Miami Heat: 2017-18 NBA season preview
By Simon Smith
Brimming with confidence following their 30-11 finish to last season, here’s a preview of the Miami Heat for season 2017-18.
Despite again missing out on their targeted free agent goals this offseason, the Miami Heat nonetheless approach their 2017-18 season very content in their surroundings.
Having struck out on acquiring Kevin Durant in the summer of 2016, the Heat again came up short this summer in their pursuit of Gordon Hayward. But despite these shortcomings, the Heat find themselves extremely confident in the group they have managed to put together.
The main reason for this confidence is the incredible 30-11 record the Heat compiled to finish the 2016-17 season. But despite missing out on the postseason action, there were a raft of positives to bring forward to this season.
The gradual development of new acquisitions Dion Waiters, James Johnson and Wayne Ellington within the Heat culture was fascinating to watch. Having bounced around various teams throughout their careers, each player not only got into the best physical shape of their lives, but transferred this into career-best years on the court.
https://twitter.com/MiamiHEAT/status/914640155235033088
While they weren’t named as Eastern Conference All-Stars, the manner in which Goran Dragic and Hassan Whiteside led from the front was terrific. Having lost the likes of Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and Luol Deng prior to the season, the increased level of leadership demonstrated by Dragic and Whiteside was highly encouraging for all Heat onlookers moving forward.
2016-17 Vitals
41-41, 3rd in Southeast Division, 9th in Eastern Conference
103.2 PPG (22nd)/102.1 OPP PPG (5th)
105.2 Offensive Rating (16th )/104.1 Defensive Rating (5th)
Team Leaders
Scoring: Goran Dragic, 20.3 PPG
Rebounding: Hassan Whiteside, 14.1 RPG
Assists: Goran Dragic, 5.8 APG
Steals: Justise Winslow, 1.4 SPG
Blocks: Hassan Whiteside, 2.1 BPG
Honors
N/A