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NBA: The Big Question Facing Every Team In 2015-16

By Gerald Bourguet

Oct 20, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) dribbles the ball as Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) defends during the first quarter at EnergySolutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 20, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) dribbles the ball as Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) defends during the first quarter at EnergySolutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 13, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh (left) and guard Dwyane Wade (right) smile and laugh on the bench against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Miami Heat 95-92 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Miami Heat

Can Miami Legitimately Contend For The Eastern Crown?

On paper, the Miami Heat might be the biggest threat to the Cavs’ reign in the East. After a busy offseason that included bringing back Dwyane Wade, Goran Dragic and Luol Deng, returning a healthy Chris Bosh and Josh McRoberts, signing Gerald Green and Amar’e Stoudemire for depth and getting quite possibly the steal of the draft in Justise Winslow, the Heat have a higher ceiling than any Eastern team not from Ohio.

After a half-year of turmoil in Phoenix, Dragic is only a season removed from being a Third Team All-NBAer. Wade and Bosh are as dangerous as ever when healthy, Deng figures to adjust better to his role in Year 2 and McRoberts, Green, Winslow and STAT give Miami plenty of weapons on both ends of the floor.

Head coach Erik Spoelstra never got enough credit for the job he did when LeBron James was still in town, but this will be his best opportunity to prove his knowledge of the game. If he can help all these new pieces mesh into a contender, the Heat could wind up being Cleveland’s biggest challenge in the East.

Next: Milwaukee Bucks