The Miami Heat Playoff Push

The Miami Heat are fourteen games into their long eighty two game season and I see them as being strong contenders to make a big time playoff push during the spring. The Heat are 8-6 so far and sit at the seventh spot in the eastern conference rankings. This is an ideal spot for the Heat to start the season because it allows them to be able to ush later in the season which is when the Heat need to gain the most momentum.

Last season, team president Pat Riley, received a lot of backlash from the community for trading “star” player Jimmy Butler to the Golden State warriors and got in return Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, and a protected first round pick. After this off season, the Heat have really advanced to have arguably one of the best offenses in the league. Without Jimmy Butler clogging the offense the Heat have moved to a type of basketball called “position less basketball” which allows whoever is hot that game to get quality shots. The Miami Heat are led by Norman Powell who is averaging 25.5 points per game and Bam Adebayo averaging 8.1 rebounds per game. The past few games the player who has been hot has been Norman Powell so he has been the face of the offense. 

Erik Spoelstra, Miami Heat head coach, is one of the most experienced coaches in the league coaching the Heat since 2008. This elaborate offense was created by Erik Spoelstra and he is one of the biggest reasons why the Heat are so successful but this alone would not give me enough reason to believe the Heat will be playoff contenders. However, beyond everything I have already stated for why I believe the Heat will be contenders, my main reason is their all star player , Tyler Herro, has been injured and has not played this season. This offense suits his game perfectly and he will be an offensive weapon when he returns.