Miami Heat: Despite shaky 2017-18 run, the culture lives on
This current Miami Heat team drips culture.
There’s always been something special about the Miami Heat.
From president Pat Riley to face of the franchise Dwyane Wade, the South Florida basketball club has always been more than just another NBA organization.
However recently, the team has stood out more than usual from the rest.
The Heat’s 2017-18 campaign was anything but smooth sailing. While there were certainly some high points, like Wade’s return and clinching a spot in the playoffs, overall the season was marked by inconsistency.
Injuries caused constant rotational changes, which in turn led to guys losing their hot hands, ultimately resulting in one too many losses.
Still, throughout it all, there was something to be said for Miami’s attitude.
There was no finger-pointing or quitting. Instead, the team kept on keeping on, trying to make the best out of every situation.
Why?
Culture. The core of Miami Heat Basketball. Developed by the front office and grown by every player on the 17-man roster.
Gogi
Goran Dragic was the Heat’s rock this past season, really the only constant of 2017-18. And despite still not getting much league recognition, fans should be aware they have an elite point guard on their hands.
The 32-year-old came into the year having brought home the gold for Slovenia in EuroBasket. Some were worried he may have overdone it but that couldn’t have been further from the truth. In fact, just a month into the season, Dragic won Eastern Conference Player of the Week, an honor he earned yet again in January.
No. 7 also made his All-Star dreams come true, taking the place of an injured Kevin Love.
(Talk about aging like a fine wine.)
Dragic’s summer victory could have acted as a distraction or slowed him down going into 2017-18, but it only further propelled him towards success, as he never eased up on his grind.
That’s the culture right there.
Bloodsport
When James Johnson was named co-captain this past year, outsiders didn’t get it. After all, he had only joined the team a season prior. And would be sharing the honor with heavy-hitters in Dragic and Udonis Haslem.
But no one embodies Miami’s culture quite like the forward.
It was a perfect marriage from the start. The 31-year-old wasted no time buying into the culture, as he was put through the ringer via the organization’s intensive workout plan, as soon as he arrived in South Florida.
A year later, nothing has changed. The dedication is still very much real.
Recently, Johnson posted the following on his Instagram:
If that’s not commitment to a squad…
The Godfather
Heat Nation may be split on Riley lately, but facts are facts: he is the heart and soul of this team. And has spearheaded the transition into this new era.
When he brought on former Developmental Leaguers Tyler Johnson and Hassan Whiteside, people thought he was crazy. And yet, while Whiteside averaged an easy 11.8 points, 10.0 rebounds and 2.6 blocks a game in 23.8 minutes that first season, Johnson came out hot, shooting 37.5 percent from downtown on the year.
He also scored 26 points in 26 minutes in March 2015.
Riley again faced criticism when he signed James Johnson and Dion Waiters.
Obviously fans didn’t yet understand his specialty of finding diamonds in the rough.
Johnson finished his first season in Miami averaging career-highs of 12.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.1 blocks and 1.0 steal per contest, all while coming off the bench in all but five games. As for Waiters? He posted 15.8 points a matchup on 42.4 percent shooting from the field, and a career-best 39.5 percent from 3.
Mr. President always knows best.
Next: 3 reasons why the Miami Heat need to sign Trevor Ariza
There may be roster changes looming for the Miami Heat, but no matter who stays and who goes, the culture will never waver.