It's only two preseason games. That's the universal retort from just about every level of the Miami Heat operation - from team president Pat Riley at the top to the last man on the training camp roster.
No need to panic. No cause for legitimate concern. No reason to jump ship. And it's absolutely too soon to reconsider the matters of depth (or lack thereof) at point guard, Beasley's comfort zone (or lack thereof) so far at small forward or any other matter that has hit the Heat already.
It's only two preseason games. That's the message. And while that is a reasonable response to the nagging little issues, it is unreasonable to simply dismiss these pesky little problems that could develop into a pattern and eventually lead to major concerns.
An 0-2 start in the preseason is hardly reason enough to abandon any long-term plans and declare AmericanAirlines Arena a potential disaster area this season. But if you're starting to sweat as a Heat fan and your patience is growing a little thin already, that early onset anxiety is a bit understandable.
You were told all throughout the offseason that this team was working hard. You were told that there was a grand plan in place and to be patient this season. You were told that there would be significant internal improvement with a roster that returned largely intact from last season's first-round playoff run. You were told going into training camp that guys were shattering conditioning tests, that chemistry and continuity would equate to a hitting of the ground running, that this team would prove a lot of doubters wrong.
While all of those things could easily turn out to be true, what you've seen after two preseason test runs is that the concerns many had at the end of last season are still legitimate going into this season.
Make no mistake. This is a playoff team with playoff expectations and even loftier ambitions. Dwyane Wade's presence alone dictates that much.
But point guard play is going to be an issue. Beasley's development is going to be a lengthy work in progress. Wade's patience is going to be extensively tested. The bodies of Jermaine O'Neal and Daequan Cook and Dorell Wright may continue to be fragile. As Wade said the other day, a lot has to go right for this team to be good this season.
But if there is good news already, it might be in the fact that this team will face adversity early. It already is facing some this preseason. That's why this seven-game stretch of exhibitions can't simply be dismissed as "only preseason games" by this team or its fanbase.
No, these games don't count in the standings. But they will go a long way in determining where a lot of people stand. There's a really, really, really good chance for significant progress as the month rolls along.
There is no prosperity to be gained in the preseason. But there should be promise. Coach Erik Spoelstra said what we've seen over these two preseason games is not indicative of what took place behind closed doors during training camp. But now the lights are on. The doors are open.
And so is the public preseason inspection. It's no longer about what you heard during the offseason. It's now about what you see. Yes, patience is required. But performance does matter. Even in the preseason. Even after only two games.
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