Ranking the biggest threats to the Miami Heat: 2. Philadelphia 76ers
If it weren’t for the Ben Simmons situation, the Philadelphia 76ers would be at the top of this list. Joel Embiid is a top ten player in the league and could be a perennial MVP candidate.
His dominance of the paint is unlike anything the NBA has seen in a long time. There are very few NBA centers who can guard him, but luckily, the Miami Heat have one of the best options around on their roster.
Even if Simmons ends up leaving, the 76ers should be able to get a decent return. Embiid, Tobias Harris, and whatever they get in return for Simmons should be enough to compete.
It’s tough to put the 76ers at number one on this list before they deal with the Simmons issues. That being said, once they get that sorted out, expect to see Philadelphia near the top of the East once again.
Ranking the biggest threats to the Miami Heat: 1. Boston Celtics
Despite losing Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier this offseason, the Boston Celtics might have gotten better. They not only replaced those two players but improved their overall depth.
With all of his injuries, Walker ended up hurting the Celtics more than helping them at times last season. Now, they have Dennis Schroder to replace him, Josh Richardson to replace Evan Fournier, and Al Horford to help mentor Robert Williams III.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are two All-Stars who are both getting better every year. Tatum alone caused havoc in the scoring column last year, and he could be in store for an even better season this year.
They have the starpower, the depth, and the experience to compete in the East this year. Outside of the Bucks and Nets, the Celtics are the team for the Miami Heat to look out for this season.