Three Christmas wishes for the 2018-19 Miami Heat

Miami Heat fans have a few Christmas wishes for the 2018-19 team.

‘Tis the season to listen to Ariana Grande’s “Santa Tell Me,” drink mulled wine and wear coordinated pajama sets; it’s also the time to go ahead and make some Christmas wishes for the 2018-19 Miami Heat.

Which is exactly what I’m here to do today.

This start of this season wasn’t kind to the men of South Florida. Between outside factors such as injuries getting in the way of their success, coupled with candidly simply underwhelming play, for a while there it seemed as though Heat Nation might actually have something to worry about this year.

However, December didn’t just bring about holiday cheer.

It also marked the beginning of when things started to turn around for the Heat.

Having won eight out of their 11 games this month, the team now holds a record of 16-16, currently placing them seventh in the Eastern Conference. In fact, they are actually tied with the number six Charlotte Hornets, but unfortunately lost to them twice earlier in the season.

They are also just three games back from the fifth place Boston Celtics.

Yes, things are certainly on the rise for Miami, just in time to ring in a new calendar year too.

But before we get to celebrate 2019, here are three holiday hopes for the team.

More 35 in 34, please

So far, Dwyane Wade‘s Last Dance has been nothing short of spectacular.

With the 36-year-old averaging 14.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.7 assists a game in 25.5 minutes of play, he hasn’t just been a mentor to the younger guys, but a continued asset on both ends of the floor.

And while he’s been steadily contributing to the Heat’s recent upswing, it’s safe to say that this Christmas, fans are wishing for more performances from him, like the one he had against the Toronto Raptors on November 25.

That Sunday, the veteran scored 35 points in 34 minutes, while shooting 59.1 percent from the field (and 57.1 percent from downtown). He also grabbed five rebounds and dished out six assists to boot.

Waiters Island, revisited

It seems as though lately, Miami fans don’t agree on much of anything anymore.

However, there is one thing everyone is collectively wishing for: Dion Waiters‘ return.

Waiters, who has yet to see time in a game since December 22, 2017, when he totaled four points in nine minutes in a win against the Dallas Mavericks, has been steadily working on his comeback. And although no official timetable has been announced, it does seem as though the guard will be back with the team sooner than later.

As nice as it’s been to see the Heat rally together and start their climb back up to the top of the East, they could still very much use the Philadelphia-native’s offense.

And unparalleled confidence.

Point Winslow thriving

There have been quite a few question marks this season for the Heat, but perhaps none as pertinent as what kind of player Justise Winslow will develop into.

Although he was originally drafted for his defensive prowess, there was obviously also hope that he could grow into a dependable shooter for Miami.

Unfortunately, between various roster logjams along the way, as well as a shoulder injury, the former Duke Blue Devil hasn’t really been able to prove himself much.

That, is until now.

Assuming the role of point guard due to Goran Dragic‘s absence, the 22-year-old has come to life.

Averaging 13.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.3 steals per contest in December, he recently scored 22 points on 9-of-12 shooting from the field (going 3-for-4 from beyond-the-arc) in a December 23 win over the Orlando Magic. This was also alongside six rebounds, five assists and four steals.

It’s been about more than just raw numbers too; Winslow’s entire attitude has shifted, making him the perfect embodiment of The Culture.

So who wouldn’t wish for continued success for No. 20?

Have yourself a merry little Miami Heat Christmas.