Miami Heat: Season Preview

Published 09/30/2017, 12:39 PM EDT

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Miami Heat is truly a one of a kind organisation in today’s NBA. Somehow, they’ve always been able to bring out the best out of every player. As a team, Heat is much more than the sum of its parts.

Their 41-41 record last season doesn’t tell half the story. They started the season on the wrong note, going 11-30 in the first half before winning 30 of their last 41 games. That Cinderella run also included a 13 game winning spree, unmatched by any other team.

via Imago

Injury issues aside, they have no fault in their stars. Dion Waiters played his best basketball last season, averaging 15 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists while shooting damn near 40% from three point range. That was right up until he suffered an ankle injury, which he hasn’t recovered from yet.

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via Imago

But last season was anything but the whole “Dion Waiters” show. At the most, it was a trailer, nay teaser! Waiters needs to stay healthy for 60+ games at least this season, in order to escalate his game to the all star level.

via Imago

Speaking of all star potential, Heat PG Goran Dragic will be looking forward to this season. He just got named the EuroBasket 2017 MVP where Slovenia shocked the world by winning the continental championship for the first time ever. He’s in the twilight of his career at 31 years old. The upcoming season might be the most important season of Dragic’s career.

And of course when we are talking about the Miami Heat, how can we not talk about Hassan Whiteside. The 7 footer had his best season last year averaging a double-double with 17 points and 14 rebounds, statistically his best season so far. He’ll also have help from Kelly Olynyk this season in the front-court.

USA Today via Reuters

No Half Measures

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Miami Heat is pretty low on talent. So the onus will always be on the core of Dragic, Waiters, Whiteside with contributions expected from Tyler Johnson, James Johnson and Justise Winslow. Despite the dearth of talent, they have a legit shot at making the playoffs this year, not just the 8th seed.

Head Coach Erik Spoelstra knows how to win games. It’s pretty clear from last season that tanking is not something you do on Pat Riley’s territory. So they’ll be going all in right from the get go, like a dog want a bone.

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One of the most exciting teams in NBA currently, watch out for them.

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Written by:

Piyush Vats

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Die Hard Basketball fan from India. Loves everything sports! Peace.
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