Miami Heat: 3 Solid Reasons Why They Do Have A Championship Roster

The Miami Heat moved quickly this offseason. They added several pieces to their roster, with the intent to win now.

While the Eastern Conference has gotten much stronger, the Heat should still be near the top of the conference standings. But are their offseason additions enough to make another finals run?

Here is why the additions the Miami Heat have made to their roster this offseason have put them into legitimate contention for an NBA title.

1. They Have A Center… In A League Where That Matters Again

The NBA used to be a league dominated by big men. If you did not have a Wilt Chamberlain, a Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, or a Shaquille O’Neal on your team, you probably weren’t winning too many games.

While the NBA has not completely turned back into a center-run league, the center position has made a comeback, but with a modern twist. Last year, two centers led the voting for the MVP award.

The MVP winner, Nikola Jokic, is not a traditional center, but he has the size of a big man. What separates him from other centers is that he has an uncanny talent for playmaking.

Another untraditional NBA big man is Giannis Antetokounmpo. While he is not a center, he dominates the paint like Shaquille O’ Neal or David Robinson would.

Giannis has two MVP awards, a Defensive Player of the Year Award, a Most Improved Player Award, an NBA championship, and a Finals MVP in his collection. Big men matter again in the NBA.

It’s really that simple. Teams do not need to have a traditional dominant center, but they need someone who can at least guard the center position.

The Miami Heat have exactly that in Bam Adebayo. While he is only 6’9”, Adebayo can do just about everything a center is expected to do.

He is a great rebounder and defender. His playmaking abilities make it easier for him and his teammates to get open looks.

He is working on developing a solid mid-range shot. Bam is continuing to improve at every level of the game.

Adebayo is already one of the top centers in the NBA. He is an elite defender who can guard almost any position.

If he becomes a true inside presence and a threat on the offensive end, teams better watch out. He would be absolutely unstoppable.

Miami Heat: 3 Reasons Why They Do Have A Championship Roster – Defense

A crucial part of any championship team is playing defense. Take the Golden State Warriors, for example.

While they amazed audiences with their tremendous offensive power, it was their defense and floor coordination that set them apart from their competition. A rare known or talked about fact, it’s entirely true and why Draymond Green, for all his offensive ineptitude, is still an elite piece on a team.

2. Defense

Looking back at all of the teams to win an NBA championship, the majority of them finished top five in team defensive rating. On paper, this Miami Heat roster looks like it will be the best defensive team in the league.

The Heat have several players in their backcourt that can play lockdown defense. That starts with their leader, Jimmy Butler, who is one of the best two-way guards in the NBA.

He led the NBA in steals per game last season and even though he only played 52 games, he was one of the leaders in total deflections with 182. The Heat just signed Kyle Lowry, who ranked fourth last season in most charges drawn.

If he can stay healthy, Victor Oladipo is an excellent defender on and off the ball, as well. The Heat aren’t the biggest team in the league, but they still have plenty of size and in players that can guard multiple positions.

For example, their recent acquisition in P.J. Tucker can guard every position. The Heat also have Bam Adebayo.

His role as a defensive anchor is critical. He can protect the rim, but he can also guard smaller players along the perimeter.

Lastly, the Heat have a lot of tough players on their team that can get into the other team’s head. While their recent signings of  P.J. Tucker and Markieff Morris are more physically tough, Jimmy Butler is mentally tough.

He exuberates confidence for the rest of the Miami squad on the defensive end. According to Ira Winderman, the Heat also just brought back Udonis Haslem, who motivates the team through his toughness.

Although there are several teams in the NBA that have incredible offensive talent, the Heat should make it very difficult for any team to score. Their ability to bother playmakers and shooters will make them a team opponents will not want to play, especially in the playoffs.

Miami Heat: 3 Reasons Why They Do Have A Championship Roster – Kyle Lowry

Two offensive pieces the Heat were missing last season were reliable playmaking and scoring. The signing of Kyle Lowry provides them with both.

He’s what you like to call a “three-level scorer”, capable of getting it done from long range, in the middle areas of the court, and right near the rim. As alluded to and commonly known, he’s also one of the best true floor generals in the league.

3. Kyle Lowry gives them the last piece they need offensively

As a scorer, Lowry should be the third option on offense, behind Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. He can score at all three levels, though his efficient three point shooting sets him apart from his co-stars though.

As a third option, he can still put up 16-18 points a game. As a playmaker, Lowry can lead Miami’s offense with the ball in his hands.

This will allow Jimmy Butler to play more naturally; he is a skilled player off the ball who can make good cuts. The playmaking of Lowry should allow Butler to take full control as the top scorer on the roster.

He can trust that Lowry can get others involved instead of taking on the responsibility himself. Lowry will also benefit the efficiency of Adebayo.

Since Lowry can create his own shot, it should open up the floor more. So, Bam should be getting plenty of open looks.

When Miami’s new Big 3 gets going, that should open up opportunities for the role players. If someone like Duncan Robinson catches fire, it will take a great deal of effort to outscore the Heat.

The Miami Heat will have very few weaknesses next season. They will be very tough to beat.

If they play to their potential each night, they could make some serious noise in the playoffs, possibly elevating to the level of NBA champions. They always have the mentality, but now, they seem to also have the talent too.