Taking a look at the Miami Heat’s 2017-18 media day

On Monday, September 25, the Miami Heat started off their 2017-18 campaign with Media Day.

NBA basketball is back.

Well, almost.

Although preseason does not start until September 30 (the first game of the year tipping off October 17), training camps begin this week. With media day as the first order of business.

The Miami Heat held theirs on Monday, September 25, along with a slew of other teams. And it certainly set the tone for the season ahead.

For starters, head coach Erik Spoelstra took some time to speak to the media about ending 2016-17 off on a 30-11 run, the new guys, and of course, Dwyane Wade. As much as he could, anyways.

Spoelstra first addressed the doubt over the Heat continuing to play like they did the second half of the year.

"“Which team was it? 11-30 [the first half record]? 30-11 [the second half record]. Somewhere in between? Who knows. You know how I feel about this team. Ultimately, you have to compete for it. Our guys are crazy enough to think we’re good enough to get the job done.”"

He also alluded to the fact that he is glad the majority of the guys got to return.

"“We have the sixth-most guys coming back. That is continuity we feel means something. It doesn’t guarantee we will play the way we were at the end of last year. It does allow me to prepare for this training camp in a different way than last year. It will be more of a practice setting than a training camp install for the majority of the team. Hopefully, there will be some element of picking up where we left off last year.”"

But he made sure to talk a bit about rookie Bam Adebayo too.

"“He has a lot of Miami Heat qualities that we like… He’s tough, competitor, a winner, a great teammate. He has freakish athleticism. A desire and work ethic to match all that. He did a lot of things that surprised us a little this summer. We were pleasant encouraged [by his ball handling].”"

And Kelly Olynyk.

"“We couldn’t stop him, he made us look silly. He had us run around in circles for years. When guys play really well against us and give us problems, we want to get those guys… Supremely skilled. A former guard growing up. He plays the game unselfishly, likes to make the game easier for other players and fits with our personnel.”"

Then he touched upon Wade, which naturally was a hot topic of the day.

"“Everybody knows how I feel about Dwyane, what my relationship is with Dwyane. I love Dwyane. He’s a brother of mine, a brother to all of this organization.”"

A brother to captain Udonis Haslem, certainly.

"“If I were to talk to him, I would say, I would love to have you in Miami. I would love to finish my career with you. I would love to have you help me mold this young group of promising young men that has a chance to take the Heat culture to the next level.”"

Even Goran Dragic, who without a doubt played better once Wade left for the Chicago Bulls, spoke about wanting him back.

"“Of course we’re going to respect his decision, but every team wants to have a Hall of Famer and All-Star player on their team. So hopefully, he’s going to come back home. This is home.”"

Hassan Whiteside, not to be outdone, kept his feelings short and sweet.

Other media day highlights include Haslem hanging upside down:

James Johnson looking more fit than ever…

And Goran Dragic finally being treated like the superstar he is.

Next: Miami Heat among Dwyane Wade's top suitors after buyout

Another Miami Heat media day is in the books. Up next, adventures from training camp.