3 Exciting, 2 concerning observations from Heat's back-breaking preseason
Posted October 19, 2025
The Miami Heat officially closed their preseason slate with a laughable 0-6 record. Thankfully, none of that will matter once the regular season begins. Before opening night arrives, let's look back at three exciting and two concerning observations from the Heat's (possibly) back-breaking preseason.
Exciting: Norman Powell is a great addition
Even though the Heat weren't very successful as a team this preseason, there were some bright spots. The play of Norman Powell was
certainly one of them. Powell closed the preseason by averaging 16 points on 45 percent shooting from the field and 40 percent shooting from 3-point range.
If nothing else, it does seem as if the Heat will be able to rely on Powell as a strong contributor to the team. And if the worst-case scenario does play out for Miami this year, and they're not very competitive, the Heat will have a strong trade chip to use at the deadline in Powell.
Concerning: Why is Erik Spoelstra so critical of Kel'el Ware?
This is an honest question that I hope we get a clearer answer to at some point in the near future. Why is Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra so critical of Kel'el Ware? I understand he's trying to push him to new heights, and obviously believes in his talent, but it is quite strange that Spo has publicly called him out twice in the matter of a few months.
It's certainly not ideal.
Throughout the preseason, Ware had a strong showing. Whether that will translate to a spot in the starting 5 on opening night remains to be seen. But when
Spo "calls out" Ware, he answers. It's just an odd pattern, one that demands monitoring.
Exciting: Kasparas Jakucionis looks like a steal
The sample size is extremely small, but it's hard for the Heat fan base not to be excited about Kasparas Jakucionis. In the one game he
In that game where he logged 25 minutes, Jakucionis finished with eight points, 10 assists, and two steals. He was just 2-7 from the field overall, but the playmaking prowess was a welcome sight to the Heat, and that has to have this coaching staff fired up about his future development.
The injuries are a true concern, and two of them kept him from truly gaining valuable experience in the preseason, but the raw talent and natural basketball acumen are obvious when watching Jakucionis.
Concerning: The injuries are already piling up
Is it too early to worry about injuries? All throughout the preseason, the Heat battled injury after injury. Even up to the final preseason game, the Heat weren't 100 percent healthy. And that has to be a concern heading into the start of the season.
Tyler Herro will be out to begin the season, and there are questions about Nikola Jovic and Kasparas Jakucionis' availability heading into opening night. Miami could've greatly benefited from the preseason. Instead, it was more about surviving. That's a real shame.
Exciting: Jaime Jaquez Jr. may be ready to bounce back
There's a strong argument to be made that Jaime Jaquez Jr. has been the biggest story for the Heat this preseason. After what many would describe to be a sophomore slump, JJJ has shown some signs of turning his fortune around this season.
In the preseason, he was one of the most consistent players on the roster, averaging 11 points and three assists on 44 percent shooting from the field and 57 percent shooting from 3-point range. If this is the JJJ the Heat are going to get this season, it would certainly be a pleasant surprise.
There are some clear signs of concern for the Heat as the regular season quickly approaches. However, I also believe it's unfair to project how good Miami will be or won't be based on a preseason.
Add in the fact that the Heat never had a true dress rehearsal because of the injuries, and it will be interesting to see how the opening week of the year goes for Miami.
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Broncos Adding Game-Changing Veteran Playmaker Before Facing Giants
The Denver Broncos are getting a boost for their Week 7 game against the
New York Giants, with veteran linebacker Dre Greenlaw coming off injured reserve. After being sidelined with two different quad issues, Greenlaw will make his 2025 debut on Sunday.
The news comes after a series of encouraging signs, providing much-needed confirmation.
Greenlaw should help bolster one of the few consistent weaknesses on the Broncos’ No. 2-ranked scoring and overall defense: coverage.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport first reported on X on October 18 that “the #Broncos are expected to activate standout LB Dre Greenlaw from IR, where he’s been since Week 3 because of a quad injury, sources say.
“A lift for the Denver defense.”
DNVR Sports’ Zac Stevens confirmed on X that “Greenlaw is officially being activated to the Broncos’ 53-man roster and OFF IR, per sources.
“Huge for Dre and the Broncos’ defense.”
The Broncos signed Greenlaw to a three-year, $31.5 million contract in free agency, and they held off on placing him on IR before setbacks forced their hand.
Broncos Coaches Get Real About Dre Greenlaw
GettyFormer San Francisco 49ers LB Dre Greenlaw #57 looks on against the Los Angeles Rams.
Even with Greenlaw set to return, the Broncos are being realistic in their expectations for him after such a long layoff. Broncos head coach
Sean Payton told media members on October 17 that Greenlaw had a “positive” week of work and that “he was able to go and move around.”
on Friday after back-to-back limited sessions to start the week.
Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said Greenlaw will most likely play a reserve role, but noted that “we’ll feel him. Everybody will” when the veteran is on the field.
“Obviously, when you have a good player, it helps you become a better defense. So, schematically, a lot of things don’t change. He’s been a great player for a long time, and that won’t change. So, I’m just looking forward to getting back on the field, helping us win,”
“I think if he returns this week, it’s got to be in a part-time role, maybe. We’ll see, and we’re not sure that’s going to happen this weekend or next. But he’s in good spirits. He’s worked hard, he’s in the right mindset. So, we’ll see how Sunday plays out.”
Even if Greenlaw is limited, his teammates are well aware of the impact he can have on a game.
Dre Greenlaw Changes ‘Vibe’ on Defense
GettyDre Greenlaw #57 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a stop against the
Fellow Broncos LB Levelle Bailey noted Greenlaw was “flying around” and “looked good” in practice this week. His return also provided an emotional boost.
“He brought the energy back in the room,” Bailey said, per The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson on October 18. “You can just tell the vibe is just different on the defense when he’s out flying around & the..leadership he brings to the table”
Greenlaw has been a mentor for Bailey, an undrafted free agent in 2024.
Bailey has one appearance in 2025. Justin Strnad has joined Alex Singleton in the starting lineup in Greenlaw’s absence, with rookie UDAF Karene Reid playing behind them.
“He always talks to me about getting my pad level down..and things like that,” Bailey said, per Tomasson. “In the meeting room, he pulls me aside. We usually watch extra film after meetings and he shows me little pointers.”
Sunday is Greenlaw’s first opportunity to back up the hype around his joining the Broncos.
