The Miami Heat had a disappointing year last season, as they were unable to capitalize on their NBA Finals appearance in 2020. They went from Eastern Conference Champions to being swept in the first round by the eventual NBA Champions, the Milwaukee Bucks. Miami paid dearly for its choice to make minor moves rather than improving its roster. Instead, the team’s brass felt it was best to keep financial flexibility for Giannis Antetokoumpo. Unfortunately, those plans failed once Antetokoumpo agreed to a super-max extension with Milwaukee.
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Offseason Recap
This past offseason, the Heat did not make the same mistake as they did prior to the 2020-2021 season. Once the NBA Free Agency period opened, Miami immediately acquired Kyle Lowry through a sign-and-trade deal with the Toronto Raptors. In the deal, Miami sent Goran Dragic and Precious Achiuwa to Toronto. After signing Lowry, Miami added P.J. Tucker and Markieff Morris to address the power forward positions. Most importantly, they were able to keep Duncan Robinson and Victor Oladipo.
The Starting Five
PG- Kyle Lowry
SG- Jimmy Butler
SF- Duncan Robinson
PF- P.J. Tucker
C- Bam Adebayo
Unlike in previous years, the Heat now have a guard in Lowry that can really defend. His spacing will also help Butler and Adebayo attack the paint more. Robinson, who is a stellar shooter, will also help in that regard. Tucker adds toughness at the power forward spot. It’s an element that has been missed at the position since Jae Crowder left. After his three-point shooting declined last season, Miami hopes he’ll bounce back in that area this season. Expect the Heat to have a tough lineup with four defensive-minded players.
The Bench
The bench is where it really gets interesting. With Oladipo out, the second team will likely include Gabe Vincent, Tyler Herro, Max Strus, Markieff Morris, and Dewayne Dedmon. Currently, the team has two unproven players in Vincent and Strus. That leaves a lot of pressure on the proven players like Herro, Morris, and Dedmon. If Strus can carry his summer league performance into the season, then that will certainly help. If not, that will put a lot of pressure on Herro to carry the load, especially until Oladipo returns.
Possible Moves
Right now, the Heat are very limited in the moves they can make. After many signings and extensions, Miami can only trade three players on its roster. The team’s trade flexibility won’t open until December or January. If Bradley Beal asks out of Washington, it’s possible that Miami would package anyone outside of Lowry, Butler, and Adebayo for him.
However, there’s no indication that Beal wants to be moved. Another thing working against the team is the owner’s willingness to go into luxury-tax territory. Currently, Miami has a set 14-man roster and doesn’t want to go over the luxury tax to sign the 15th man. It’s likely that the Heat will wait until the end of the season to address the last roster spot, in an effort to avoid the tax.
Season Outlook
It’s no question that the Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets are the top two teams in the Eastern Conference. After that though, the case for Miami being the third-best team in the conference can be made. The Heat are going to be elite defensively with the tough players they have on the roster. Adebayo is improving every season and Butler is still one of the most impatful players in the league. Let’s not forget about Erik Spoelstra, who is still one of the best coaches in the NBA.
Season Prediction: 52-30 and Win the Southeast Division
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