2016-17 Marks New Chapter For Miami Heat Organization, Players

After an interesting offseason, it is clear to see that this year will mark the beginning of a new chapter for the Miami Heat organization. However, it also means a fresh start for some players.

After losing Dwyane Wade, the Miami Heat will never be the same.

Even if the organization can continue to succeed without him. Even if an equally talented figure one day becomes the new face of the franchise. For 13 years, the Heat were synonymous with Wade. And now, that is no longer the case. That era is officially over.

(Unless he comes back…)

So now, Miami must begin a new chapter of their life. A transition period. A rebuilding phase.

However, it is not just the organization as a whole, getting a fresh start. 2016-17 marks significant changes for a handful of guys on the roster, too.

Take Hassan Whiteside for instance. With this upcoming season being only his second full year in South Beach, the center went from a player no one knew, to one of the best big men in the league. Having come aboard as somewhat of an immature player, seething resentment from being overlooked for over four years, Whiteside now holds the title of leader.

More from All U Can Heat

At 27, Whiteside still has a ways to go before falling into the category of veteran. But with the Heat housing such a young team, he is certainly now going to looked at as a mentor. Alongside guys like Goran Dragic and Udonis Haslem, of course.

"“He understands there’s a lot of different things that impact winning,” head coach Erik Spoelstra said about his superstar."

It is almost hard to believe just how much Whiteside has grown mentally, and in such a short amount of time to boot. And with 20 points, 13 rebounds and 3 blocks in 23 minutes under his belt via the team’s first preseason game, Whiteside is fitting into his new role rather nicely.

Then there is Dion Waiters, a guy Heat Nation sat split on when his decision to join Miami was first announced. While some made jokes along the lines of trading in one DW for second-rate version, others were excited to see what he could do with the Heat. And despite already showing signs of success via training cramp and the team’s first preseason matchup, the uncertainty among fans seems to continue.

More from Heat News

But regardless of perhaps not entirely selling himself to supporters yet, that certainly is not the case within the organization itself.

"“He’s been great,” said teammate Justise Winslow. We are blocking everything out in the past. Clean slate. He’s been a great leader of this group so far.”"

Waiters, having previously played for the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Oklahoma City Thunder, was the subject of heavy criticism during his time with both teams. From apparently showcasing a bad attitude on and off of the court to being a ball-hog, the media has not necessarily been a friend of the guard’s in the past. But hopefully, that will soon change. And Waiters can turn over a new leaf in South Beach.

"“He’s been [playing selflessly] since the first day of training camp,” Spoelstra said. “I think he’s made a conscious effort to show this team that he can make plays. That doesn’t necessarily have to be scoring, but in space and in transition, where he can be a handful. Because of his ability to attack and get into the paint, we want him to be aggressive. We don’t want him to settle. We want him to really get two feet in the paint as often as he can. For eight straight days, he’s been very unselfish. He’s been consistently finding the open man and making the right play.”"

And that selfless behavior continued on into Monday night, when he finished the evening with 12 points and 8 assists in 22 minutes.

Waiters may never live up to Wade standards, but Miami may embrace their second DW yet.

Must Read: Pre-Season Game Recap: Miami Heat vs Washington Wizards

The Heat franchise may have taken a huge blow with the loss of Wade, but by giving talented players a means to live up to their potential, it is only up from here.

Home/Heat News