Miami Heat: Biggest strengths and weaknesses for 2017-18

Strength No. 1: Defensive Identity

Miami had the fifth-best defensive rating in the league this past year. Its system was a major success, mostly because it is built for today’s game. Spoelstra’s teams limit the 3-point shot for their opponent while making sure to funnel any driving action towards elite shot-blocker Hassan Whiteside.

Moving forward, this is a strategy that will continue to serve the Heat well. Kelly Olynyk was part of an aggressive defensive team in Boston, and he should transition fluidly into Miami’s system. He posted a good defensive rating last season — 107 points given up per 100 possessions — and showed no problems switching the pick-and-roll. His mobility will serve him well in Spoelstra’s system, whether he is playing the 4 next to Whiteside or playing the 5 in relief of him.

All of the guards on the roster besides Goran Dragic are young and building proper defensive habits slowly over time. Their quest for a playoff spot will be helped along by youngsters like Josh Richardson, Justise Winslow and Bam Adebayo learning how to rely on proper positioning rather than just athleticism on defense.

As of now, the Heat’s identity is tied to their defense as their shooting catches up. If they continue to lean on their defense, Miami will finish much higher this season in the top-heavy East.