Image Source: X
[Saba Sports News] “I’m sorry, but I’m totally distracted by a fight over there. This is CRAZY!” Tyler Herro exclaimed.
The Miami Heat are heading into the new season with their core trio of Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Tyler Herro, plus new recruit Terry Rozier to boost their scoring. Still, there are lingering doubts about whether this roster can finally push through to the Finals.
Meanwhile, the Celtics may have surpassed them by adding Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, and Derrick White, a versatile two-way player. Are the Heat equipped to contend in the East?
Former coach Stan Van Gundy isn’t convinced.
“I don’t get what they’re doing there. They’re a win-now team, but their roster just doesn’t stack up,” Van Gundy said, as reported by Anthony Pasciolla for Sports Illustrated.
Some Heat fans might agree. Jimmy Butler, now over 30, faces a contract year and has a history of injuries. He missed last year’s first playoff round, where the Celtics beat the Heat 4-1. Though Terry Rozier was also out for that series, it’s debatable whether he could have closed the talent gap between the teams.
While Bam Adebayo remains a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, he may need more help than Butler, Herro, and Rozier can provide. Miami will likely rely more on second-year player Jaime Jaquez Jr. and fast-track rookie Kel’el Ware’s development. This lack of star power could mean the difference between playoff success and another disappointment—an opinion Van Gundy shares.
“That’s not a very good roster. To me, they’re a play-in team again,” he said.
As for the Heat’s future, their championship window may be closing. The New York Knicks have added Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges, while the 76ers picked up Paul George.
Despite their grit, and even funny postgame moments, a 35-year-old Butler and Herro might not be enough to lift the Heat to the promised land anymore. In their preseason opener, the Heat beat the Spurs 120-117, but the highlight came after the game when Herro got hilariously