NBA Basketball is almost here! Training camp is set to begin throughout the league on Tuesday. The Miami Heat will be back at the FTX Arena for the first time since May 29 when they were swept by the Milwaukee Bucks. Since then, the Heat have made changes to their roster to strengthen their chances at an NBA title. However, there are lingering questions surrounding this team. So let’s jump right into it.
Will Kyle Lowry Fit with The Heat’s Two Stars?
This is probably the biggest question surrounding the team. Miami will go only as far as their new trio takes them. Kyle Lowry‘s fit looks like it will work quite well, though. He will help take some of the ball-handling and playmaking responsibilities off of Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler. Lowry’s three-point shooting will help create additional spacing for the two stars, and his pick-and-roll game with Adebayo and Butler should be interesting. On the other end of the floor, Lowry will help thanks to his on-ball defense. That’s certainly been an issue for the Heat for the past few seasons.
What Will Bam Adebayo Add to his Offensive Game?
Last season, Bam showed improvement in his mid-range jumper by shooting 42.4 percent. However, he still needs to add more to his game. Despite the improvement, the Bucks dared him to shoot it by packing the paint. Without Bam being a threat from there, it made it more difficult for Butler to attack the paint. Other areas of his game that need improvement are the three-point shooting and post-up situations. Adebayo finished last season shooting 2-for-8 from three-point range. We’ll see how much improvement he has made soon enough.
Is Tyler Herro Ready to Make the Leap?
Throughout the offseason, there were rumors of Tyler Herro likely being traded prior to the season. The team certainly tried, in hopes of landing another star but was ultimately unable to put together an attractive package. Part of the reason was due to Herro’s up-and-down season during his sophomore campaign. Herro began the season as a starter before being moved to the bench, where the 21-year-old is again expected to begin the season. Miami hopes the extended offseason will benefit Herro’s development. In recent social media pictures, Herro looks to have bulked up since last year.
Has the Power Forward Position Been Addressed?
This position has been a question since Jae Crowder‘s departure from the team. Miami has been searching for a forward that can space the floor and defend alongside Adebayo. This offseason, Miami brought in Markieff Morris and P.J. Tucker. Tucker is expected to start alongside Bam, while Morris will receive extended minutes as a reserve. The hope is that both players can provide enough spacing with Adebayo. Last season was a struggle for the Heat’s new players: Both shot in the low 30 percent range from three-point distance.
When Will Victor Oladipo Be Available?
After undergoing surgery to repair the quadriceps tendon in his right knee, Victor Oladipo is expected to miss the start of the regular season. Oladipo’s surgeon said that it is possible the former All-Star could return in November. Miami hopes so, as well. The addition of a healthy Oladipo will take raise the ceiling of this team. Oladipo could play as the backup point guard alongside Herro. He has also shown the ability to defend at a high level. It’s possible Miami could have the best backup backcourt in the league, particularly if Oladipo returns close to All-Star form.
The Heat start their preseason against the Atlanta Hawks on October 4. They will open the regular season against the Bucks on October 21.
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Main Image Credit: via SikMik
