The Miami Heat made sure to recover their ground after losing “the face that ran the place,” Dwyane Wade to the Chicago Bulls. They started by giving the young talent a chance to prove themselves in the Orlando Summer League. Josh Richardson showed his effortless 3-point range and his ball handling is progressing as it mimics a certain three-time champion. Justise Winslow also had a spectacular showing in the Summer League. He showed his versatility and wants to prove that he can bring an offensive presence to the Heat roster, something they will need after losing their top scorer.
The Heat also made a few important resignings. The most important resign is definitely their big man, Hassan Whiteside. Whiteside has completely upgraded from just being a player who wanted to boost his 2k rating. He was the only player last season to get a triple double in an unorthodox way: points, rebounds, and blocks. The 2016 leader in blocks, not only has to regain that title, but now has to lead the Miami Heat to at least a playoff berth as he is the number two man to lead the Miami Heat. The Heat also resigned Tyler Johnson. Johnson has so much promise according to Head Coach, Erik Spoelstra who claims, “He’s got an incredible work ethic.” For the Heat, it must be true as they matched the Brooklyn Nets offer and paid Johnson a 50-million-dollar contract for four years.
With progressing youth and a few re-signings, the Heat’s recovery process seems promising. They took it up a notch by acquiring a few new players. James Johnson, a recent Toronto Raptor isn’t scared to be himself on and off the court as. From changing his hair color to mixing it up on defense against both guards and forwards, he brings a defensive presence to the scorching roster. The Heat also picked up Derrick Williams. Williams had a productive season with the New York Knicks, but still has a lot to prove as the 2011 2nd overall pick hasn’t panned out as expected. His stint with Heat might be the boost he needs to show his skill. A big signing that might be overlooked is of their new shooting guard, Dion Waiters. The self-proclaimed “Kobe Wade” looks to prove himself this season with the Heat as he turned down more enticing offers from other teams including his former team, the Oklahoma City Thunder. Pat Riley thinks very highly about the newly acquired guard as he believes he is not worth his contract. The recovery process looks great, there is just one piece missing.
“I’ve been gone... but now I’m back.” The only remaining member of the “big three” that made a huge “Heatwave” back in 2010, Chris Bosh has started working out to make another comeback after having blood clot issues. Bosh has posted workout after workout as he wants to show the NBA universe that he is ready to lead the Miami Heat to a playoff berth and possibly a run for Cleveland Cavaliers top spot in the East. The 11-time all-star is preparing to be cleared for training camp on Sept27 according to ESPN.com.
One thing you can see from the Heat during this recovery process is that they are not looking to rebuild, this is more of a renovation project for the 3-time championship team. With new leaders, some new roster members, and a whole new attitude, the Heat are looking to reclaim the top spot and shine brighter than the rest of the NBA.
