NBA Notes: Wizards, Cam Whitmore, Hornets, Miles Bridges, Heat

Wizards

Cam Whitmore’s move to the bench stems from poor practice habits, according to Grant Afseth of RG.

Coach Brian Keefe hinted over the weekend that Whitmore wasn’t meeting “certain standards,” stopping short of specifics but making it clear the expectations aren’t negotiable.

The Wizards hoped Whitmore would turn the corner after acquiring him from Houston, yet his production mirrors his first two seasons. He’s averaging 9.2 points and 2.8 rebounds in 16.9 minutes and shooting just 28.6 percent from three.

Rookie Will Riley has picked up Whitmore’s minutes and energy, averaging 11.7 points over his last three games while giving Keefe the kind of effort the staff wants.

The door isn’t closed on Whitmore, but the organization is evaluating all its young players on daily habits and long-term commitment. He’ll need to show progress before reclaiming a meaningful role.

Hornets

A five-day break arrives at the right time for the injury-riddled Hornets, who were down to 11 available players in Sunday’s loss to Denver. LaMelo Ball, Collin Sexton, Tre Mann and Moussa Diabate remained out, while Grant Williams and Josh Green have yet to play this season.

“It’s going to be great for us,” Miles Bridges said, via Roderick Boone of 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.”

Charlotte sits in the thick of a tough early-season stretch, and getting even half that group back would stabilize the rotation.

Heat

Miami’s fast-paced makeover has hit its first real counterpunch. After racing out to a strong start behind an up-tempo offense that minimized pick-and-rolls, the Heat have dropped three straight as teams begin adjusting to the new look.

“It was not one of our finer games, but we’ll regroup,” coach Erik Spoelstra said after Saturday’s loss to Sacramento. “We need to fine-tune some things and get ready for Tuesday.”

The Heat still lead the league in pace at 105.4 possessions per 48 minutes, but recent opponents have dragged games into the mud. Five of Miami’s last seven contests rank among their slowest of the season.

“We kind of surprised everybody with the pace,” Norman Powell said. “Now they’re ready for it.”