FILE–: Miami Warmth's Jimmy Butler #22 and Bam Adebayo #13 react during the third quarter against the Boston Celtics in Game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Kaseya Middle on May 21, 2023 in Miami , Florida. Megan Briggs/Getty Pictures/AFP
Miami heat
Last season: 46-36, lost to Boston in the first round of the playoffs.
COACH: Erik Spoelstra (season 17, 750-527).
Article continues after this announcement.
SEASON OPENING: October 23 against Orlando.
DEPARTURES: F Caleb Martin, G Patty Mills, G Delon Wright, F Orlando Robinson.
ADDITIONS: G Alec Burks, C Kel'El Ware, G Josh Christopher, F Nassir Little.
Article continues after this announcement.
BetMGM Championship Odds: 50-1.
Article continues after this announcement.
what to expect
The Warmth bring back essentially the same team from last year, when they once again needed the play-in tournament just to make the playoffs and then were overtaken by Boston (with Jimmy Butler unable to play due to injury) en route to the Celtics to the NBA title.
Article continues after this announcement.
READ: NBA: Butler arrival delayed, Herro renewed as Warmth gathers for media day
Bam Adebayo was part of the squad that won Olympic gold in Paris and is the captain, but hopes of how far the Warmth will go still depend on health and, to a large extent, on Butler. If he's motivated in what could be the final year of his contract, this could be good for both parties. Otherwise, the season could be long.
Article continues after this announcement.
Strengths and weaknesses
The Good: Adebayo is one of the best defensive players in the game (Warmth rightly touts him as a defensive player of the year candidate) and has only seen his stock rise at the Paris Games, plus he's added the three-point shot to his arsenal. . Spoelstra is generally considered the best coach in the game and Butler has racked up tons of moments where he has simply taken over games during his tenure in Miami. If healthy, Duncan Robinson and Tyler Herro should be able to provide much of the necessary shooting. And second-year forward Jaime Jáquez Jr. is primed for a bigger role.
READ: NBA: Pat Riley says Miami Warmth is unsure about Jimmy Butler's extension
The not so good: No one knows what the Warmth will really be like, not even the Warmth. They traded for Terry Rozier last season, but lost him before the stretch due to a neck injury that kept him out of the playoffs and unable to play 5-on-5 for months. Injuries always seem to be an issue for Miami and if people miss a lot of time, the waters will quickly rock for the Warmth. And the questions about Butler's future: Will he stay or go? — hang over the team all season long.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.
Players to watch
The additions of Burks and Little figure to provide depth. Herro says this season is all about business and Miami desperately needs his scoring ability. Kevin Love is still valued by the Warmth for what he does in seasons on the court and his leadership off the court. Summer League scouts praised draft pick Kel'El Ware and his upside, but this season it's really about Butler and Adebayo. They have to be great for Miami to have a chance to be great again.