that in Week 1 would mean it’s time to hit the clicker and find a more compelling game. Tulane outscored Oklahoma 21-3 in the second half to nearly pull off the comeback.
For not winning by a higher margin, Oklahoma dropped from No. 2 to No. 4 in the rankings this week.
“That was one of the hardest hitting teams, one of the most physical teams I’ve played,” Rattler said after the game. “They came out there, and they played great, better than us, for sure. They wanted to win more than us. You could tell it.”
Tulane has gone from one crazy season to the next. After a year that kept fans away from the stadium, Tula has yet to play in their home turf due to Hurricane Ida. The opener against Oklahoma was supposed to be in New Orleans and this week’s game against Morgan State has been moved to Birmingham, Ala.
“It’s an unusual story what we’re doing right now,” Tulane head coach Willie Fritz said during his weekly press conference on Tuesday. “We’re in a hotel and I don’t know how long were going to be here. We’re well taken care of, and I think I’ve mentioned it the other day in our team meeting, I told the guys that I haven’t been in a hotel this nice until I was over 40 years old, I mean this is a nice place here this Sheraton. We’re getting feed well and everything else, but we are a bit disconnected from what normal is right now. We just want to get better and its easy for me to do that, but I must convince a bunch of 18–22-year old’s that every day we got to get out there and focus, concentrate, and get better.”
Assuming the Green Wave dispatches their FCS opponent on Saturday, the next true test will come at Oxford against No. 20 Ole Miss. Even if that game also results in a close loss, Tulane could go into the American Athletic Conference slate with every game seen as a winnable one.
No. 7 Cincinnati is seen as the favorite to run the table and win the conference title again but it might have competition this time around.
https://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/Pratt.jpg11242000Tony Capobiancohttps://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/FiveReasonsWebsiteLogo.svgTony Capobianco2021-09-08 03:58:002021-09-08 03:58:00Led by Boca native Michael Pratt, nomadic Tulane a potential AAC contender
The western conference is open for the contenders, mid-level teams and those who narrowly missed the Playoffs in 2021. This comes amid uncertainty facing the Los Angeles Clippers and the Golden State Warriors heading into next season. Kawhi Leonard of the Clippers is out for the foreseeable future, recovering from an ACL tear, and Klay Thompson of the Warriors hasn’t played in a meaningful game in two seasons.
Healthy, both of these gentlemen are the real deal. However, due to the nature of their injuries, it’s challenging to imagine Leonard at 100% this season if he decides to return, or Thompson still among the NBA’s top defenders after missing so much time.
A team that must emerge from the shadows to capitalize on a potential weaker pool is the New Orleans Pelicans. Executive Vice President David Griffin might age in dog years this season if his squad underperforms and misses the playoffs for the third consecutive time in his tenure. From 2019/2020 until now, the Pelicans have had a realistic chance, considering the talent available, of making the postseason.
It’s worth remembering the Pelicans had the best odds among the Grizzlies, Kings and Trail Blazers of winning the eighth spot before the seeding games in the bubble, per FiveThirtyEight.com. Additionally, Griffin bungled the hiring of the previous head coach in choosing Stan Van Gundy, who undermined the team’s best playmaker, Lonzo Ball, relegating the Chino Hills star into a 3-and-D role.
On top of that, at Williamson’s final press conference of the season, a reporter asked the first-year All-Star if he concurred with Griffin’s assessment the team needed to revamp basketball IQ, toughness and shooting. Williamson didn’t think those were the only frailties the Pelicans needed to improve. “I don’t think those are the only three things. I think there’s definitely some other aspects as a team, with the coaches ….”
This summer, Griffin’s performance in free agency has been underwhelming, and the only significant move he’s made apart from hiring a new coach is trading Steven Adams to Memphis for Jonas Valančiūnas. The swap is an upgrade at center, but the team will be very dependent on Brandon Ingram’s marksmanship to avoid clogging the spacing of the frontcourt.
Griffin didn’t do his rookie head coach Willie Green any favors either when he came up empty-handed in the pursuit of Kyle Lowry. In his fruitless effort to sign Toronto’s beloved Raptor, Ball ditched town for Chicago, and in return the Pelicans received Tomas Satoransky, Garrett Temple, a 2024 second-round pick plus cash considerations, per the Associated Press.
Ball should have been valued. His loss hurts the Pelicans in two of Griffin’s preferred three categories: Basketball IQ and shooting. Nonetheless, Williamson told reporters at the same press conference he would like to see Zo come back. If Griffin’s performance were ranked on a scale, the letter grade he would receive is an L.
The 2021/2022 campaign has colossal ramifications for the Pelicans. At the end of the season, Williamson is eligible for his rookie contract extension, but is it a guarantee that he signs it, or at least immediately? In June, the Athletic reported members of Williamson’s family would like to see him play elsewhere. The Pelicans won’t have the negotiating advantage if they miss the playoffs again this year because it would mean zero trips in three tries during Williamson’s time in the Big Easy.
Pink Floyd once sang, “Every year is getting shorter, never seem to find the time….” For the sake of the Pelicans fans, I hope they make the postseason climb.
https://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/image0-29.jpeg446750Mateo Mayorgahttps://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/FiveReasonsWebsiteLogo.svgMateo Mayorga2021-09-07 10:35:482021-09-07 10:42:53David Griffin’s Seat is Melting in New Orleans
The once proud Miami Hurricanes were going to take on Goliath, a college football dynasty, at its peak.
We were under no illusion of victory. That was a bridge too far.
But we certainly were reasonable in assuming Miami would try and get some punches in. When I go to a Fast and Furious movie, I don’t expect to see some sort of life changing move a la Schindler’s List. But I do expect Vin Diesel and cars.
I didn’t get that on Saturday. I got Gigli.
The biggest crime the Hurricanes committed on Saturday wasn’t that they were outclassed, although they were.
The biggest crime the Hurricanes committed on Saturday wasn’t that they missed tackles, although they did.
The biggest crime the Hurricanes committed on Saturday wasn’t that they were physically dominated, although they were.
No, to a certain extent, sans the missed tackles, a lot of that was expected.
The Hurricanes crime on Saturday was they were boring. Everyone knew it would take something extraordinary, other-worldly for Miami to win that game. So, you expected them to throw the kitchen sink at Alabama.
Instead, we got run plays on 3rd and 7, we saw no trick plays, we saw very vanilla offense and defense. Miami didn’t just get destroyed by Alabama, they set up to get destroyed, accepted their fate. They capitulated. I wanted them to empty the clip, and instead they waved the white flag.
I wanted Tony Montana telling Alabama to say hello to our little friend, and instead I got the lawyer from Jurassic Park abandoning children in an unsuccessful attempt to save himself. The lasting memories of this game for Canes fans will not be the displays of brilliance from Alabama, but the shameful cowardice of the Hurricanes’ approach.
The Shame of It
The saddest part of the game was actually the 2nd half, when the Canes opened up offensively and defensively. Granted, the game was over. Granted Alabama had taken their foot off the gas. But they were plays to be made, and Miami made some of them. They drove multiple times, they scored, they played some defense.
Some dubious officiating is likely what prevented the Hurricanes from playing an even second half (or maybe even winning it) on the scoreboard.
Of course, context matters. Had the game been moderately competitive, you knew Alabama would always be able to crank it into high gear and pull away. So certainly that the Hurricanes play making started after the game was essentially over was far from a coincidence.
But there were 2 parts that went into that, and only one is that Alabama naturally let up. The other part? Miami didn’t actually try to threaten Alabama until the game was over.
As the game unfolded, you saw our players put in a position to fail, and compete their butts off. Rallying to tackles, almost oblivious to the score. Late in the game. The effort was there, the pride was there.
What was lacking was basically everything the coaches are responsible. When the Canes weren’t missing tackles and blocks, their defensive leader was getting ejected for a brain-dead, completely unnecessary targeting penalty that was so difficult to actually accomplish it looked like he was trying to get ejected. You can’t blame the player, though. Because it’s never one player, and it’s never the same one. It’s always multiple players exhibiting committing similar mistakes. When it is a one off, that could be a player. When it is systemic, that’s the coaches.
The players wanted to rise to the moment, but the coaches did not give them the ability to even attempt to do that.
Never Again
This has been a rolling pattern for Manny Diaz’s Canes…poor preparation when there was additional time to prepare, big game yips, blown out at the critical moment.
Some of that is the opponent, but most of it rests squarely on the coaches’ shoulders. Whatever they’re doing is not working.
This can’t happen again. Manny Diaz’s administration is teetering. You’d have to bury your head in the sand to not have doubts. But he has 11 games to right the ship. The task in front of him is arduous. He needs to win enough to arrive at the big stage (the ACC Championship game, likely against Clemson), then deliver on that stage. Not necessarily win, but at least show the team has a clue, that they are capable of competing against college football’s elites.
Miami’s test on Saturday was not to beat Bama, but to prove they belonged. They didn’t do that. To say, “well Bama does this to everyone” is to jettison Miami to the scrap heap of college football, defining them as an also ran. If that is the desire of this school, this fan base, then so be it and we’ll stop pretending we’re trying to “Build Champions.”
But if not, then the next time Miami enters this stage, they must show they at least belong on the field. Otherwise, administration-level changes need to be made. The sands in the hour-glass are truly accelerating, time is short. The sun is setting on the historic remains of a once proud program.
For Miami to pass the test in their next go ’round, they actually have to show up to take it. Against Alabama, the coaches decided they weren’t good enough to do that.
The best way to guarantee a loss is to quit. –Morgan Freeman
The players certainly didn’t quit on Saturday, but the coaches appeared to do so before the game even started, never preparing to win. You only get so many chances, and Miami can’t afford to waste any more.
Vishnu Parasuraman is a contributor for @FiveReasonsSports and generally covers the Miami Hurricanes. You can follow him on twitter @vrp2003
https://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/fl-sp-university-of-miami-UNC12q--scaled.jpg17742560Vishnu Parasuramanhttps://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/FiveReasonsWebsiteLogo.svgVishnu Parasuraman2021-09-07 08:00:492021-09-06 20:37:20Hurricanes Flub Their Lines in Opener
The standard set two decades ago by the Miami Hurricanes football team is unrealistic today.
Fans who are old enough to remember the last great era of Hurricanes football have been waiting.
And waiting.
Year after year, preseason expectations soar.
While season after season, the final results crash and burn.
DIAZ: 'College football is famous for overreactions after Week 1, but that’s not what this team is about. You don’t get your story written after one game.'
Miami Hurricanes blown away by Bama in season opener. Remainder of season looms large https://t.co/sSZAgARN4T
Richt’s record at Georgia from 2001 through 2015 was a stellar 145-51, and he led the charge for the new indoor practice facility at Miami.
Shannon would eventually lose control of the program, while Golden’s tenure took it completely off the rails.
Both saw scandal and poor on-field play undermine almost any positives.
Richt brought stability, pedigree, and a foundation of structure from a career competing against the top coaches in the SEC.
Enter Diaz, who like the names before him can recruit at a high level.
His record sits at 14-10, a similar trend to Shannon and Golden.
How soon is too soon to overreact?
Student of the Game Film Review Series: Miami Hurricanes vs. The Alabama Crimson Tide. The exploratory surgery is complete. Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide are better than you. https://t.co/dapJFxHTcJpic.twitter.com/VkJte3GpYV
https://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/UMVSUAB091020-DIAZ2-ADD.jpg12672000David Eversolehttps://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/FiveReasonsWebsiteLogo.svgDavid Eversole2021-09-06 13:39:282021-09-06 16:33:54Accept This as the new Standard for the Miami Hurricanes
As the Miami Dolphins prepare to begin the regular season, hopes are undeniably high among the fan base.
So with this in mind, here are the three keys to offensive success this season.
Possession and Scoring
In 2020, Miami was one of the NFL’s fastest-starting teams. In the first quarter of games, the Dolphins outscored opponents 103-55. The +48 point differential in the opening frame was the second best in the NFL.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Dolphins were third in the NFL in first-quarter scoring, averaging 6.4 points.
The 2020 Dolphins offense was one of Miami’s most productive offenses in recent years, despite having several rookie starters. The unit averaged 339.0 yards per game, the highest since 2014.
In 2020 the Dolphins offense averaged 339.0 yards per game, which was the team’s most since 2014.
The expectation for 2021 should be near and hopefully above 2020's production level.
Miami gained 345 first downs, which was tied for the second-most the team’s had since at least 1991 and was the most since the 2014 season. The Dolphins also recorded their best time of possession (31:16 average) since 1999.
I know there are those that hated MIA's 2020 offense.
The unit averaged 339.0 yards per game, which was the team’s most since 2014. Miami also totaled 345 first downs, which was tied for the 2nd-most MIA has had since at least 1991 & was the most since the 2014 season
If the Dolphins can continuously get out to fast starts with a brand new offense that looks to score early and often this season it will stress opposing teams to score and make mistakes. Sort of like the Kansas City Chiefs.
Mike Gesicki and the TE Unit
The tight end unit was the most productive group in Dolphins history. TE Mike Gesicki led the TE room with 53 receptions for 703 yards, and six touchdowns. His 703 receiving yards were the fourth best among all tight ends in 2020 and trails only Randy McMichael in Dolphins History.
.@mikegesicki makes the most difficult catches look easy. 😮
The Tua to Gesicki connection will be one of the most important things to watch out for this season. An offseason together should have both Tua and Mike in sync. Along with former TEs coach George Godsey as the co-offensive coordinator, the offense could be predicated on getting Gesicki moving the chains early and often.
The rest of the tight end group compliments Mike Gesicki really well. Durham Smythe is primarily known as the run blocker of the group who will look to be a key blocker in the RPO game. Smythe can also catch as an in-line tight end. He had 26 receptions for 208 yards and two touchdowns. Furthermore, Adam Shaheen is more of a red zone threat who hauled in 12 catches for 150 yards and three touchdowns last season.
Lastly, the TE room is rounded off with third round rookie Hunter Long. At Boston College last season, Long was actually their leading receiver. And finally, Cethan Carter, who was signed as a free agent looks to be a fullback in personnel groupings.
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Running game and the OL
Obviously, Miami has one of the youngest offensive lines in the NFL. They made history last year against the Cincinnati Bengals as they started three rookies on the offensive line. First-round pick Austin Jackson, second-round pick Robert Hunt, and fourth-round pick Solomon Kindley combined to start 37 games last season and allowed 34 sacks, finishing 15th in the league. In spite of that, there’s still lots of room for improvement.
The Dolphins injected more youth into the offensive line this season, drafting Liam Eichenberg in the second round who looks to play right tackle this season. Michael Deiter won the center job, not that it was a competition anyway. Jesse Davis rounds it out as the 6th man– he’s the oldest player on the line at just 29 years old. Undoubtedly, he’ll start at right tackle until Eichenberg is deemed ready.
Miami’s 2nd RD pick Liam Eichenberg didn’t allow a single sack over the last two seasons
Despite missing six games last year, RB Myles Gaskin was very productive in the games he played in 2020, finishing in the top 10 in scrimmage yards per game. Gaskin averaged 97.2 scrimmage yards per game. To put it another way, he’s better than he’s given credit for.
RB Salvon Ahmed played in only five games last year and had the franchise’s two best rushing performances by an undrafted rookie. Ahmed gained 85 rushing yards in his second NFL game against the Chargers. It was the most rushing yards by an undrafted rookie in Dolphins history. He then beat that mark against the New England Patriots as he rushed for 122 yards, the team’s first 100 yard rushing performance since 2018.
Salvon Ahmed told his grandmother who is in the hospital that he'd rush for 100 yards for her.
In summary, the best way to help Tagovailoa this season is for the OL to protect him better than last year. The OL will need to open up holes in the run game. Austin Jackson struggled in the preseason and needs to go back to form in the regular season. The right side combo of Robert Hunt and Jesse Davis/Liam Eichenberg should provide stability on Tua’s blindside and continue to pave the way for the run game.
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https://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/TUA2-e1630437508886.jpeg9991209Hussam Patelhttps://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/FiveReasonsWebsiteLogo.svgHussam Patel2021-09-03 12:30:062021-09-03 08:47:31Dolphins 3 keys to the Season: Offense
The kick to open the 4th quarter was low, but hooked over the bar. Chris Dunn, the NC State kicker, celebrated wildly after nailing the 53-yarder. Those celebrations included gesticulating wildly at the Hurricanes’ bench imploring them to fellate him. And as well he should. The kick put NC State up 10, with a Win Probability of 85.7%. Surely, the Wolfpack had the game.
The problem with that logic is you can’t put a percentage on D’Eriq King. He immediately responded, leading his troops back. But the most impressive thing was the completeness. On one possession it was the wild, darting scamper for 28 yards to set up a score, having seemingly been trapped multiple times. It was then that we knew D’Eriq wouldn’t be denied.
On the next possession, with the lead sliced to 4, and the Canes on a make or break drive, the Mighty King was sacked. 2nd and 18…no problem as he completed a 35-yard pass. A few plays later, on 3rd and 7, he completed the winning TD, a 54-yard strike. And that’s the thing, whether on the ground or through the air, D’Eriq was there. In an iconic performance, he was transcended football, etching his place in the program’s history.
He was not merely a quarterback or a football player or a student athlete…he was a force of nature, a superhero….OUR superhero.
The Search for the Quarterback
We always hear about Miami searching for the successor to Ken Dorsey, a 20 year hunt for the next great Canes QB. The problem with that is that many really good QBs have come through here since Dorsey graduated. I believe that now as much as I dreamed of them elevating this program when they were here.
So why is D’Eriq King different?
At a glance, he’s not. But then you see him play. He has that divine spark.
I admittedly took a while to realize what we had here, precisely because we’ve overall had fairly solid QB play even has the program has waned. But that NC State game was an awakening. It’s like listening to all the talent coming out of Motown and realizing they are really special, and then hearing Diana Ross and realizing you’re listening to a completely different entity. This is someone that sits among the most talented, and elevates above that.
D’Eriq plays QB like Picasso paints, starting with a blank canvas, and ending with a masterpiece, while onlookers are forced to wonder what they just witnessed, struggling to explain it, awed by its presence. So perfectly different.
But here’s the other thing….he’s more impressive off the field.
When D’Eriq King transferred to Miami, we knew we were getting at the very least a solid college QB with success in an up-tempo offense that new Offensive Coordinator Rhett Lashlee promised to bring. What we didn’t know we were getting was an elite-level human being. Since setting foot on campus, D’Eriq King has elevated the standards of the program not just on the field, but off it. He conducts himself in a manner fitting a person many years his senior, becoming the positive face of this program.
In one short year, he has forever put his stamp on this program, setting the standard by which we expect our leaders to conduct themselves. Something has been off about this program for quite a while, and King’s presence goes a long way towards righting this ship.
The Last Full Measure
On Saturday, Miami will head into a seemingly unwinnable game. Alabama is unparalleled in college football. They just cycle through NFL talent, repeatedly winning conference and national championships. No one gives Miami much of a chance.
And on paper, they shouldn’t. Much like the Chris Dunn, they should assume it’s over. Why even play the game?
But they forgot…we have D’Eriq.
The Miami football program was built on improbabilities. So what’s one more improbable outcome? What’s to stop them from them mustering one more miracle for a miracle program…magic from the Magic City?
That’s what King has restored to the 305. Hope. Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things. We’ve seen this program do extraordinary things, against long odds. And we’ve seen D’Eriq do so as well.
The meandering road travelled by D’Eriq King, where COVID granted him an extra year of eligibility, where a knee injury threatened everything, by to end up leading this program at this moment is the stuff of fairy tales. Improbable in its own right. He shouldn’t be here to lead Miami, but he is.
Everyone expects Miami to get killed. D’Eriq is there to win.
And when he takes that field, leading his team out through the hallowed smoke, that simple U which elicits so much emotional pride in all of us adorned on his helmet, he represents all of Miami. He takes our hopes and dreams with him, our program, on his diminutive frame. He’s up to the challenge, and we’re privileged to have him in our corner.
Miami’s King.
Vishnu Parasuraman is a contributor for @FiveReasonsSports and generally covers the Miami Hurricanes. You can follow him on twitter @vrp2003
https://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/UMVSFSU0926-KING-ADD.jpg16001214Vishnu Parasuramanhttps://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/FiveReasonsWebsiteLogo.svgVishnu Parasuraman2021-09-03 08:00:472021-09-02 20:24:40Miami Looks to Their King for Salvation
Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones will take center stage in Week 1 as Dolphins visit Patriots. With the release of Cam Newton, the Patriots ushered the Mac Jones era in with brute force.
The Patriot Way!
Cam Newton’s thoughts (via his IG story) on being released: “Please don’t feel sorry for me!!” pic.twitter.com/dpvtHIxCFR
Nobody will feel sorry for Bill Belichick on the Miami sideline, as Brian Flores and his defense will set sights on the statuesque Mac Jones. So now perhaps the media can focus on an interesting story of two Alabama quarterbacks. Competitors from the same college team now competing at the highest level.
Instead of this:
Do the Dolphins want Deshaun Watson? The man who signs the checks definitely does. https://t.co/oCrrC7wS0r
The Watson situation has cast a pall over an otherwise triumphant preseason for both Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins. Miami finished the exhibition season in spectacular fashion, with a roster for the most part intact and ready.
Jones got his first shot as a starter at Alabama when Tua suffered his hip injury during the 2019 season. When Tua departed for the NFL in 2020, the reins passed to Jones who took full advantage. Now they meet again in what should be the first of many matchups to come.
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A pretty fascinating tale if you look at it. The backup in Jones, who waited for his time while Tua was front and center. It was actually Jones who took Alabama wire-to-wire for a National Championship.
Although Tua’s relief performance in 2018 was one for the ages.
So both come in with pedigree and moxie, arriving at this moment in different yet overlapping ways.
This should be one of the leading storylines heading into the 2021 NFL season, at least in the AFC East.
But instead, fans of the Dolphins have been made to wait and wonder.
Now finally, it appears the Watson saga on and off the field may be confined to the great state of Texas.
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https://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/TUA2-e1630437508886.jpeg9991209David Eversolehttps://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/FiveReasonsWebsiteLogo.svgDavid Eversole2021-08-31 15:19:132021-08-31 16:47:15Dolphins fans need Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones story instead of Watson saga
Only a few weeks away from the 27th season since Pat Riley joined the Heat in 1995, I’ve created a list ranking all twenty-six seasons during his tenure. Rather than just purely looking at total wins, or playoff finishes, I have tried to compare the rosters and rank the teams in comparison to how they would fare if they faced each other. Unfortunately for Heat fans, health and injury issues still count in these rankings, so those teams will once again be cut short of their potential.
2007-2008
Record: 15-67
This season was so disastrous, it caused Pat Riley to retire (again). Dwyane Wade missed the last third of the season with a knee injury and Alonzo Mourning suffered a career-ending knee injury. The 2006 championship roster quickly transitioned to significant roles for Ricky Davis, Mark Blount, Daequan Cook, and others who had quick stops in the league.
2002-2003
Record: 25-57
With Mourning still dealing with his kidney ailment, and leading scorer Eddie Jones missing the 2nd half of the season, the Heat stumbled to the worst record in the division. The only bright spots were Caron Butler’s All-Rookie season and the product of this struggle led to the 5th pick in the 2003 Draft which changed the course of the franchise forever.
2018-2019
Record: 39-43
In Dwyane’s “One Last Dance”, the Heat narrowly missed the playoffs in the final week of the season. This year also marked a transition to young players like Josh Richardson, Justise Winslow, and Bam Adebayo moving into significant roles. Richardson led the team in minutes, steals, and points and was the piece moved to land Jimmy Butler that summer.
2001-2002
Record: 36-46
With Mourning’s inspiring return to the court, the Heat finally got to see the vision of Zo, Brian Grant, and Eddie Jones together. However, the additions of veterans like Chris Gatling, Rod Strickland, LaPhonso Ellis, Kendall Gill, and Jimmy Jackson were not enough support. The Heat stumbled out of the gates, and never recovered en route to Pat Riley’s first season missing the playoffs during his legendary coaching career.
2006-2007
Record: 44-38 (Division Champs, Lost in 1st Round)
After winning the first championship in franchise history, the “championship hangover” lasted all the way until a 1st round sweep to the Bulls. With injuries to Shaq and Wade, Pat Riley missing time, and a stale roster that “ran it back” to an embarrassing failure.
2014-2015
Record: 37-45
Losing LeBron James would push most teams into tanking, but the Miami Heat remained competitive. And after the trade deadline acquisition of Goran Dragic, the Heat looked to be elevating itself in the Eastern Conference race. Unfortunately shortly after the trade, it was discovered that Chris Bosh would be sidelined with blood clots and their playoff aspirations vanished.
2017-2018
Record: 44-38 (Lost in 1st Round)
In a season highlighted by the re-acquisition of Dwyane Wade at the trade deadline, the Heat fought its way to a division championship before a disappointing 1st round loss to the Sixers in 5 games. After an exciting 16-17 run, the Heat questionably “ran it back” re-signing Dion Waiters, James Johnson, and adding Kelly Olynyk to a team that seemed stuck in mediocrity.
2009-2010
Record: 47-35 (Lost in 1st Round)
Without prime Wade carrying the load, this roster may be one of the worst in Heat history. A supporting cast of Jermaine O’Neal, Michael Beasley, Quentin Richardson (acquired mid-season), Mario Chalmers, and Carlos Arroyo was enough to make the playoffs, but the season quickly ended at the hands of the Celtics in the 1st round. The disappointment of another season wasted in Wade’s prime would soon lead to more promising times.
2008-2009
Record: 43-39 (Lost in 1st Round)
The Heat rebounded from one of their worst seasons in franchise history under new head coach Erik Spoelstra, who had a healthy Dwyane Wade at his peak, scoring a career-high 30.2 points per game. Along with Wade and Jermaine O’Neal, the Heat added two youngsters to the rotation – 2nd overall pick Michael Beasley, and a 2nd round point guard Mario Chalmers who quickly became the starting point guard. While greatly improved, the Heat lost in the 1st round to the Atlanta Hawks in seven games.
2016-2017
Record: 41-41
With Dwyane leaving for Chicago, the Heat were now “Big 3-less” and started the season 11-30. Heading for one of the worst seasons in franchise history, the Heat flipped the script and finished 30-11 but lost a tie-breaker to qualify for the playoffs. Following his max contract, Hassan Whiteside led the NBA in rebounding. Goran Dragic starred a balanced attack with eight players averaging double digit points for the season.
2000-2001
Record: 50-32 (Lost in 1st Round)
The Heat looked poised to improve on a 50-win season after acquiring Eddie Jones and Brian Grant to pair with Tim Hardaway, Alonzo Mourning, and a strong supporting cast. But after returning from the Olympics, it was discovered that Mourning had a kidney disorder that would cause him to miss the entire season. As part of the Eddie Jones trade, Anthony Mason had a surprising All-Star season for the Heat. But the season ended in 1st round disappointment, swept by the recently traded Jamal Mashburn and the Charlotte Hornets.
1995-1996
Record: 42-40 (Lost in 1st Round)
In his first season in Miami, Riley made immediate changes. The Heat acquired Alonzo Mourning on the first day of the regular season, and later traded to land Tim Hardaway, Chris Gatling, and Walt Williams. The mid-season addition of Voshon Lenard from the CBA also proved to be crucial. Mourning became the Heat’s first all-star during this season. Although they ultimately fell to the 72-10 Bulls in the 1st round, the Heat were able to defeat the Bulls with just 8 players in February.
2020-2021
Record: 40-32 (Lost in 1st Round)
A season marked league-wide by COVID restrictions and empty arenas, the Heat were unable to shake off injuries and inconsistencies after their exciting run to the NBA Finals in the Orlando bubble. Their late season run avoided the “play-in games” but drew a 1st round matchup with eventual champion Milwaukee that ended in four games.
2003-2004
Record: 42-40 (Lost in 2nd Round)
This season marked the second chapter of the Riley era. After handing the head coaching role to Stan Van Gundy, the team moved forward with rookie Dwyane Wade and undrafted Udonis Haslem, a newly acquired Lamar Odom, and what remained of the early 2000s Heat. After an 0-7 start, the Heat managed to finish strong and land the 4th seed. Wade began to establish himself as an emerging superstar in clutch moments, defeating the New Orleans Hornets in seven games, before being eliminated in six competitive games to the Indiana Pacers.
2015-2016
Record: 48-34 (Division Champs, Lost in 2nd Round)
The Heat returned to the playoffs only one season removed from losing LeBron James, winning their division and finishing 3rd in the East. Sparked by rookies Justise Winslow and Josh Richardson, as well as the rise of Hassan Whiteside. The youngsters complimented Wade, Goran, and an all-star return of Chris Bosh. Unfortunately for the Heat, following the All-Star Game Bosh was sidelined again due to the blood clots which would eventually end his career. Wade led the Heat past the Hornets in seven games in the 1st round, before falling short to the Raptors in seven games in the 2nd round.
1997-1998
Record: 55-27 (Division Champs, Lost in 1st Round)
Overcoming significant injuries to Mourning and Mashburn, the Heat finished 2nd in the East led by another strong season by Hardaway. For the second straight postseason, the Heat found themselves matched up against the Knicks. Late in game four, with a 2-1 lead, Alonzo Mourning fought former teammate Larry Johnson. The Heat would lose that game, as well as game five without a suspended Zo.
2004-2005
Record: 59-23 (Division Champs, Lost in East Finals)
The Heat immediately became a title contender after acquiring Shaquille O’Neal from the Lakers in July. Dwyane Wade joined his new teammate making his 1st all-star game. The Heat finished 1st in the East, swept through the first two rounds of the playoffs, but with a hobbled Wade the Heat fell short in the Eastern Conference Finals, losing to the defending champion Pistons in seven games.
1999-2000
Record: 52-30 (Division Champs, Lost in 2nd Round)
Led by another All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year season by Alonzo Mourning, the Heat finished 2nd in the East. Jamal Mashburn elevated his play and was 2nd to Zo on the team in scoring. The Heat dealt with injuries to Hardaway and Lenard, but Anthony Carter and Bruce Bowen stepped into their roles admirably. After sweeping the Pistons, the Heat found themselves up against the Knicks for the fourth straight playoffs. After leading 3-2, the Heat lost the final two games of the series – including the unforgettable decision for Mashburn to pass the critical shot to Clarence Weatherspoon.
2010-2011
Record: 58-24 (Division Champs, Lost in Finals)
After adding superstars LeBron James and Chris Bosh to Dwyane Wade, the Heat’s expectations were never higher. They finished with the 3rd best record in team history, but were 2nd in the East behind Chicago. The Heat “gentleman sweeped” themselves through the Eastern Conference playoffs, before facing the Mavericks in the Finals. The Heat won game one, led the series 2-1, but eventually lost the final three games of the series. The failure is usually remembered by the criticism of LeBron James, who averaged 8.9 less points per game in the series and only averaged three points in the series fourth quarters.
1998-1999
Record: 33-17 (Division Champs, Lost in 1st Round)
The Heat entered the playoffs as the East’s 1st seed in a lockout-shortened season. Alonzo Mourning had his best season in a Heat uniform, finishing 2nd in MVP voting and winning Defensive Player of the Year. Tim Hardaway also was selected to the All-NBA 2nd team. But in the playoffs, facing the Knicks for the third consecutive season, the Heat lost on a disgusting Allan Houston buzzer-beater in a winner-take-all Game 5. The Heat became the 2nd #1 seed in NBA history to lose in the 1st round and the Knicks’ run as the 8 seed went all the way to the NBA Finals.
1996-1997
Record: 61-21 (Division Champs, Lost in East Finals)
Building on his successful first season in Miami, Riley added Dan Majerle, PJ Brown, Ike Austin, and Jamal Mashburn (mid-season) to a talented Heat team. Hardaway had a career year, joining Mourning on the all-star team and finishing 4th in MVP voting. They finished 2nd in the East with a team best 61 wins and won their first playoff series in franchise history. After series wins against the Magic and Knicks, the Heat ran into the Bulls on their way to back-to-back championships.
2019-2020
Record: 44-29 (Division Champs, Lost in Finals)
After acquiring Jimmy Butler in the offseason, and with the emergence of all-star Bam Adebayo, Duncan Robinson, Tyler Herro, and Kendrick Nunn, the Heat quickly became an unexpected contender in the Eastern Conference. When the season resumed in the Orlando bubble, Heat culture went on a magical run led by Goran Dragic and Jimmy Butler – sweeping the Pacers, knocking out the MVP and 1st seed Bucks in five games, and winning the Eastern Conference by defeating the Celtics in six games. While they extended the series to six games, the Heat struggled to overcome injuries to Goran Dragic and Bam Adebayo in a Finals loss to the Lakers.
2005-2006
Record: 52-30 (Division Champs, NBA Champs)
After falling short of a championship the year prior, the Heat engineered a multi-team trade to acquire Antoine Walker, James Posey, and Jason Williams, while adding veteran Gary Payton to the roster. Led again by Wade and Shaq, the Heat entered the playoffs as the East’s 2nd seed. After defeating the Bulls and Nets, the Heat were able to overcome the Pistons in a rematch of the previous Eastern Conference Finals. In their first NBA Finals, the Heat found themselves down 0-2 to the Mavericks. Taking advantage of the NBA’s 2-3-2 format, the Heat won the next 3 games in Miami and won their first championship by taking Game 6 in Dallas. Dwyane Wade provided a legendary performance in the Finals, averaging 34.7 point, 7.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.7 steals in the series on way to the Finals MVP.
2013-2014
Record: 54-28 (Division Champs, Lost in Finals)
After winning back-to-back championships, the Heat looked to 3-peat in the 4th season of the “Big 3”. Entering the playoffs as the East’s 2nd seed, the Heat defeated the Bobcats, Nets, and Pacers on their way to a Finals rematch with the San Antonio Spurs. In what proved to be the end of the “Big 3” era, the Spurs dominated the Heat from start to finish, winning the championship in five games.
2011-2012
Record: 46-20 (Division Champs, NBA Champs)
After a disappointing finish to the previous year, and a lockout stalling the beginning of this season, the Heat finished 2nd in the East. Once again, Bosh, Wade, and James were all-stars and moved swiftly through the first two rounds of the playoffs, beating the Knicks and Pacers. Once again facing a disappointing exit from the playoffs, LeBron James turned in one of his most legendary playoff performances (45-15-5) in a game six Heat win in Boston. After losing the 1st game of the NBA Finals, the Heat swept the next four games to defeat the Thunder and win their 2nd championship in franchise history.
2012-2013
Record: 66-16 (Division Champs, NBA Champs)
After winning its first “Big 3” championship, the Heat added Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis to the roster. Finishing 1st in the East propelled by a 27-game winning streak that is 2nd best in NBA history, all-star seasons by Wade, LeBron, and Bosh, and LeBron’s fourth MVP season (one vote from unanimous). The Heat made quick work of the Bucks and Bulls in the playoffs, before a difficult seven game series with the Pacers. In the NBA Finals, the Heat faced the Spurs and found themselves training 3-2 returning to Miami. With the yellow ropes surrounding the court and a Spurs championship imminent, Bosh rebounded a LeBron miss, found Allen in the corner for a game-tying 3 pointer to force overtime. The Heat would win that overtime sealed by a Bosh block on Danny Green, and eventually prevailed in Game 7 to win their 2nd consecutive championship.
Everything Tradeshows is a one-stop-shop for trade show exhibit rentals and custom exhibit display purchase solutions to companies of all sizes.
https://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/2D33C9F6-F9A5-4D5D-845C-42392880A2AA.jpeg6831024Sean Rochesterhttps://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/FiveReasonsWebsiteLogo.svgSean Rochester2021-08-30 18:07:512021-08-31 08:26:03Ranking every Miami Heat season under Pat Riley, worst to best
Before the Olympics began, reports of Damian Lillard’s displeasure with the Portland Trail Blazers erupted. According to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, Lillard’s worries about the organization being a genuine championship contender could push him “out the door.”
Ahead of leaving for Tokyo with Team USA, Lillard denied requesting a trade, but in the same statement, contradicted himself with a stunning admission, “I haven’t made any firm decision on what my future will be.”
Two summers ago, Dame Time signed a super-max extension to keep him in Portland until the end of the 2024/2025 season and pay him over $48 million in the last year. The ink isn’t dry on his deal, yet it seems that his affections for the only pro team he’s ever known are dwindling. How else can someone with four years remaining on their contract, while making extraordinary sums of money, claim their mind isn’t made up?
The answer to that question is painfully obvious. Lillard has no other leverage in forcing the team’s hand to improve than to give the impression he’ll look to bounce if he is suspicious that they are too comfortable. He’s a sharp dude.
I’m not sure if this is what the Big O (Oscar Robertson) envisioned when the Players Union settled with the league in the Robertson Suit in 1976, which as Sam Smith brilliantly explains in his book Hard Labor, created the NBA as we know it. As of now, it appears that Lillard is grabbing the Trail Blazers by the balls, and he should continue to squeeze.
The list of players that could get away with “indecisiveness” when already contractually committed and not have their rep suffer too much is not long. Recently, the Oakland native said, “I know what the truth is. I know where I stand. It’s not my duty to make the public know … it’s not my job to make them aware of what that is.”
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Lillard’s frustration with Portland is understandable, but unfortunately, the fans were caught in the crossfire. The front office’s master plan this offseason resulted in signing Ben Mclemore, Cody Zeller and Tony Snell as free agents for the bench. Then on Aug. 27, as part of a three-team deal with Chicago and Cleveland, the Blazers swapped Derrick Jones Jr. and a protected first-round pick to the Bulls. Lauri Markkanen, originally a Bull, found a new home in Cleveland, and the Blazers got Larry Nance Jr., per the Athletic.
With respect to the new members of the Portland outfit, the front office’s performance thus far in the offseason is underwhelming, which probably doesn’t delight Lillard. The Trail Blazers, much like the 76ers, appear to have plateaued and cannot improve without making drastic alterations to the lineup.
It would behoove the team’s managers to feverishly search for a suitable trade partner, but I’ll suggest one: the Philadelphia 76ers. Both teams could get salaries to match in trading Ben Simmons to Portland in exchange for Mr. President of the Players Union CJ McCollum and Anfernee Simons, sent to Philly.
In this proposed scenario, no team loses as each club eliminates a problem. The 76ers can’t continue to utilize Simmons as the primary ball-handler because he is reluctant to shoot when left open, despite his game-changing ability on the defensive side of the court. McCollum, in his place, gives Philly more variety attacking, and his defender won’t sag off and clog the lane for the other 76ers on the court.
The Trail Blazers, over the past five seasons, have only had a top 15 defensive rating once (6), and that was in 2018. The past two years, Portland was 29th in that category in 2021 and 27th in 2020. Hypothetically, Simmons in black and red instantly improves the squad’s defensive ceiling due to his skills operating in multiple coverages.
Any suggestion that could boost the Blazer’s chances of winning needs to be explored by the top brass immediately. Dame Time is the best player to walk through Portland’s doors since Bill Walton and Clyde Drexler. The team is not good enough, and Lillard needs the execs to reach for the stars.
https://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8286.jpg435750Mateo Mayorgahttps://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/FiveReasonsWebsiteLogo.svgMateo Mayorga2021-08-30 09:42:282021-08-30 09:49:10Dame Lillard needs Blazers to go for Broke
In a way, Manny Diaz embodies everything about Miami generally, and Miami football, specifically. The eponymously named son of a former mayor of Cuban descent enters a pivotal third year as captain of Miami’s ship with the daunting task of arresting a 20-year slide and restoring one of college football’s elite programs to their rightful place at the top of college football.
One of the interesting things about Diaz’s path to head coach at Miami is that it is simultaneously extremely unique having never played and having attended rival Florida State while also mirroring one of Miami’s more recent head coaches (Randy Shannon).
Shannon, a Miami-born formerly successful Defensive Coordinator with a fondness for discarding assistant coaches, famously failed at Miami. So how and why will Diaz succeed where 4 previous head coaches have failed? And why is it of paramount importance that this hire succeeds?
Smarter than the Average Bear
Sports narratives are often driven by masculine traits being viewed positively. With some merit. Toughness, strength, fortitude are necessities if you’re going to be successful in football, which often resembles gladiatorial combat as much as a game.
And when those qualities extend to the head coach we view decisiveness and consistency as strengths, and hesitation and erraticism as weakness. But did you ever stop to think about how those qualities could possibly lend themselves to success in the event that the person exhibiting those seemingly strong qualities is actually incapable of performing the job with which he’s tasked? Decisively wrong is actual weakness.
The 4 previously failed Miami head coaches dating back 2 decades have all embodied those winning qualities to some extent, and yet failed because those character traits were being exhibited by someone who was ill-suited to doing the hard work of maintaining or rebuilding the program. Where does Manny Diaz fit on this scale?
The reality is we don’t know. He has certainly eclipsed the low bar Al Golden set when he tried to simultaneously enrich a bunch of yes men while attempting to unwind the soul of the program. But that is hardly a measuring stick for Diaz.
Because for Manny, incremental improvement this year won’t be enough. He has one of the best QBs in college football leading his offense. He has personally taken ownership of a fledging defense that imploded last year in embarrassing fashion.
Diaz made this year the inflection point when he named himself Defensive Coordinator. He can’t very well come to us at the end of an unsuccessful season with D’Eriq King having played his final season at Miami and say, “my bad, I guess I needed an independent Defensive Coordinator.”
I don’t think anyone knows if that was the right move, but there was an inherit nobility in putting his neck on the line. Diaz put the responsibility on himself. There can be no scapegoat, no fall guy. He succeeds or fails on his own merit, absent any ability to apportion blame elsewhere. Manny Diaz broke with his predecessors by exhibiting bravery where others showcased venality, often putting personal gain and relationships above the program.
It might ultimately hasten his exit, but there is little doubt that in betting on himself, Manny has performed the ultimate Miami move, full of bravado and self-belief, he has decided that the best way to lead the program back to the top is to do so personally. It’s bold and decisive…and so we wait to see if that is a strength or a weakness in Diaz’s case.
Why Manny Matters
Ultimately, Diaz will be judged on his record as all coaches are. But in particular, for Miami, Diaz’s success extends beyond the field. Because in Manny Diaz the Hurricanes have more than just a son of a Miami, they have the embodiment of the person we want to lead this program. While Dabo Swinney, who has a $93 million contract, railed against the idea that some players might get some breadcrumbs, Manny took the opposite track. When social strife swept the country last summer, Manny was there, with his players.
In a sport where players are often treated as mere chattel, a means to an end, vessels to be used and disposed of, we should not take Diaz’s empathy for granted. Nor should we dismiss his frequent coaching changes as merely an attempt to save his skin. It’s actually easier to blame the players or keep an assistant coaching buffer between himself and responsibility. In fact, this is often portrayed as positive, when a coach does not fire assistants, standing firm with his people.
But do we ever consider that from the players’ perspective? They have 4 years to play college football. How is it positive to keep an unqualified, undeserving coach on the payroll and waste those players’ careers? It is positive through the lens of the old boys club, where there is a symbiotic relationship between the coaching fraternity and the coverage of it, that leads to stability, and financial gain at the expense of players.
Say what you will about Diaz, but no one will ever accuse me of being a member of that club. From inventing the Turnover Chain, to giving players multiple chances within reason, Diaz has exhibited that blend of sternness, empathy, and freedom that allows players to be themselves while also looking out for their well being.
In the grand scheme of things, none of that will matter. If Miami doesn’t win big soon, Diaz will be looking for a new job and Miami will get back on the coaching treadmill. But wouldn’t be nice if once, just this once, someone that displays empathy and cares actually succeeds? Wouldn’t it be nice if the good guys finish first? Would that it were.
Vishnu Parasuraman is a contributor for @FiveReasonsSports and generally covers the Miami Hurricanes. You can follow him on twitter @vrp2003
https://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/UMVSUAB091020-MDIAZ1-ADD-1.jpg13612000Vishnu Parasuramanhttps://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/FiveReasonsWebsiteLogo.svgVishnu Parasuraman2021-08-27 08:00:142021-08-26 20:42:02Manny Diaz’s Date With Destiny
Pratt was practically the entire offense against the Sooners last week, throwing for 296 yards and three touchdowns while leading the Green Wave in rushing with 34 yards and a touchdown. An argument could be made that he out-dueled Heisman Trophy frontrunner Spencer Rattler, who throw form 304 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. 
