Miami Heat: 2017-18 NBA season preview

2017-18 Roster

Bam Adebayo, C
Goran Dragic, PG
Larry Drew II, PG
Wayne Ellington, SG
A.J. Hammons, C
Udonis Haslem, PF
James Johnson, PF
Tyler Johnson, PG
Rodney McGruder, SF
Jordan Mickey, PF
Kelly Olynyk, PF/C
Josh Richardson, SF
Dion Waiters, SG
Okaro White, SF
Hassan Whiteside, C
Justise Winslow, SF

Offseason Additions

Bam Adebayo (No. 14 overall pick, Kentucky), A.J. Hammons (via trade, Dallas Mavericks), Jordan Mickey (free agent, Boston Celtics), Kelly Olynyk (free agent, Boston Celtics), Larry Drew II (free agency)

Offseason Subtractions

Luke Babbitt (free agent, Atlanta Hawks), Josh McRoberts (trade, Dallas Mavericks)

Quick Thoughts

While Babbitt hardly set the world on fire last season, he did start 55 games last season in his role as a stretch-4. And after many hits and misses, the Heat were finally able to find a taker for Josh McRoberts and his onerous contract, which had one-year and $6 million remaining.

As a result of this deal with the Dallas Mavericks, the Heat were able to free up sufficient space to allocate to the various other signings they made this summer. One of these signings was the addition of Kelly Olynyk, a stretch-big who has the ability to switch between both the 4 and 5 spots in the frontcourt.

But besides the addition of Olynyk and lottery selection Bam Adebayo, the Heat will be returning with the same cast that finished the second half of last season with a bang.

Team president Pat Riley, and head coach Erik Spoelstra were both keen to bring back this group that had formed such a terrific bond over the course of last season. Heat onlookers should have faith that the decisions made this offseason by the Heat front office and coaching staff will come to fruition.