“Miami Heat Show Promise in Preseason as Key Players Elevate Their Game for 2024-25”
With minimal changes to the team this offseason, can the Miami Heat meet fan expectations in the 2024-25 season? The organization seems confident in their current roster, opting to “run it back.” Despite losing players like Caleb Martin, Delon Wright, and Patty Mills, the Heat were largely inactive over the summer. Although they were linked to stars like DeMar DeRozan, Trae Young, and Brandon Ingram, no deals were finalized, and Alec Burks was their only significant addition.
After last season’s first-round playoff exit to the Boston Celtics, the pressure is on the Heat to improve. Yet, the organization believes the team is ready to face that challenge, a sentiment echoed by team president Pat Riley. As reported by Anthony Chiang in the Miami Herald, Riley expressed confidence in the team, saying, “I wasn’t comfortable giving up on this team just because we were a play-in team. Two years ago, we made the Finals, and I’ll take that anomaly any day. We have a very good team.”
However, there is an acknowledgment that key players like Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro, and Bam Adebayo need to elevate their game. Riley emphasized, “Bam, Jimmy, and Tyler, and maybe even Terry [Rozier], need to be better. It’s always about whether you can produce more, be more, and work together more. I’ve seen improvements… We have a core of great players who need to reach another level. This is their time.”
While Adebayo, Butler, and Herro have proven their value to the Heat, they must take another step forward for the franchise to remain competitive. Adebayo posted 19.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game last season, while Butler averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists. Herro, who has yet to make the expected leap, averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in 42 games.
The team has already displayed encouraging signs in their preseason games against the Memphis Grizzlies, San Antonio Spurs, Atlanta Hawks, and New Orleans Pelicans, suffering only one loss to the Charlotte Hornets, ending with a 4-1 record.
Even more promising is the progress shown by their key players. Butler appears fully focused despite not receiving a contract extension during the summer. Meanwhile, Adebayo seems ready to expand his game by incorporating more three-point shooting this season. Lastly, Herro has shown improvement on the defensive end and may finally be on the verge of making the leap to All-Star status.