Though the Miami Heat were a fixture at the top of the Eastern Conference years ago during the LeBron James era, they’ve had to adapt to life without him these last few seasons. Even with losing Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh along with James, Heat President Pat Riley and head coach Erik Spoelstra have done a phenomenal job keeping the franchise relevant.
They’ve been able to avoid a grueling full-blown rebuild, but have also only been a borderline playoff team, narrowly missing the postseason last year with a .500 record of 41-41. However, this offseason has seen an excess amount of Eastern Conference talent go West, whether it be via trade or free agency. Big names like Jimmy Butler, Paul George, Paul Millsap, and most recently Carmelo Anthony have all added to the deep talent pool in the West.
Even though the Heat missed out on top target Gordon Hayward, they did retain most of their young free agents such as Dion Waiters and Josh Richardson plus they added Kelly Olynyk in free agency. With the Heat flying slightly under the radar, Pat Riley sees an opening for Miami atop the thinned out Eastern Conference according to Sun Sentinel’s Ira Winderman: “I know we see an opportunity because there isn’t a Golden State in our conference or San Antonio or Houston.” Riley added, “I think everybody sees an opportunity. I know we see an opportunity.”
With a young roster that has plenty of potential, there is no reason Riley shouldn’t feel confident heading into the campaign. After the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics, the East is wide open so it’s not out of the realm of possibility that we see a darkhorse team such as Miami creep up the rankings.
