Miami Heat Basketball is finally coming back next month
Miami Heat Basketball is back. Well, sort of.
Heat Nation has a ways to go before they can watch their team ball out again.
Or do they?
After the Miami Heat’s postseason run was cut short with a 4-1 first round exit and with the 2018-19 NBA season not officially starting up again until October, fans have been left high and dry.
The organization doesn’t even have a pick in this year’s draft, making for an even bleaker summer.
However, this offseason is bound to be a busy one for the franchise. Between LeBron James likely becoming a free agent, and various heavy-hitting contracts on the books, it’s a given that president Pat Riley will at least try to make a handful of moves once July 1 rolls around.
The even better news? July also brings about some Miami Heat Basketball.
The team is taking part in the Las Vegas Summer League, scheduled for July 6-17. It will be held at the Thomas & Mack Center, as well as the Cox Pavilion on the University of Las Vegas’ campus. And for the first time ever, all 30 teams will be competing.
In terms of the Heat’s schedule specifically, the team will play three games in the opening round, before being seeded for the tournament.
Miami will tip off its Summer League play on July 7 at 5 PM ET, versus the New Orleans Pelicans. They will then take on the Charlotte Hornets on July 8 at 5 PM ET, with a matchup against the Utah Jazz closing things off on July 10 at 4:30 PM ET. The first two contests will be aired on NBATV, while the third will be via ESPNU.
While the organization has announced that current video coordinator and player development coach Eric Glass will coach the Summer League team, the roster has yet to be set. However, as always, fans should expect a good deal of undrafted talent, alongside the likes of Bam Adebayo.
Adebayo, having just completed his rookie season, had quite a nice Summer League showing last year.
Okaro White, who was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in February, also impressed scouts last summer.
Between ESPN and NBA TV, all 82 Summer League games will be televised.
Before all that however, the Heat will also participate in the Sacramento league, alongside the Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. The team will arrive in California on June 28, to practice for four days before competing July 2-5.
Next: Miami Heat Roundtable: It's all about LeBron James
Who’s ready for the return of Miami Heat Basketball?