On Monday morning, the Miami Heat and the NBA held their annual Media Day, as only a few weeks remain before the 2021-22 season tipoff. A key highlight of the event featured Kyle Lowry, the Heat’s newest star free-agent acquisition, donning Miami Heat gear for the very first time.
There was much more, of course, with Bam Adebayo insisting that a larger display of perimeter shooting is yet to come. Victor Oladipo’s return timetable is still unknown, but an opportunity to resurrect the former All-Star’s career is inevitable and what he’s seeking… longterm and otherwise.
Tyler Herro looks rebuilt after adding 10 pounds of muscle, while PJ Tucker and Markieff Morris have arrived as enforcers for “playoff-feel” moments. They were much-needed recasts for a Heat team in desperate need of it.
This stood even for Jimmy Butler — who embraced an Allen Iverson-like appearance with cornrows and a headband in Monday’s event.
The Miami Heat are reloaded and retooled this season for another playoff run. Regardless of how it looks though, Jimmy Butler is right in the center of it all.
Butler’s change of look not only suggests that major things are coming for the Miami Heat next season but more importantly, it seemed to be a complete and more-wholesome Jimmy Butler than ever before.
https://twitter.com/MiamiHEAT/status/1442579342354231301
From advertising his Big Face Coffee campaign during Lowry’s press to reveling with his battle-buddies during photoshoots, through very short moments Butler’s energy appeared to be lifted, which is important for any team’s best player.
It’s not that he doesn’t often joke around or create laughs — as Jimmy’s more commonly known for having an enjoyable off-court personalities in the league, it’s something else.
By adding Lowry, a dear-friend and now Heat teammate, it’s difficult to ponder of a more satisfying time for Butler’s career. With a clear showing of mutual respect and admiration for the organization between the three stars and a much-needed offseason to regroup, relationships, the team’s development, and outlook, are all coming together for his window.
Before signing a three-year maximum extension in August, Butler led the Heat in scoring for each of his first two seasons (20.7 points per game), even moldimg himself into a top playmaker. Even though some of his responsibilities will diminish with Lowry aboard, the Heat’s success and title-hopes are still impossible without Butler’s presence.
"“Jimmy knows his purpose,” Lowry told reporters during Monday’s scrum, “and he’s going to make sure everyone’s going to know.”"
After facing uncertainty throughout the offseason, a promising year awaits for both the Heat and Butler, who are ready to rebound after an embarrassing first-round exit. The best part is that they won’t have to wait around much longer.
Following training camp, the Heat will begin their first preseason action on Monday, October 4th against the Atlanta Hawks, while they will open the regular year how they finished last sesaon. They will face the Bucks on October 21st.
In an attempt to prove they belong in the same conversation as the Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers and defending champion Milwaukee Bucks, a team that’s built to be as nasty as Miami should quickly earn their place among the league’s rankings.