The Miami Heat are in a league of their own.
Some fans expected more out of the Miami Heat this past season, especially given the team closed out their 2016-17 campaign with a historic 30-11 run.
But between injuries and rotational adjustments, the ball club’s year was marked by inconsistencies across the board, landing them an overall record of 44-38, ultimately ranking sixth in the Eastern Conference.
And unfortunately their postseason showing didn’t go much better, as they were eliminated 4-1 by the Philadelphia 76ers in just the first round of the playoffs.
Yet, the Heat should still be looked at as winners.
Because not even enduring a season-long rollercoaster ride together, weakened the close bond that continues to exist among this Miami roster. A bond that will without a doubt only bring the organization more success, as it moves deeper into its newest era.
Happy For You, Bro
Recently, Wayne Ellington re-signed to the Heat on a one-year, $6.2 million contract, a move that Heat Nation may be split on, but that the team couldn’t be more thrilled over.
Take Josh Richardson, who recently spoke out about his teammate’s new deal.
"“It was like a giant – I wouldn’t say monkey – but it was like a silverback gorilla was lifted off my back. I was worried because I thought he was going to go somewhere else because he had a great year. You know, when you got a guy on your team who you can run offense through at 24 feet away from the goal, that’s a luxury not a lot of teams have.”"
He let the sharp-shooter in on his excitement, too.
In answering if he reached out to Ellington once the news broke, the third-year said he texted him “a lot of heart emojis” alongside “I’m so glad you’re back.”
Now that’s love.
Leading By Example
It’s no secret that Miami’s culture emphasizes hard work and dedication. Or, as James Johnson once put it, no fake gym rats.
The team’s work ethic is actually one of the things that Ellington raved about last spring, after the Heat failed to make the 2017 playoffs.
"“It’s very early [for guys to be working out together]. I’ve never been a part or seen anything like it. Guys are hungry, guys are motivated. Guys feel like the way we ended that season, if we start the season the way we ended it and we stay consistent and continue to get better, the sky is the limit for our group.”"
So it’s only normal for newcomers like Derrick Jones Jr., to want to make sure they’re able to keep up with the rest of the group. And for Jones, that mindset has been in place since before Summer League play even began.
"“I realized I had to work harder,” said the high-flier. “I feel like I’m one of the hardest working players on the team. I’m going to keep it going until whenever my day is done. I want to be able to feel like I worked my tail off every day, never took any days off.”"
And it showed.
"“This summer he really took it upon himself to get in the gym and work and grind,” Summer League head coach Eric Glass said. “He became obsessed with the game.”"
Just like real gym rats do.
You Can’t Teach Chemistry
There’s no arguing that Miami still has plenty of things to figure out. With head coach Erik Spoelstra and Hassan Whiteside reportedly continuing to talk through their issues and there being a bit of a shooting guard logjam, the Heat have more work to do this summer.
But one thing they don’t have to worry about is making sure the on-court chemistry is there, once Training Camp rolls around.
Even Kelly Olynyk, who just joined the team last summer, already feels very much at home in South Florida. Nor is he competing with the other two 7-footers on the roster. The only thing he’s concerned about is making sure he’s doing whatever he can, to help Miami out.
And Bam Adebayo is right there with him, spending the offseason improving his leadership qualities in order to better fit in with whoever he’s playing alongside.
"“I’m gaining more off the court than on the court, just because I’m trying to be a team captain and trying to get everybody together, trying to get everybody in their spot,” Adebayo said of his Summer League so-called UDonis Haslem role. “I’m gaining a lot of confidence in myself in being a leader.”"
Next: Miami Heat: Who will rule the Eastern Conference in 2018-19?
The Miami Heat may not have clinched the 2018 title, but in a way, they’re already in a league of their own.