The Miami Heat, once perennial contenders, are now struggling to secure a postseason spot due to a notable dip in performance following the trade deadline. The departure of star player Jimmy Butler, who has succeeded elsewhere, exacerbated existing issues like low scoring, contributing to a decline in the team's fortunes. As fans focus on local college basketball, the Heat face significant challenges ahead, with a play-in tournament now seen as a potential achievement rather than a disappointment for this storied franchise.
It doesn't seem that long ago that the Heat were playing in the NBA Finals just about every year. It was only two years ago that this team surprised everyone by playing in the championship series once again, losing out to the Nuggets in the end.
The problems with the team were here before Butler jumped ship - and keeping a player with his kind of attitude was never going to have a happy ending in the short or long term.
Things have been (not so) steadily declining since the trade deadline and now it could be that the Heat has a major fight on its hands to even make it to the postseason.
Miami has failed to beat the 110-point mark on far too many occasions of late, which has left them struggling in a competitive Eastern Conference.
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