NBA: 3 talking points heading into the second half of the season

The Heat are once again relevant

Personally, I believe the 76ers should have never let Jimmy Butler leave. This is the exact reason. He’s led the Heat to an outstanding season so far, with Erik Spoelstra’s team currently 35-19, which is fourth in the Eastern Conference. Butler’s gritty attitude and competitive nature have been the perfect fit in South Beach, mentoring rookies Kendrick Nunn and Tyler Herro, who have both proved to be very instrumental to this team.

Bam Adebayo is also having a big year, making his first All-Star team over the weekend. The former Kentucky Wildcat is dropping 15.8 points and grabbing 10.4 boards per game this season.

By no surprise, Butler is leading the pack with 20.6 points, 6.1 assists, and 6.8 rebounds. Just like the Raptors, Miami has five different players averaging at least 15 points per game, proving just how many different guys can contribute on this team. They picked up Jae Crowder at the deadline, who will most certainly be a worthy addition after scoring ten points per night with Memphis before the trade.

Through his first three contests with the Heat, Crowder is averaging 18 points per game.

The Heat have numerous players who can make it rain from downtown, currently shooting 38 percent from long range as a team. Duncan Robinson is shooting 43.8 percent from 3-point range, while Herro and Nunn are both draining 3’s at 39 and 35 percent, respectively. Their bench has also contributed 42.2 points per contest, which is fifth in the league.

Miami is definitely a team to watch as the season progresses. With a very deep roster, it’s going to be exciting to see just how far they could go in the postseason.