As the start of the NBA season is fast approaching, the Miami Heat have their sights set on another deep playoff run.
The Heat are coming off an impressive campaign that saw them miss the NBA Finals in a painful Game 7 loss to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals (4-3).
Miami had the chance to win the game, but Jimmy Butler missed a crucial three-pointer and the Celtics escaped from FTX Arena with a big victory.
This year, the Miami Heat aim for nothing less than a return to the NBA Finals and look perfectly capable of doing so. Led by Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler, the franchise has its sight set on the championship.
Udonis Haslem returned to the team for one final season and his presence will be vital, especially in the locker room. Tyler Herro eventually signed his contract extension and the Heat are expecting him to take over this season.
The playing condition and physical shape of Kyle Lowry will also be key, as Miami wants the veteran guard to play at the high standards he played in the Toronto Raptors’ 2019 championship run.
Max Strus, Victor Oladipo and Duncan Robinson will have a crucial role as well coming off the bench and Erik Spoelstra’s roster looks deep at the moment, despite the departure of defensive specialist PJ Tucker, who joined the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Heat are still searching for his replacement and have been linked to Jae Crowder, who could leave the Phoenix Suns as early as the season opener (October 18). His signing would be the perfect replacement for Tucker.
Overall, the Miami Heat tip off the season as one of the favorites to come out of the East and reach the NBA Finals. They have a deep and talented roster and can go all the way if they remain healthy and have a lot of players in top condition.
In their season opener, the Miami Heat will host the Chicago Bulls at FTX Arena this Wednesday, October 19.
