NFL
By: Edwin Duodu
During the start of NBA free agency, it was rumored that the Miami Heat would be very much active. It’s a big dropoff from reaching the NBA finals during the 2020 season, to getting swept in the first round against the eventual champions, the Milwaukee Bucks. That all is in the past, and the Heat look set to make another major push for the title this season, despite a stacked Eastern Conference. The multiple players they’ve added so far demonstrate just who the Heat are and what “Heat culture” really means. Let’s analyze how the team is shaping up to be a threat in the next upcoming season.
Defense, Defense, Defense
If you watch the Heat play basketball, you would know that this team’s success is predicated on how hard and feisty the players on the roster are willing to get. Miami tends to try and wear teams down and play at their offensive pace. The major move this offseason includes signing Kyle Lowry to a three-year, $90 million contract.
Lowry has been the heart and soul of the Toronto Raptors throughout the past nine years. He adds toughness at the point guard position, good defensive capabilities, and veteran game knowledge. The Heat also took measures to sign P.J. Tucker on a two-year deal and add Markieff Morris. Both look to offer defensive versatility, which is a luxury that Miami has utilized in the past.
It’s evident in their recent moves to acquire Andre Iguodala, Trevor Ariza, and Jae Crowder. Unfortunately, Pat Riley wasn’t able to adequately replace Crowder after his crucial contribution to a finals appearance two years ago, but adding Tucker and Morris should solve that issue. Last but not least, resigning Victor Oladipo to a one-year league minimum was a brilliant decision. Once again, an excellent two-way guard who can give the team quality minutes off the bench if he somehow manages to stay healthy. Expect this team to be one of the best defenses in the NBA next season.
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Shot Making
Part of the issue last season for the Heat came on the offensive end. Miami ranked 25th in the NBA in points per game. Jimmy Butler was the main focal point of the offense, and it was evident that he overexerted himself at times. The dynamic of the offense should change with Kyle Lowry coming into the fold. He’s an upgrade at the point guard position and fills a lack of creativity that the Heat has needed for some time. His presence will allow Butler to run off the ball more, giving him more chances to assert himself offensively.
Lowry is an above-average scorer himself, which should give the Heat a different element. P.J. Tucker and Markieff Morris won’t provide much offensively, but the addition of Oladipo should offer a significant presence off the bench. Considering that Goran Dragic and Kendrick Nunn are no longer with the team, the combination of Victor Oladipo and Tyler Herro is suddenly critical. Make no mistake about it. This team now has multiple guys who can hit big shots and improve on the team’s low-ranked offense.
Team Depth
Heading into the next season, this team still possesses a considerable amount of depth. However, it may not be as deep as it once was two seasons ago. That is because of the departures of Goran Dragic and Kendrick Nunn. Dragic has been a consistent performer and contributor since joining the team via a trade from the Phoenix Suns in 2015. He was also a major part of the 2020 postseason.
Kendrick Nunn is a bit of a wild card. He was selected first-team All-Rookie after a phenomenal rookie season. However, he wasn’t able to properly assert himself in the bubble and disappeared at times on the court. Nunn still was a savior for the Heat when they were stagnant offensively and needed someone to step up.
Although not a major loss, his game may be missed if neither Oladipo nor Herro pan out off the bench. Outside of those players, the bench unit is somewhat unproven. Either way, there should be more opportunities for players to contribute.
