Lessons Learned
Ultimately, I’ve come to exactly one conclusion: Miami has an incredible fan base.
Honestly, Miami isn’t in position to completely change the league in the way a team like the Boston Celtics have. At least not right now.
But despite the growing pains, Heat Nation has stood by its favorite team through every injury, technical foul and temper tantrum.
The NBA is quickly becoming a league filled with bandwagon fans, thanks to the success of a handful of teams in a relatively short period. But Miami’s fans bleed red, laser fuchsia and blue gale (Vice) through and through.
It’s almost illogical to think that a fan base that has as many ups and downs as Miami’s can ooze such optimism and excitement.
Even after Wade chose the Chicago Bulls over his NBA home in 2016, fans looked towards the future. There wasn’t an outpouring of hate-filled posts nor ceremonial social media jersey burnings.
Just well wishes for the greatest player in Miami’s history.
Right now, Heat Nation is fueled by the manic obsession of this team’s potential. The Heat aren’t always finding themselves in the midst of a 30-11 run, but let the fan base tell it and such a feat could happen at any moment.
Wade’s return has only further fanned the flames of success. A natural mentor, he’s struck a chord with Miami’s young core and even drummed up ideas of heightening Miami’s international presence.
Now, the Miami Heat need their Heat Nation at its loudest more than ever. Sitting between another potential playoff appearance and a luxury tax bill, an army of red is the exact support system this team needs.
So, keep up the late nights of trade machine antics and impassioned forum posts. I, and the rest of Heat Nation, wouldn’t have it any other way.