Wizards Bench Cam Whitmore Over Practice Standards; Hornets Use Five-Day Break to Heal; Heat Seek Answers After Pace Slows
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Key roster moves, injury updates and strategic tweaks are shaping early-season storylines for the Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat.
Wizards
Forward Cam Whitmore has been moved to the bench because of what the Washington Wizards view as subpar practice habits, league insider Grant Afseth reported. Head coach Brian Keefe said over the weekend that certain team standards are non-negotiable, though he did not detail the specific issues.
Since arriving from Houston, the second-year wing has posted numbers nearly identical to his prior seasons: 9.2 points, 2.8 rebounds and 16.9 minutes per game while shooting 28.6 percent from beyond the arc. Rookie guard Will Riley has absorbed most of Whitmore’s minutes, averaging 11.7 points over his last three appearances and drawing praise for his energy.
Washington’s front office is monitoring daily habits and long-term commitment for all young players. Whitmore will need to show progress before reclaiming a larger role.
Hornets
Charlotte’s upcoming five-day break arrives as the injury list continues to grow. Only 11 players dressed for Sunday’s loss to Denver, with LaMelo Ball, Collin Sexton, Tre Mann and Moussa Diabate sidelined. Off-season additions Grant Williams and Josh Green have yet to play this year.
“It’s going to be great for us,” forward Miles Bridges told the Charlotte Observer. “Some guys are hurt right now. They should be back by that time, hopefully. But if not, we’re going to have a next-man mentality.”
The Hornets are navigating a demanding early schedule, and even partial reinforcements would stabilize head coach Steve Clifford’s rotation.
Heat
Miami’s up-tempo overhaul has met its first serious pushback. After opening strong with a transition-heavy offense that minimized pick-and-roll sets, the Heat have dropped three straight as opponents slow the pace.
“It was not one of our finer games, but we’ll regroup,” head coach Erik Spoelstra said following Saturday’s defeat to Sacramento. “We need to fine-tune some things and get ready for Tuesday.”
Miami still tops the NBA in pace at 105.4 possessions per 48 minutes, yet five of the past seven contests rank among the slowest on its schedule. “We kind of surprised everybody with the pace,” guard Norman Powell said. “Now they’re ready for it.”
Source: Hoops Wire
