Miami Heat: Addition of Jimmy Butler sparks optimism for 2019-20
By Simon Smith
Predictions
When you combine the improvements made to the roster, the depletion of the defending champion Toronto Raptors and the expected slight decline of the Boston Celtics with the departures of Kyrie Irving and Al Horford, all signs are pointing up as it pertains to the Miami Heat’s expected finishing spot this season.
Bam Adebayo is entering his third season in the league, with all indications being that he will continue his ascension as one of the more productive young players in the league. Justise Winslow has now completed four seasons and, at 23 and with a short apprenticeship running the point, is poised to break through to the next level.
In addition to the top-end talent, the real difference could come with some of the other key rotation players. The aforementioned duo of Dion Waiters and James Johnson, when healthy and confident, can be legitimate difference makers. Waiters, who appears primed to produce a career-year, is in a particularly good position to bounce back.
Having reportedly lost over 20 pounds over the summer, Waiters at 27 is the definition of a difference-maker. As for Johnson, his ability to switch between all positions in the frontcourt while also acting as a secondary ball handler was a boon for the team in his lone healthy season as a member of the Heat.
Then there is coach Erik Spoelstra, who after 11 years at helm has had his contract again extended by the franchise. Arguably one of the top handful of coaches in the league, the sheer presence of having Spoelstra roaming the sidelines is a distinct advantage the Heat hold over many of their opponents entering the season.
In summary, all things going to plan, this could certainly be the most successful season for the Heat since their last trip to the Finals in 2014. All things being considered, a 50-win season, accompanied by a third-place finish in the Eastern Conference standings, is a more than reasonable prediction for the Miami Heat in season 2019-20.