Miami Heat’s 5 biggest weaknesses as 2024 NBA Playoffs approach 

The Miami Heat are determined to return to the NBA Finals after falling short to the Denver Nuggets in the previous season. With three Conference Finals appearances in the last four years, the team is focused on gaining momentum and competing for an NBA championship. As of now, the team is currently tied with the seventh-ranked Indiana Pacers.

Despite this, they will persist in their efforts to secure a place in the playoffs and avoid being placed in a play-in tournament. However, if they aspire to reach the later stages of the playoffs, there are several crucial areas that the team must work on in order to match up against the top competitors.

Despite the overall impressive performances by players such as Jimmy Butler and Jaime Jaquez Jr., there are still noticeable areas that could use improvement. A closer look at advanced team statistics reveals these areas of improvement. Without delay, let’s delve into them.

The Miami Heat’s Areas for Improvement Before the Playoffs

#5: Second chance opportunities

The Heat rank 27th in the NBA in offensive rebounds per game, which could pose a problem during the postseason. This is because offensive rebounds result in more offensive possessions.

Despite averaging just 9.3 offensive rebounds per game, the Heat are tied with the Washington Wizards, which may raise some doubts about their performance.

#4: Box out and secure possession

Despite the Heat’s struggles in offensive rebounding, their issues on the glass persist. They currently rank in the bottom half of the league for defensive rebounding as well.

Sandwiched between the New York Knicks in 17th and the Chicago Bulls in 19th, the Heat’s struggles with rebounding are evident in their defensive rebounding statistics. The team’s issues with rebounding on both offense and defense make it clear that this is one of their major weaknesses.

#3: Three-Point Shooting Percentage

The style of play in basketball has evolved in the last 10-15 years. There is now a greater focus on three-point shooting among many teams, but the Heat have struggled to keep up with the league’s high level of three-point production.

Despite having only a few games remaining in the season, the Heat have been averaging 12.4 three pointers per game, placing them in 18th position. If they hope to have a successful postseason, failing to match the league’s three-point volume could pose difficulties for them.

#2: Three-point field goal percentage

The Heat’s field goal percentage is one of their main weaknesses. As of now, they rank 23rd in the league for field goal percentage. Among the other teams in the bottom ten, only the New York Knicks have a chance to make the playoffs without going through the play-in tournament.

The league average for the top half of teams is over 47% from the field, while the top teams in the league have an average over 48%. In comparison, the Heat only have an average of 46.4% from the floor.

#1: Offensive efficiency rating

Despite their talent, the Heat have been hindered by their offensive efficiency rating. A lack of efficiency on offense can greatly impede a team’s success, particularly in crucial moments during a game.

When examining the offensive efficiency ratings across the league, the Heat are positioned at 21st place, slightly trailing the Houston Rockets but still ahead of the Brooklyn Nets. In comparison, the Boston Celtics, who hold the top spot in efficiency, boast an offensive rating of 122.6, while the Heat’s offensive efficiency rating stands at 112.9.