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Miami Heat Roundtable: What’s in store for the 2018-19 roster?

By Allana Tachauer

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 6: Head Coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat looks on during the game against the New York Knicks on April 6, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 6: Head Coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat looks on during the game against the New York Knicks on April 6, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 6: Head Coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat looks on during the game against the New York Knicks on April 6, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 6: Head Coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat looks on during the game against the New York Knicks on April 6, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

What’s up next for the Miami Heat? The AllUCanHeat staff explores…

Let’s start things off with what Eastern Conference team do you see as the Miami Heat’s biggest competition this season?

Lauren Gewirtz (@laurengewirtz): I see the Boston Celtics as the Miami Heat’s biggest competition this season. I think with the return of Gordon Hayward and LeBron James out of the Eastern Conference, spots are up for grabs. We never got to see the Celtics at their fullest potential last season due to Hayward’s injury, so I think they will be a challenge for not only the Heat, but all of the Eastern teams.

Brandon Johnson (@bjtripleot): The Philadelphia 76ers are certainly the team to beat next year. Only one of Miami’s in-conference rivals made the playoffs last season, the Washington Wizards, and they are usually more concerned with trying to topple the Toronto Raptors. The Sixers stand as one of Miami’s best and worst matchups. Best in that they can match up decently well if Hassan Whiteside is on point to cover Joel Embiid. Worst in that Philadelphia can hit a hot streak from 3 and run Miami out of the gym. After that quick playoff loss, Miami should be looking for revenge.

Jack Leniart (@Leniart_ND): I think Boston, Philadelphia, and Toronto are the top-tier of the East. Teams like the Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Miami make up the second-tier. Time will tell where the new LeBronless Cavaliers end up in the landscape of the conference. The way I see it, Miami’s main competition is that second-tier of teams. All of them will be fighting for the fourth seed and home court in the opening round of the playoffs. The Bucks and Pacers both have young up-and-coming stars in Giannis Antetokuonmpo and Victor Oladipo, respectively. Both of those guys will give a team fits throughout a playoff series.

Rahmeaun Rahming (@Boneman9000): For me, it’s gotta be the Celtics. They are our doppelganger to the north if you will. They play hard on defense, both physically and mentally. Just like us, it’s hard to catch them slipping on a defensive assignment or scheme. The one thing I think they have over the Heat is the ability on the offensive end to just get a bucket at will. Dating back to the NBA Finals appearances, I’ve felt as though head coach Erik Spoelstra was getting out coached a bit (understatement) by Gregg Popovich. But then again, what coach in the NBA would he not have the upper hand against? If there’s anyone in the East that would expose Spoelstra, it’s Brad Stevens.

Rich Nurse (@followthepen): This is probably a slightly different approach to the question, but I think the Heat’s biggest competition in the East will be either the Wizards or  Pacers. That might seem a bit odd. but those are the teams Miami will probably be battling for the No.4 spot and home court in the first round.

Imran Ebrahim (@iebrahim81): Considering that Miami will be fighting for a late playoff seed, I definitely can see the Wizards, Pacers and Pistons being the biggest competition for the team. All three of these teams have made solid additions over the offseason; the Pacers still might have one of the more underrated summers. I expect that the Celtics, 76ers, Raptors and Bucks will be fighting for seeds one through four, so anything beneath that will lead to Miami’s direct competition.

Dario Ramos (@RamosHeat305): I’m going to have to go with the Celtics. They’re loaded with talent, have a really good coach and have the assets to possibly get even better.

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