Miami Heat Roundtable: Laying Out The Final Record Predictions – Rob’s Take
The Miami Heat had, debatably, the best and if not, one of the most intriguing off-seasons around the association. Changes and improvements needed to be made to a roster that didn’t come remotely close to expectations last year.
Rob’s Take (@RobGreeneNBA)
There were COVID and injury woes that basically plagued the team for the entire season, but one thing that was clear was that Miami needed more help. There needed to be more leadership than just Jimmy Butler.
The locker room seemed as if it were desperate for another star or high-caliber player with championship pedigree who could boost them on the court, plus hold others accountable. Who were those savvy veteran additions with rings?
Kyle Lowry, Markieff Morris and P.J. Tucker. Miami does now have multiple pieces with track records of injury throughout the regular season, but there’s certainly no denying their depth.
The Heat added plenty of versatility to accompany their All-Star duo in Butler and Bam Adebayo, who can easily take over a game on either side. When you add Lowry to the mix, who can do just that, you’re clearly a contender.
Even now, in a much stronger East.
Record Prediction: 51-31
Considering Milwaukee and Brooklyn are just too dominant, it’s tough to say Miami will end with a better record. Maybe if it weren’t for the way Brooklyn’s season ended, as the fun is just beginning in their pursuit of becoming a part of the best team ever conversation, projections would read otherwise.
It also doesn’t help that the Bucks are the defending champions.
Their Ceiling
As everyone knows, it is extremely hard to put a ceiling on any franchise or player in this league with plenty of moments that continue to wow you. Other teams in the conference like the Knicks, Celtics, and Bulls improved on both ends.
Indiana will continue to progress through their development, Philadelphia is still there even with their ongoing issues, but those teams don’t have what it takes. Miami has major experience and now rotational pieces that Erik Spoelstra can mix and match, 1-10 and with playing through the three All-Stars.
They can also run plays and screens where they play through the shooting and growth of Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson. This Heat team is more than capable of finishing in the top-five in both offensive and defensive efficiency.
If all things go accordingly, Miami could be playing in their second Conference Finals in three seasons.