MIAMI – Heat fans can certainly point to injuries as a big reason why Miami off to such an inconsistent start.
It's hard for a team filled with so many new pieces to look comfortable when they haven't been together on the floor together even once this season.
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But, that's still no excuse for the main reason the Heat have struggled of late after a 5-2 start; defense. A really bad defense at that.
The latest example was a high-flying Clippers team coming to town and having their way offensively against Miami on Thursday night.
Los Angeles will likely end the season as one of the top offenses in the league, but the ease in which they jumped all over the Heat was inexcusable for Miami.
Erik Spoelstra demands better than that, and he's not getting it. Not even close to it.
I've said numerous times since before the season that it's hard to judge the Heat without all the parts in place. And I still feel that way. But, injuries are a part of the NBA. Bad effort on defense is not.
I obviously never played in the NBA, so I've asked my colleagues that have been part of pro basketball what they've seen from the Heat.
My studio partner for Miami road games, John Crotty, has said on-air that it's about trust and effort, and right now those things are not in place. The former point guard believes it's tough to find continuity on defense when you don't know which face will be on the court with you from night to night.
But, Crotty also points out that many of Miami's problems stem back from simple effort on rotating and attacking to the ball. Too many open players have led to open shots for opposing teams. These are things that drive any head coach crazy, especially one like Spoelstra who prides himself on having a good defense.
Meanwhile, another one of my broadcast partners, former Heat assistant coach Tony Fiorentino, says he's not surprised by the slow start on defense. The coach has said many times on-air that patience is needed, because he believes it's usually the offense that comes together quicker on a newly designed team.
So far, he's been right. Miami's offense has shown signs, even though still inconsistent many nights.
The bottom line is this; the Heat hope to have all their pieces in place soon, and that includes the return of Dwyane Wade to the line-up.
But, no matter who's on the court until then, the effort and energy must improve on defense.
Players must learn to trust each other.
Once the defense does get going and the rotation is set, I'd expect a more consistent Heat team. Fiorentino has told Heat fans it will come.
For now, it's a work in progress. Or as Coach Spo would say; a process.