LeBron's decision changed the East, but I think the team that benefited the most (outside of Philly) is Miami.
Heat Nation, let me know if you agree.
Miami is entering a completely new era. This team will need time to build chemistry, establish roles, and develop its own identity, but the foundation is incredibly exciting.
**Regular season:**
I'm not going to overreact to regular-season results. There will be growing pains.
Defensively... this team could be terrifying.
Giannis. Bam. Wiggins. Davion.
The versatility is ridiculous. Bigs that can switch onto wings, elite athleticism, and Spo running the defense? That's going to cause problems.
The current core of Bam, Giannis, Wiggins, Davion, Portis, Tim Hardaway Jr., Jović, and Larsson gives Miami plenty to work with, and you know Pat Riley isn't finished yet.
The biggest need? Three guards who can handle the ball and knock down shots. Think reliable George Hill-type players.
Even with a slow start, I still see this team finishing as a top-6 seed if the roster comes together.
**Playoffs:**
Don't let the seed fool you.
A healthy Giannis is one of the most dominant playoff performers in basketball. Bam has become one of the league's best interior defenders. Together they'll create constant pressure.
The biggest question is offense.
Can Wiggins become the 3rd option? After shooting a career-high 41% from three last season, the arrow is pointing up. Davion also shot 39.5% from deep and should get plenty of open looks playing alongside Giannis and Bam.
Then there's the X-factor. Does Larsson break out? Jović? Someone else?
Defensively, this team has everything you want in the postseason: length, athleticism, versatility, and discipline.
Two things determine playoff success: health and coaching.
If Giannis is healthy, Miami has a chance against anyone.
And with Erik Spoelstra on the sidelines, you know they'll have a game plan every series.
**Summary:**
• Roster isn't finished, so final judgment can wait.
• Expect some regular-season growing pains.
• If healthy, this team has championship-level upside.
**Ceiling:** 🏆 NBA Champions
**Floor:** 2nd-round exit
What do you think, Heat Nation?
Giannis Antetokounmpo gets his first look at the Heat locker room, checks out his new jersey, speaks with Erik Spoelstra, and says it’s “something I’ll have to get used to.” 🔥
(Via @MiamiHEAT)
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard, Jaylen Brown, LaMelo Ball, Ja Morant, Julius Randle, Tyler Herro, Brandon Ingram, Miles Bridges, Naz Reid, Nic Claxton, + more have all been traded this offseason
It’s only July 1st. 🤯
PAT RILEY GOT IT DONE.
through all the criticism and hate, he stuck to his guns and HE. GOT. IT. DONE.
Slander free for the rest of his days. It’s official.
HE. GOT. IT. DONE.