It's only been three exhibition games for the Miami Heat, but it's become abundantly clear that Giannis Antetokounmpo and the new-look Heat have been the big winners of the NBA's preseason.
They've dominated the headlines and have looked even better than many thought they would at this point. Sure, none of this matters until they can prove it during the regular season (and perhaps even the postseason, but there hasn't been a bigger story in the NBA over the last couple of weeks.
Again, there's still plenty for the Heat to sort out once the regular season actually begins, but when we think about where this team is, they couldn't be in any better position heading into the start of the regular season.
The Heat have managed to change the narrative through three preseason games
In many ways, the Heat have answered many of their naysayers already. Heading into the start of the preseason, many critics of the Heat called out their lack of shooting and potential playmaking concerns. Through the first three games, I'm not sure if Miami could've calmed those concerns any better than they have so far.
I'm not going to foolishly say that they've answered all the questions that they need to as they prepare for the first season with Giannis, but it'd also be difficult to not be surprised by how good the Heat have looked this quickly.
Listen, the Heat could be bad when the regular season starts. They could absolutely fall on their face. They could not have enough shooting. They could still lack the necessary playmaking. They could still not have enough depth around Giannis.
All of that could still be true. But you'd be wrong to suggest that it can be taken away after watching the Heat during their first few preseason games.
That's why the Heat have been the big winners. Despite all the doubt surrounding this team as they prepared for the start of training camp a couple of weeks ago, much of that has now dissipated. In fact, I would even go as far as to say that the collective narrative around the Heat has shifted too.
Members of the national media are beginning to account for how good the Heat have looked so far in preseason. It may not drastically change anything right now, but don't be surprised if Miami gets off to a fast start in the regular season.
Because, if you've been paying attention, all the signs have certainly been there in the preseason.
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