Despite some early skepticism, the Miami Heat have pulled off quite the supporting cast around Giannis Antetokounmpo. Looking back, it's difficult to envision how this offseason, from a realistic standpoint, could've gone any better for the Heat.
It hasn't just been better than expected, but there's an argument to be made that the Heat's front office has compiled a team that could very well compete for a championship in the first year of the Giannis era.
Sure, the rest of the Eastern Conference has improved as well, but the Heat have wonderfully reworked their depth chart (after gutting their roster in the trade for Giannis) in a very respectable (and impressive) way.
Here's how their new starting 5 and depth looks after finalizing their offseason roster.
Heat's projected starting lineup and depth chart
Davion Mitchell, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo
Point Guard:
1. Davion Mitchell
2. Dru Smith
3. Tre Donaldson (TW)
Shooting Guard:
1. Klay Thompson
2. Tim Hardaway Jr.
3. Ryan Conwell (R)
Small Forward:
1. Andrew Wiggins
2. Pelle Larsson
3. Myron Gardner
4. Keshad Johnson (TW)
Power Forward:
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo
2. Bobby Portis
3. Nikola Jovic
4. Simone Fontecchio
Center:
1. Bam Adebayo
2. Nick Richards
3. Vlad Goldin (TW)
If the Heat can remain healthy throughout the year, there's reason to believe that this is a roster (with just enough depth) to compete in the East. I'm not sure if anyone will be running to crown the Heat as a favorite heading into this season, but there's no question they can't be counted out as long as they have a healthy Giannis and Bam.
Objectively speaking, the biggest questions surrounding the Heat have to fall on the shoulders of their two stars. Can Giannis and Bam coexist in a way most believe could prove to be difficult?
It all starts there, and that's where you have to trust Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra to figure it out. But even beyond that, there are questions about whether this team has enough shooting, playmaking, and overall depth.
On paper, the Heat may have answered some of those in theory. However, they're going to have to prove it once the regular season begins.
But with the way things are trending, I'd suggest you doubt the Heat at your own risk. It may be trendy to punch down on the Heat, especially with the way things have gone over the last few years, but this year's team is going to carry a star punch.
And if their strike lands, they have the potential to do plenty of damage. And their new, reworked depth chart will be a big reason why.
Add us as a preferred source on Google