Heat still adjusting

Here we are 10 games into the season. A loss to the Raptors - previously the team with the worst record in the NBA - might send some into shock. Or make the bandwagon sputter a little bit.

Truth be told, this is a good thing for the Heat.

Coming into yesterday's game, the Heat had won 4 straight and just beat Philadelphia at home. They moved into first place atop the Southeastern division at 6-3. Things were looking good. Too good. No Shaq? No problem. JWill goes down with a knee bruise? Oh, we'll just make a minor change to the roster - welcome aboard Mr. Fitch, see you around Mr. Walsh - and things will be fine.

Not quite.

30 points in the 2nd quarter for the Raptors? 40 more in the 4th quarter?

The Heat are far from fine - and this is good. Dwyane Wade is playing like he is supposed to - trying to carry the load for the missing Diesel. He also seems to have enough humility to know what Kobe did not, that he cannot carry this team deep into the playoffs without the Big Sprain.

The supporting cast of this Heat team, the Paytons and Walkers of the bunch in particular, know this as well. So everyone is on the same page - win as much as you can right now and even still expect to win, but realize that this team is far from complete at this point. From the roster to the play on the court, there are still some elements missing.

Losing to the Raptors was good in that it will grant the Heat the proper perspective it needs to remain focused on its goal. They need Shaq. They need Jason Williams. And they need to listen more closely to Stan Van Gundy and the rest of the coaching staff. This team isn't ready.

At least, not yet.