The Miami Heat just held their media day ahead of the 2021-22 NBA season. A lot of comments were made, a lot of pictures were taken, and a lot of fans should feel great about the team after the session.
Media day is always one of the most intriguing days of the NBA calendar. It can simultaneously tell fans a lot about the upcoming season, but also nothing at all.
Players can promise things and say things as much as they want, but none of them will come true until they prove it on the court. That being said, it is always fun to see what players have to say.
What are some of the biggest takeaways from Miami Heat media day this year? What should fans note down ahead of the upcoming season?
Biggest takeaways from Miami Heat media day: Victor Oladipo is hungry
When Victor Oladipo was traded to the Miami Heat at the trade deadline last season, a lot of people had high hopes. Unfortunately, an injury cut his time short after just four games with the team.
After signing a one-year, minimum deal this offseason, Oladipo seems determined to make a big-time comeback this year. He spoke about this during media day.
While both he and Erik Spoelstra would not give an exact timetable for his return, Oladipo made sure to get fans excited. He told the media that he is putting together “one of the best comeback stories ever.”
Oladipo also noted that he has “unfinished business” with the Miami Heat. If this doesn’t get Heat fans excited to see Oladipo back on the court again, nothing will.
Biggest takeaways from Miami Heat media day: Kyle Lowry & Tyler Herro
Biggest takeaways from Miami Heat media day: Kyle Lowry seems ready to go
The Miami Heat made a huge splash this offseason when they signed Kyle Lowry to a three-year deal. Many expect the veteran point guard to elevate the Heat to the next level.
Before last season, Lowry has been named to six consecutive All-Star teams. His leadership and championship experience should be able to help the Heat a ton.
These sentiments were felt all throughout Miami Heat media day. Whether it was through an actual comment or through the body language between players, it was easy to tell how great Lowry’s influence will be.
Coach Spoelstra simply stated that the team is “thrilled to have him in the building,” and Lowry himself said that he doesn’t “plan on slowing down.” That combined with the instant visible chemistry between him and Jimmy Butler should make all Miami Heat fans very happy.
Biggest takeaways from Miami Heat media day: Tyler Herro is ready for a bounce-back season
Tyler Herro struggled to produce in the playoffs last year. In fact, a lot of people shot criticism his way last season after an incredible rookie season capped off in The Bubble.
However, from what Coach Spoelstra said, Herro should be primed for a bounce-back season this year. He said that “one of the most important things to navigate as a young player is to be able to handle some sort of adversity.”
According to Spoelstra, Herro spent the offseason working on himself. He said that Herro “had a great offseason” and that has added on about 10 pounds of muscle.
If Herro actually has changed up his body that much, the Miami Heat could see the best version of Herro yet this year. If Herro can ball out, the ceiling of this Miami Heat team would go through the roof.
Biggest takeaways from Miami Heat media day: Bam Adebayo knows what he has to do
For what feels like the entire offseason, there has been one thing that all Miami Heat fans have agreed upon. That is that Bam Adebayo needs to step up on the offensive end this year.
Well, both Coach Spoelstra and Adebayo himself took the time to address this desire during media day. Based on their responses, Miami Heat fans should be absolutely thrilled.
Spoelstra addressed Adebayo’s offseason progress when asked during his media day stint. He said that Adebayo has worked on ”his mid-range game, his free-throw shooting” a lot and that they “don’t take that for granted.”
When Adebayo took the podium, a ton of questions flowed in about potential improvements on the offensive end. Luckily for fans, he answered them all in stride.
The media asked Adebayo if he has added anything in particular to his game. First and foremost, Adebayo said, “obviously shooting. That’s everybody’s big take on me.”
The young big man also mentioned that he has worked on “attacking the basket more often, being more assertive.” That is what Adebayo will need to do if he wants to take the next step on offense.
Lastly, one reported half-jokingly asked Adebayo if he would be taking more than one three-pointer a game this season. Adebayo laughed and simply responded, “yeah.”
All of these answers indicate that Adebayo is ready to take on an expanded offensive role this season. That should be music to the ears of Miami Heat fans.