So who on the current roster do you think will make the greatest transformation in 2018-19?
Gewirtz: This is hard because I think that a lot of the younger players could have a really great year, but I’m going to say Justise Winslow. We saw improvement and a lot of great things from him last year. This will be his fourth year in the league and I think he has a lot of talent to show and still a lot to prove.
Johnson: My money is on Kelly Olynyk. He made a huge jump just fitting in with Miami last season, so much so that Spoelstra ran with Olynyk in the fourth quarter more often than Whiteside. If he’s still coming off the bench, I’m pushing for an Olynyk Sixth Man of the Year trophy come June 2019.
Leniart: The Heat have a ton of young players with the potential to elevate their game this season. When all is said and done, I think Winslow will improve the most in 2018-2019.Like most rookies, Winslow had some growing pains in his first few seasons with the team. The one element of his game that was lacking early on was his shot. Winslow has been working on improving his shot since he was drafted. As he continues to grow as a player and a person (he’s still only 22), I think we will see the fruits of that work. With another year under his belt, he will be more confident when he steps on the court this season.
Rahming: If it’s not Whiteside and Tyler Johnson, the Heat have a serious problem. Making a combined $43.7 million, these two players will need to have a breakout year to experience team success. For Whiteside, he needs to be able to have a true post-up game, while polishing his ability to finish around the rim. On the defensive end, he can’t be comparable to Kevin Love as an on-ball defender. I believe that Johnson is already there he just needs the opportunity. He already plays well on the defensive end, and he doesn’t hesitate to do what he’s supposed to do on offense, whether that’s to pass or shoot. At this point, he just needs to get game time reps.
Nurse: A return to health should stare James Johnson and Dion Waiters closer to the form that got them paid $60 and $52 million, respectively. It should also help Whiteside have this season’s biggest transformation for the Heat. When all three were healthy and on the court together, in 2016-17, Johnson and Waiters were responsible for 46 assists a piece to Whiteside. Add Dwyane Wade for help and fans could see the old Whiteside back with a renewed focus.
Ebrahim: Can I say Josh Richardson because of his hair? The guy changes his hair up every eight games it seems like. That counts as a transformation doesn’t it? For the casual Miami Heat fan, I would say Derrick Jones Jr. will be the one with the biggest transformation. If you didn’t pay attention to him in Summer League, you’ll find yourself asking who he is when the regular season comes around. And the answer you’ll get will probably be: “Oh, that’s the guy that posterizes everyone.” I think he’s developed a much better 3-and-D game, which will naturally lead him to earn more minutes from the coaching staff.
Ramos: Jones Jr. He killed it in Summer League and showed he can do more than just dunk. I think he’s going to earn more minutes with his play and see an increase in his stats.