"A consistently good offense: The Heat were a bottom-third offense each of the last three seasons entering 2025-26. They started this year off on the right note with a new up-tempo, free-flowing offense. Miami was playing at a back-breaking pace, but was still the No. 13 unit through 20 games. They've now dropped ever-so-slightly to No. 17 despite being the fifth-highest scoring team while remaining atop the league in pace. I think they're closer to 17 than No. 5, too."
"A playable backup big: Sorry, Vlad Goldin. But Miami doesn't have a playable big not named Bam Adebayo or Kel'el Ware. It hasn't had a good backup big since the 2020-21 version of Dewayne Dedmon, who regressed. Cody Zeller was bad, and Thomas Bryant was even worse. Kelly Olynyk or Chris Anderson isn't walking through that door. Additionally, a playable backup big allows the Heat to play Ware and Adebayo more together, where they can work out their struggles. That's the end-goal, right?!"
"Bam Adebayo to win Defensive Player of the Year: Adebayo's been one of the NBA's best defenders since he became a full-time starter in 2019-20. You'd be hard-pressed to find a more versatile defender than him. After five top-5 finishes in DPOY, when you could argue he should've won at least two in 2021-22 and 2023-24, it's time for him to win one!"
The Heat opened 2025-26 with a new up-tempo, free-flowing offense but dropped to No. 17 in efficiency despite being the fifth-highest scoring team and leading the league in pace. A reliable backup big is absent beyond Bam Adebayo and Kel'el Ware, and rotation depth has regressed since earlier seasons. Landing Giannis Antetokounmpo would provide an elite, transformative star. Bam Adebayo merits Defensive Player of the Year consideration after sustained elite defensive play and multiple top-five finishes. Winning an NBA title remains a core organizational goal. Erik Spoelstra still lacks a Coach of the Year award. Additional roster improvements and lottery luck are desired.
Read at Hot Hot Hoops - Miami HEAT NBA Blog
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