The Miami Heat may have taken some losses during the offseason, but do not count them out just yet.
The Miami Heat are three preseason games away from the start of their 2016-17 run. On October 26, the squad will hit the road to take on the Orlando Magic, officially leaving behind their tumultuous summer.
And while Heat Nation may be holding its breath, terrified of what lies ahead, this is the wrong attitude to have.
Because the Heat will be just fine.
Despite falling to sign a whale.
Despite losing Dwyane Wade.
Despite seeing no future with Chris Bosh.
"“Expectations don’t change,” head coach Erik Spoelstra said. “It’s not like we’re sitting around feeling sorry for ourselves or that all a sudden things change and we’re going to lower the bar. That doesn’t happen in this organization. … We’re excited about this challenge. Sometimes the unknown is very inspiring.”"
More from All U Can Heat
- Grade the Trade: Heat grab Trae Young in shocking proposal
- NBA 2K24 Ratings: Takeaways and reactions to Miami Heat player ratings
- 4 Teams that should trade for Tyler Herro
- Miami Heat’s Nikola Jovic gives entire world reason to love him
- 1 Advantage the Heat have over every Southeast Division team
Yes, it would be silly to say that Miami will not struggle at all. But that is always the case when a roster undergoes such a revamp.
Remember 2014-15, when LeBron James went back to the Cleveland Cavaliers? The Heat held on to a majority of the team (including Wade and Bosh) but still failed to make the playoffs. Change brings about a transition period, no matter the circumstances. It is unavoidable, a part of the job.
(And you better believe Wade will deal with the very same thing via the Chicago Bulls.)
Going into preseason, 10 out of the 20 players on Miami’s roster were newbies. Guys who may have enough basketball experience to hold their own on a court, but certainly no understanding of Miami Heat basketball. Guys who (should they make the final cut) will have to learn what the franchise stands for. What the organization is all about. Guys who have no chemistry with one another, nor those who have already found their place in South Beach. Guys who have to write a new chapter for themselves, and help to put together a new one for the Heat as well.
But these awkward periods of transition, they come and go. And once the final team is set. Once everyone finds their rhythm. Miami Heat basketball will begin again.
For the first time in a while, the organization is undergoing a youth movement. Something that should absolutely be looked at as a positive thing. Forget about the inexperience. And the immaturity. Because these guys? These guys have left that all behind.
Justise Winslow, Josh Richardson, Tyler Johnson… There is not an iota of doubt that these guys want to succeed. Both on an individual basis, and as a team. And even more important, that they will not stop at anything to achieve their goals. They have plenty to prove, and will make sure they do just that. For Winslow, that means improving his shot. Richardson has to get back on the court, after experiencing a MCL sprain. Johnson has to live up to his four-year, $50 million contract.
Not to mention the work someone like Dion Waiters or Briante Weber is ready to put in, to be part of such a basketball dynasty.
More from Heat News
- NBA 2K24 Ratings: Takeaways and reactions to Miami Heat player ratings
- Miami Heat’s Nikola Jovic gives entire world reason to love him
- 1 Advantage the Heat have over every Southeast Division team
- Three former first-round picks the Miami Heat should take a chance on
- Former NBA exec says Trail Blazers should take Heat’s Tyler Herro in Damian Lillard trade
People often seem to forget that there was a silver lining to Miami’s summer too. And his name is Hassan Whiteside.
Re-signing the center to a four-year contract was a huge victory for the organization. One that will without a doubt pay off this upcoming season.
Because Whiteside is unlike any other player in the league. Because after being overlooked for the better part of four years, he has the drive to make sure that never happens again. Because he gets triple-doubles with blocks. Because after getting to play alongside NBA greats like Wade and Bosh, he now gets to step into a leadership role of his own.
And of course, there is Goran Dragic. Who may never stop being at the center of #HeatTwitter trade rumors. Who may not have envisioned himself being a part of this team. But who finally has the chance to play the game, his way.
The Heat are projected to run the offense faster than ever before in 2016-17, and that is in large part due to the Slovenian. After having to tone down his quick feet to adapt to Wade’s tempo, Dragic is ready to run.
Good thing he has a young group of guys who can actually keep up with him, eh?
Must Read: Observations from the Heat's preseason win over the Nets
This organization is certainly entering into a new era, but that does not mean they are doomed. Between a group of young, ready guys, a superstar in Whiteside and a lighting-fast offensive powerhouse in Dragic… It seems the 2016-17 Miami Heat will be just fine.