How has the summer treated the Miami Heat so far?
Nearly two weeks of NBA free agency have passed, and the NBA big board still has plenty of available names.
Isaiah Thomas has the most well-adorned resume of the remaining talent, but serviceable role players like David West, Jameer Nelson and even ex-Miami Heat Michael Beasley are still looking to line their pockets.
The Heat have been relatively mum thus far. Duncan Robinson and Derrick Jones Jr. stand as the team’s sole additions, while the front office still looks for ways to return Dwyane Wade, Udonis Haslem and Wayne Ellington.
Most recently, Carmelo Anthony has become the town’s talk, with head coach Erik Spoelstra reportedly affirming he’s fond of reclaiming the 10-time All-Star, and team president Pat Riley working to draft an entrance plan if Anthony chooses Miami.
Still, signing Anthony isn’t yet in the clear. The Houston Rockets are generally held to be the frontrunners. Though Anthony once locked horns with Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni, Houston can offer him what Miami can’t.
That list includes: more money (especially if Clint Capela jumps in restricted free agency), a guaranteed starting spot and a usually successful formula, best known for nearly dethroning the Golden State Warriors in Western Conference Finals.
Add to that Anthony’s BFF Chris Paul and his lack of an NBA Championship, and Anthony’s odds of reversing his career narrative in Houston drastically outweigh the same chances in Miami.
Otherwise, questions still abound for the Heat midway through summer. Only two of Miami’s key players (three if you include the newly signed Robinson) have showcased their growth, giving fans something to gnaw on ahead of next year’s campaign.
Likely to return a team that mirrors the 2017-18 roster, what are the biggest questions looming around the rest of Miami’s summer?