Miami Heat Preseason Grades Through 3 Games: Norman Powell Leads Charge

Miami Heat basketball is finally back. Though it is only preseason, there is nothing better than watching a Heat game. The preseason is a time for players to get warmed up for the season. It is not always predictive of how a season will go for a player. With this said, lets grade some players performances through the first 3 games.

Norman Powell - Grade: A

Norman Powell had a slow game in the first contest with just 5 points on 2/6 shooting, and he had 2 turnovers. Since this game Powell has been nothing but perfect. In the past two games he has scored 18 points in each game shooting 6/12 and 6/13 respectively. He has been exactly what the Heat hoped for when they traded for him on July 7th.

Kel'el Ware - Grade: B

Kel’el Ware has improved with every game so far, with the last game being a dominant game outperforming Victor Wembanyama with a stat line of 29 points and 12 rebounds on 12/19 shooting. Ware has all the talent necessary to be an All-Star level player, his issue is consistency. Even though he earns a good grade, the motor still needs to be worked on. It is early in the NBA year, so I am not going to be too harsh. Oh, and here is an excuse to watch the beautiful block on Wembanyama again, you’re welcome.

BEWARE 🖐️ pic.twitter.com/qAqprQghSz
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) October 9, 2025

Nikola Jovic - Grade: A

Nikola Jovic turned heads when playing international basketball for Serbia this year and that has not stopped in the preseason. He has shown impressive improvement in his game over the course of his career, and this year seems to be another step. Jovic’s best game was against the Bucks when he finished with 9 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assist, and 2 steals. The best part of his game this preseason is how it has been seamless. He fits in with any lineup, as he is unselfish not only with the ball but also his role on the court. Jovic will do whatever the team asks him and considering the injury issues for the Heat, his willingness to adapt will be an asset. Not to spoil any of my hot takes coming later but look out for Jovic when its time to vote for Most Improved Player.

Bam Adebayo - Grade: C-

There is no sugarcoating it, Bam has not lived up to expectations so far. Similar to what I said about Ware getting a pass due to it being preseason, Bam gets the same pass. That does not mean we ignore everything, we still need to talk about it. It is a common occurrence that Bam will start seasons slow offensively and this preseason is no different. Bam has struggled from the field mightily, shooting 0/5, 1/3, and 4/10 respectively. The Heat simply can’t afford that from their best player. Yes, Bam typically makes up more than enough of his shooting woes with his defense. But when the Heat are missing Herro and need someone else to step up offensively, Bam has to be that guy. Don’t panic yet, its only 3 games into the preseason. There is plenty of time for Bam to return to being the 3x All-Star level player that he is.

The Miami Heat return to the court on 10/12 against the Orlando Magic.

The next five weeks for the Denver Broncos is a ‘trap game’

I’m sure everyone has a different definition of what a ‘trap game’ is, but for me it comes down to one factor: do I think the Broncos should win this game with ease? If the answer is yes, then its a dang ‘trap game’ for me. I know others look ahead to the next week and I get that. I’m just looking ahead go the game six weeks from now when the Kansas City Chiefs come to town.

Look at this schedule and let’s examine if any of these opponents should give Denver problems. Hear me out before roasting me in the comments section.

vs. New York Jets

The team is 0-5. Denver should win. If they lose, then they trapped themselves.

vs. New York Giants

Sure, they have a few rookies that are invigorating the fanbase over there. But let’s be real, the Broncos defense should dominate this game. If they lose at home, then they trapped themselves.

vs. Dallas Cowboys

This one I might not quantify as a trap game. It’ll depend on if Dak Prescott keeps playing at the elite level he has been over the last few weeks. Denver is at home, though, so they should win. Probably not a ‘trap game’ really.

at Houston Texans

Before the season, I would have rated the Texans much more highly. However, they look quite bad to start the season and the defense is especially suspect. It’s on the road, though, so maybe not quite a ‘trap game’ either. However, Denver should win this game too.

vs. Las Vegas Raiders

This team stinks. Absolutely a ‘trap game’ if the Broncos choke here at home against the woeful silver and black.

Scotty, yesterday, said the Broncos could get on a bit of a run

. I agree they could and should, but I honestly hate this stretch of games. The Broncos in recent history have played up or down to their opponents and often stumbled in games “they should win”. Until that changes, I’m going to be a nervous wreck and I stand by my assertion that the next five weeks is one giant ‘trap game’ for these Denver Broncos.

If they take care of business, then we’re talking about a whole new era in full swing in the Mile High City. I’m trying not to FOMO over that thought.

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