The official start of Miami Heat training camp is still a little over a week away, but the hype is already building. In what will be one of the most anticipated Heat seasons in recent history, there are real expectations attached to this team for the first time in a long time.
And, naturally, because of that, that means there will be pressure - both internally and externally.
But as the start of training camp quickly approaches, which players are under the most pressure? We explore three of those players.
Davion Mitchell
As much as the Heat's backcourt has been talked about of late, there may not be a non-star player on this team who's under more pressure than Davion Mitchell. As the one "sure thing" in the backcourt, the Heat are not only going to need Mitchell to produce, but they're going to need him to be very good this season.
That's why, before training camp even opens, there's a strong argument to be made that Mitchell will be under immense pressure from the opening tip.
The good news is that, if the offseason is any indication, Mitchell does look like he's up for the task. Most of the training camp headlines will revolve around Giannis and Bam Adebayo, but there's no question that Mitchell is one of the Heat's most important players this season.
And because of that, it's only natural to assume a certain level of pressure that he's going to begin the season under.
Andrew Wiggins
No one seems to be talking about how important a role that Andrew Wiggins is going to play for the Heat this season, but we're not going to deny the obvious. The Heat are going to be a very good team as long as Giannis and Bam can do what they do best. But there's no question this team could take it to an entirely different level if Wiggins can play at a near-All-Star level.
Those are unfair expectations to place on Wiggins, but that's what's at stake this year. If Wiggins can be as good - and consistent - as he was last season for Miami, he changes the entire complexity of this team heading into this year.
Wiggins has the potential to take the Heat from a fringe contender to a serious one. Under the assumption that is indeed the case, you can't deny that there's a certain level of pressure on Wiggins' shoulders.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Who could we fool? This list wouldn't be complete without the inclusion of Giannis. I wouldn't say that Giannis needs to carry this Heat team to a championship in year one, but that's where the (outside) bar is going to be this season.
At least in part, Giannis made the move to Miami to win championships. Even though they may not have an on-paper roster to do so this season, Giannis' tenure with the Heat will largely be judged on whether he wins a championship or not.
And after an injury-plagued year, Giannis needs to prove himself all over again in the Association.
Neither he nor the Heat would ever admit it, but it would be insane to say that there isn't a fair amount of pressure on Giannis' shoulders heading into the start of training camp in Miami.
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