The Miami Heat are off to a good start in the 2011 NBA Playoffs, holding their own in the first round and clawing their way to a tough win over the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of the second round.
Still, the Heat would certainly benefit from an improved supporting cast, especially rugged power forward (and occasional undersized center) Udonis Haslem.
Joseph Goodman of the Miami Herald reports:
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra called leaving forward Udonis Haslem off the team’s active list for Sunday, “one of the more difficult decisions I’ve had to make.”
After missing most of the season with a torn tendon in his left foot, Haslem hoped to play Sunday in Game 1 against the Celtics. Instead, he took his normal position at the end of the Heat’s bench and wore a suit instead of a uniform.
Haslem has participated daily in practices with the Heat since the end of the first round.
While Haslem is physically ready to return, Spoelstra determined the Heat’s co-captain is still a little too rusty. Spoelstra indicated he met with assistants before making the decision.
“Objectively, he is not quite there,” Spoelstra said. “He is making great strides.”
I’d guess that we may see Haslem in action for Game 3 in Boston, which isn’t until Saturday.
