FILE –: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat reacts during the third quarter of Game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics on May 21, 2023 at Caseya Center in Miami, Florida. and Bam Adebayo #13. Megan Briggs/Getty Images/AFP
miami heat
Last season: They lost to Boston in the first round of the playoffs, 46-36.
coach: Erik Spoelstra (17th season, 750-527).
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Season opener: Oct. 23 vs. Orlando.
departure: F Caleb Martin, G Patty Mills, G Delon Wright, F Orlando Robinson.
addition:G Alec Burks, C Kel-El Ware, G Josh Christopher, F Nasir Little.
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BetMGM Championship Odds: 50-1.
what to expect
The Heat return almost the same team as last year. At that time, they needed another play-in tournament to make the playoffs, but the Celtics lost to Boston on their way out (Jimmy Butler missed the game due to injury). NBA title.
Read: NBA: Rookie heroes gather as Heat gather for media day as Butler arrives late
Bam Adebayo was part of and captains the squad that won gold at the Paris Olympics, but the Heat’s hopes of how far they can go still rest on health, and primarily on Butler. It could be a win-win if he stays motivated in what could be the final year of his contract. Otherwise, it could be a long season.
Advantages and disadvantages
The good: Adebayo is one of the best defensive players in the game, and the Heat are rightly touting him as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, but his stock only went up in Paris. He also added a 3-point shot to his arsenal. . Spoelstra is generally considered the best coach in the game, and Butler has accumulated many game-taking moments during his time at Miami. When healthy, Duncan Robinson and Tyler Herro should be able to provide much of the shooting needed. And second-year forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. is ready to take on a bigger role.
Read: NBA: Pat Riley says Miami Heat aren’t sure about Jimmy Butler’s contract extension
The not-so-good part: No one, not even the Heat, knows what will actually happen with the Heat. Last season, the team acquired Terry Rozier in a trade, but lost him to a neck injury before the stretch run, sidelined him in the playoffs and prevented him from playing 5-on-5 for several months. Injuries seem to always be an issue for Miami, and if a player is sidelined for an extended period of time, things could quickly get rough for the Heat. And the question about Butler’s future – will he stay or go? — Support the team throughout the season.
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Featured players
I added Barks and Little Figures to give it some depth. Herro says this season is all about business, and Miami desperately needs his scoring ability. Kevin Love remains valued by the Heat for his stint on the court and his leadership off the court. Summer League scouts raved about draft pick Kelel Ware and his performance, but this season is really all about Butler and Adebayo. For Miami to have a chance to be great again, they have to be great.
