4 Reasons Heat fans should be wildly optimistic after successful preseason

This preseason provided some answers surrounding the state of the Miami Heat. The team has been looking forward to bounce back and start the season off strong. And after a 4-1 preseason that found Miami in a tie for first place in the East, that’s exactly what transpired. 

The roster had three main takeaways, including a more efficient offense, health and being active defensively. Coach Erik Spoelstra went into the fresh start wanting to take a deep dive into the offense. The Heat have played with a more up-tempo style, increasing the 3-point volume. 

They’ve also looked a lot sharper in transition, getting deflections to lead to good looks for easy points. The best part has been the availability, as the starters have seen extended runs to help build cohesion. Miami’s core four of Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier each had their own part in bringing optimism for the 2024-25 campaign. 

1. Bam Adebayo 3-pointers 

Adebayo entered the new year with a clear goal of upping his 3-point attempts. It is a facet of his game that the three-time All-Star has worked to improve, and the results show. He shot a career-high nearly 36% from beyond the arc a season ago and carried over that success into the summer’s Team USA gold medal run. 

During the preseason, the big man has been a true floor-spacing threat. He has attempted 3.3 3s per game, connecting on 38.5%. For a league that has normalized the heavy use of 3-pointers, particularly with big men, this type of play out of Adebayo can raise the ceiling of the Heat's offense.

2. Terry Rozier looks comfortable 

It took some time for the Heat’s mid-season acquisition last year to get into a groove. Terry Rozier was expected to play a big role in what Miami has been looking to accomplish, although a season-ending neck injury derailed his momentum last spring. He is now healthy and with a full Heat training camp under his belt. 

Rozier has found a way to play off of the Heat star’s effectively this preseason. There’s been more defensive activity to go along with his shot-making skills. He could be an X-factor for the new year, providing Miami with high point guard productivity that the team hasn’t had from the backcourt in a while.

3. Tyler Herro’s defense 

For years, Heat fans have been anticipating the leap from 24-year-old Herro. He has always been a talented offensive player, but fans have been looking to see more as a consistent two-way player. That is exactly what Herro has seemed to improve on so far, as the six-year combo guard finished with 1.3 steals in the preseason.

Pat Riley spoke highly of Tyler Herro's growth recently, especially on the defensive end:

"I love his attitude, his approach to the game and he looks quicker. He looks more dynamic and defensively, is he going to lead the league in steals? Man, he gets his hands on everything."

4. Jimmy Butler availability 

Miami won’t get to where they want to be as a team without their best player on the floor. Jimmy Butler has yet to surpass the 70-game benchmark throughout his six-year Heat tenure. With him going into his age-35 season, those expectations were questionable heading into a new season. 

Riley publicly challenged his franchise star to address these concerns. His preseason helped shed some light on his approach, as Butler played in the first four games, including the second night of a back-to-back. He’s also been very engaged right off the bat, leading the Heat with 24 points in 21 minutes in their win against the Atlanta Hawks.

For someone who hadn't appeared in a preseason game for two straight years, this was arguably the best-case scenario, and an encouraging sign for Heat fans as the regular season approaches.