Miami Heat: Addition of Jimmy Butler sparks optimism for 2019-20
By Simon Smith
With their level of optimism much higher than in recent years, here’s a complete preview of the Miami Heat for the 2019-20 NBA season.
After posting a 39-43 record and thus missing the postseason for the second time in three years, the hierarchy of the Miami Heat knew things needed to change. And while the farewell tour for Dwyane Wade this past season created some fantastic memories, it also created somewhat of a distraction for just how mediocre the team had been performing.
While they finished a solid seventh overall with a 107.1 defensive rating, their output at the offensive end left a lot to be desired. In summary, the Heat finished 26th in offensive rating, 26th in points per game and dead last in free throw percentage. Most ominous was their performance in the clutch, with their 94.7 offensive rating in the clutch ranking dead last.
In addition to Wade, leading scorer Josh Richardson has also departed, used as part of the transaction that ultimately landed four-time All-Star Jimmy Butler. Having tried to acquire Butler previously, this offseason presented as the ideal time for the Heat to have another swing and thus give the franchise a fresh look moving forward.
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Furthermore, center Hassan Whiteside, a staple of the Heat’s starting lineup for multiple seasons, was also shown the door as part of the Butler deal. As a result, the Heat will have a decidedly different looking lineup entering a season in which the Eastern Conference is considered wide open with the defection of Kawhi Leonard out West.
So with training camp about to commence, here’s a broad preview of the Heat for 2019-20.