Miami Heat Preview 2021

PreviewsNBAEASTERN CONFERENCESoutheast DivisionMiami Heat

Oct 15

Our Miami Heat preview 2021 notes that since LeBron James left the franchise in the summer of 2014, things have not been the same for this team. In the seven seasons since James left, the Heat have been to the playoffs four times. Once, they made it to the Finals where they were beaten by James and the Lakers four games to two. In two of their other three postseason appearances, Miami was dismissed in the First Round, and the other year, they lost in the Conference Semifinals. Might there be more of the same in this team’s near future, or can they take it to the limit one more time?

Heat Frontcourt

Our Miami Heat preview 2021 notes that in front, small forward Jimmy Butler (21.5 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 6.9 APG) is virtually peerless. Butler possesses length, athleticism, and quickness and is a top-notch premium player. On defense, he averaged 2.1 SPG. Power forwards P.J. Tucker and Markieff Morris come to the Heat from the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers respectively. Both are physical players who can command the paint and shut down shooters.

Over the past four season, center Bam Adebayo has grown into the role. Notably, last season he recorded career-best averages in points (18.7), assists (5.4), and steals (1.2). Also, his 57.0 percent field-goal rate was the best of his young career. Last season, he was sound in the paint, averaging 9.0 PG. Dewayne Dedmon subs in nicely, bringing an aggressive, physical style.

Miami Heat Preview – Backcourt

This season, veteran point guard and former Toronto Raptor Kyle Lowry will play for Miami. Although he’s 35 years old, Lowry can still bring it. Last season, while averaging 34.8 MPG, Lowry was good for 17.2 PPG, 7.3 APG, and 5.4 RPG. He shot 43.6 percent from the field. Plus, Lowry recorded one of best three-point shooting percentages of his 15-year career, 39.6.

Duncan Robinson, a three-year vet, brings a terrific shot to the floor. Last season, he was good on 43.9 percent of his field goals and 40.8 percent of his tosses from downtown. Tyler Herro (15.1 PPG, 3.4 APG, 5.0 RPG) provides excellent backup at both point positions.