3 things Miami Heat fans can look forward to in 2018
By Ivan Mora
Despite the injury bug and lineup changes the Miami Heat are constantly facing, there is a glimmer of hope at the end of the tunnel.
The Miami Heat made a solid run to end 2017, and so far are on the right track for 2018.
However, fans still need more from the team, especially with the starters in and out of the lineup. Sitting seventh in the Eastern Conference, Miami can make a jump if they manage to maintain this momentum they are riding. So, here are three things Heat fans can get excited about looking forward to, in 2018.
Kelly Olynyk’s Versatility And Improvement
When president Pat Riley decided to enter the Kelly Olynyk sweepstakes, truth be told there weren’t many suitors. Which had many Heat fans feeling skeptical if this type of player would fit the Heat culture. More than anything, they wondered if he wouldn’t just be a disruptive distraction for the team and destroy their already developed chemistry.
And while it took some time, Olynyk finally got his shot at a spotlight, and he most certainly did not disappoint. In fact, he is slowly evolving into the exact type of player that Miami needs at that position.
Role Players Stepping up
This season Dion Waiters, Goran Dragic, Hassan Whiteside, Justise Winslow, and James Johnson have all missed playing time. And when the going got tough, Miami’s role players all stepped up significantly.
Tyler Johnson improved to averaging 14.1 points and 4.8 rebounds over ten plus games, while Whiteside was sidelined. Wayne Ellington has also surprised with his remarkable accuracy behind-the-arc, hitting at a 39.5 percent. This combination has shined in the starters absence, as they have held their own and have built chemistry in their position.
Rodney McGruder Coming Back
Let’s face it, everyone misses Rodney McGruder. But the good news is, he might be back sooner than later.
He went down in the offseason with a stress fracture in his left tibia, with a return timeframe of three to six months.
Even if he does have to undergo the full six months of recovery, that puts him looking at an April return, just in time for the playoffs. That’s exciting news, considering the injury-plagued season Miami has had. It also helps that he’s a perfect two-way combo guard, that has an extensive wingspan with ability to defend and frustrate both guards and forwards.
He’s also versatile and can play with both Dragic and Waiters at the three, or kick it off with Dragic and have Johnson, Winslow or Olynyk in the front court.
Next: 5 takeaways from the Miami Heat's victory over the Detroit Pistons
Fingers crossed for a good year for the Heat.