1. Heat once again register a top-10 defense
For the third consecutive year, the Heat were one of the premier defensive outfits in the league.
In posting a 104.0 defensive rating, the Heat ranked seventh overall in the league, and in doing so further emphasised their adherence to discipline and hard work.
From an individual perspective, it was notable that the best return of regular rotation players was the emerging duo of Bam Adebayo and Justise Winslow. Each posted a 102.1 defensive rating and when paired together on the floor, posted the best two-man lineup return on the team with a 96.2 rating — simply elite considering the Boston Celtics led the league with a 101.5 defensive rating.
The other emerging star on the Heat at both ends off the floor is Josh Richardson. Finishing with a 103.6 defensive rating, Richardson was also unlucky not be chosen to an NBA All-Defensive Team, earning three first-team votes in what was a sensational year overall for the third-year swingman. When placed on the floor together, this trio posted an outstanding 95.1 defensive rating, quite incredible considering their relative lack of experience in the league.
.@MiamiHeat coach Erik Spoelstra discusses the defense prowess of guard Josh Richardson. #HEATCulture #HEATNation #NBA pic.twitter.com/YqWfK1E3JA
— Bally Sports Florida & Bally Sports Sun (@BallySportsFL) January 10, 2018
Since taking over the helm in 2008-09, Erik Spoelstra has overseen three top-five and three top-seven defensive outfits.
Considering the current makeup of the roster, Spoelstra and his staff will be under no illusions that anything less than elite output in 2018-19 won’t suffice considering the distinct lack of superstar talent on the roster.