NBA Notes: Heat, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Pelicans, Bulls

Heat

The Heat played at the NBA’s fastest pace last season, and there’s a good argument for keeping it that way now that Giannis Antetokounmpo is in Miami.

That was the premise explored by NBA on SI, which noted that Miami’s roster is built with plenty of athletes around Antetokounmpo, including Davion Mitchell, Andrew Wiggins and Bam Adebayo.

Antetokounmpo’s ability to grab a rebound and immediately start the break also gives Miami another way to play fast without requiring him to sprint ahead of everyone every possession.

The Heat already showed some of that pace in their preseason game against Toronto, and the idea makes sense on paper.

If you have Giannis, slowing everything down probably shouldn’t be Plan A.

Pelicans

The Pelicans have a new coach in Jamahl Mosley. The questions about how their pieces fit together apparently remain.

New Orleans’ starting group of Dejounte Murray, Herb Jones, Trey Murphy, Zion Williamson and Yves Missi struggled badly early in a 116-110 preseason win over Oklahoma City, as NBA on SI detailed.

The concerns were familiar: Spacing, offensive organization and defense. Williamson was efficient, scoring 11 points on 4-of-6 shooting, but the starters combined to shoot just 14-of-38.

The Pelicans eventually rallied behind their reserves, but much of that comeback came against Oklahoma City’s deeper bench.

It’s preseason, so there’s no reason to panic. Still, changing coaches doesn’t automatically change roster construction.

Bulls

Two Bulls rookies made encouraging first impressions Wednesday.

Dailyn Swain bounced back from a rough opening stint to finish with 10 points, six assists, two rebounds and two steals while shooting 3-of-3 from the field.

“He just has to be aggressive and drive the ball,” coach Tiago Splitter said, via NBA on SI. “He can do it. We have seen it in practice.”

Tobe Awaka was even more productive, finishing with 14 points and 11 rebounds, including six on the offensive glass.

“It’s a combination of strength and willpower,” Splitter said. “That guy is going for every rebound.”

Neither rookie is guaranteed a major role when the regular season begins. But preseason is partly about getting noticed, and both accomplished that much.