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3 surefire things that would make the Miami Heat better next season

By Kenneth Wilson

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 23: Head coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat looks on during the first half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on March 23, 2019 in Washington, DC. 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. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 23: Head coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat looks on during the first half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on March 23, 2019 in Washington, DC. 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. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – APRIL 9: The Miami Heat celebrates during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on April 9, 2019 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – APRIL 9: The Miami Heat celebrates during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on April 9, 2019 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Players with more upside taking another step or three

When thinking about the roster, it is composed of a few different types of players. One of those types of players are those that still have more upside and room to grow within their game. When thinking about the Miami Heat roster, that includes players like Justise Winslow, Bam Adebayo, Derrick Jones Jr, and even Josh Richardson.

If these players continue to develop at their current rates, they should all take rather large steps forward next season. For the players mentioned already, and although there may be a few more, this is what these steps look like. For Justise Winslow, it will be to continue to develop his offensive game, while getting even more comfortable in maximizing his abilities as the main ball-handler.

For Josh Richardson, it would see him being able to be just as aggressive and efficient on offense, while still bringing the same intensity and ability he displays on defense. For Bam Adebayo, it is to continue developing the other aspects of his game such as ball handling, foot work, and his jump-shot, which would allow his super-power of finishing at the basket to be that much better because of the acquired versatility. For Derrick Jones Jr., it would be to continue to develop a consistent handle while also getting up a ton of 3-point shots, because for him to knock that down consistently would be a nightmare for opposing teams with his ability to finish aerially.

Big Money Players being more consitent

This category is basically reserved for Kelly Olynyk, Dion Waiters, and James Johnson. They all received sizable deals from the Miami Heat, but they have all also struggled to maintain the form that got them the deals. Well, for the most part.

Dion Waiters has flat-out struggled to re-produce the form that earned him 4 years/$52 million dollars before the 2017-2018 season. Whether it be due to injury, conditioning, or confidence, he has struggled to produce at a similar clip on a consistent basis since signing the deal.

When thinking about Johnson and Olynyk, they haven’t had quite the struggles of Waiters, but they have had struggles. Olynyk came on cold at the beginning of last season, before eventually getting back to his same versatile self in the last third of the season. Johnson struggled with his shooting for most of last season, and while his defensive intensity and performance were still very very valuable to the Miami Heat, his ability to drive the ball is drastically dependent on whether he is knocking down his jumper or not.

As Johnson wasn’t knocking down the jump-shot on a regular basis this past season, he often times found himself struggling on the offensive end. If these three players can become a bit more consistent, then that definitely bodes well for the Miami Heat.

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