Miami Heat media day is just days away! It’s a great time to talk to players and coaches, gather insight on the team and look ahead to the NBA season.
It’s also a great time to be hit over the head with cliches, pointless promises and updates on body mass index. So let’s get ahead of it all with some predictions about what we’ll hear from various Heat players and coaches at Monday’s media day.
Erik Spoelstra, when asked about the starting lineup: It’s competition. It’ll be competitive. Which is what we live for. I also don’t think it matters all that much. What matters is that we have a locker room of competitors who value winning every single night and making each other better. We have a great group of guys and I can’t wait for the season to start.
Jimmy Butler, when asked about not getting an extension: You know, sometimes things fall where they may. I know I’m a max player in this league and I know how to lead my guys to make sure we’re holding the Larry O’ Brien trophy at the end of the season. Which we will.
Bonus Butler prediction: Many are wondering what Butler’s media day look will be this year. There was “Emo Jimmy” last year and “Dread Head Jimbo” the year before. So what’s in store for Monday? My guess: A Giorgio Armani suit. It will send two messages: That Butler is all about his business this season, and an olive branch extended to the king of the Armani suit himself, Pat Riley.
Bam Adebayo, when asked about the media overlooking the Heat as contenders: People always underestimate us or count us out. We’re used to that around here. We don’t care. People might have forgotten about because we lost in the first round or this, that and the third. We don’t care. We’ll prove them wrong when we get in between those lines, like we always do.
Tyler Herro, when asked about his role: I know what I’m capable of in this league. I put a lot of work in. I’m looking forward to getting out there and having a great season, helping my team win.
Duncan Robinson, on what he worked on this summer: Yeah, you know, I think it’s just getting better at everything. Keep working on my body, my back is feeling way better. I have a strong identity as a 3-point shooter, I know what my role is, and at the end of the day I’m just trying to help my team win however I can.
Terry Rozier, on his neck injury: Tough rehab but, I’m straight. Hated missing the end of last season, but I’m ready for camp. Really eager to get out there with these guys and show people what I can do.
Kel’el Ware, on playing with Bam: I would say I’m looking forward to playing with him and him helping me get better each and every day and yeah if that’s the vision one day being able to play beside him.
Jaime Jaquez Jr., on how he can improve in his second season: I think just taking the next step of being professional. Working on my body so I can play to the best of my abilities at the end of the season. Also just working on three-point shooting, playmaking, defending, getting in reps. However I can improve to help us win a championship.
Nikola Jovic, on what he worked on over the summer: I would say building off last season, continue to spread the floor with my 3-point shooting, but also when I have a small guy on me, playing big, being more physical. That’s what the coaches want to see from me and is important for me this season.