Via All U Can Heat
Key Players: Hassan Whiteside, Goran Dragic, Dion Waiters, James Johnson
Everyone knows the story of the Miami's past season, but here's a quick overview: the Heat started their first season without Dwyane Wade a dismal 11-30, then through an incredible display of teamwork and Dion Waiters' heroics the team managed to finish a respectable 41-41. After striking out on Gordon Hayward, the Heat resigned Waiters and Sixth Man of the Year vote-getter James Johnson to a 4-year $52 million deal and 4-year $60 million deal. Miami also went out and added Kentucky big-man Bam Adebayo with the 14th overall pick. The last notable Heat offseason addition came in the 4-year $50 million form of the player formally known as Kelly Olynyk(now referred to as whatever Kelly Oubre Jr. calls him).
Best Case Scenario
Via FOXsports
Playoffs. Playoffs. Playoffs. In case that message wasn't clear, this upcoming season is playoffs or bust for the Miami Heat. The Heat offseason proved two things: Pat Riley doesn't rebuild and Miami truly believes they're contenders in the weak Eastern Conference. By retaining all of last year's key pieces and making no big-time offseason moves, Miami is displaying full confidence in riding the momentum of last year's finish--and rightfully so. Goran Dragic has entered the Mike Conley realm of being underrated; last season Dragic averaged All-Star numbers of 20.3 points, 5.8 assists, and a 40% three-point conversion rate. Dion Waiters became what everyone expected he would be out of Syracuse, posting a career high PER of 14.5. Hassan Whiteside also posted career high averages of 17 points, 14 rebounds, and a PER of 22.68. Key reserves James and Tyler Johnson both averaged double-digit scoring totals for the first time in their careers( 12.8 and 13.7). However make no mistake, the Heat's best possible season depends solely on Justice Winslow. Winslow has yet to live up to his Dwyane Wade protege label, only averaging 7.3 points with a career PER of 8.3, but a successful Winslow season could mean a whole new ceiling for this Heat team.
Worst Case Scenario
Via HoopsHype
A flash in the pan-something that happened only once or a short time and was not repeated.
Last year's Heat season will either be looked at as the start of something great or a flash in the pan. Miami had five key players post career highs last season; two of those players (James Johnson and Dion Waiters) were in the final season of their contracts and another (Goran Dragic) was on the trade block. They were literally playing for their careers. Now all with secure roster spots, fans should beware of a regression from some of those players. However, a weak Eastern Conference leaves Miami's basement at where they were last year--fighting for a playoff spot.
Prediction: 46-36