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2019-20 NBA season: Record predictions for every team

By Christopher Kline

PLAYA VISTA, CA - SEPTEMBER 29: Los Angeles Clippers Forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Los Angeles Clippers Forward Paul George (13) pose for a photo during media day at the Los Angeles Clippers Training Center on September 29, 2019 in Playa Vista, California. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PLAYA VISTA, CA - SEPTEMBER 29: Los Angeles Clippers Forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Los Angeles Clippers Forward Paul George (13) pose for a photo during media day at the Los Angeles Clippers Training Center on September 29, 2019 in Playa Vista, California. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Miami Heat

The Miami Heat are a team of principle and culture. A team built on conditioning, effort and strong internal relationships. It’s easy to understand the appeal to someone like Jimmy Butler, whose career mirrors some of the same philosophies Miami preaches.

Butler was an imperfect star in Philadelphia last season, but he still managed to elevate the Sixers to near-title contention in the playoffs. It was Butler who scored the game-tying bucket before Kawhi’s infamous game-winner. It was Butler who kept Philadelphia afloat when Embiid struggled with illness.

At his peak, Butler is a top-15 NBA player. He’s 6-foot-8, a deadly pull-up scorer, and a solid point of attack defender. When Butler’s locked in, he’s on the All-Defense watchlist. When he’s not, it’s still enough to maintain his longstanding reputation.

In Butler, Miami finally has a star to build around in the post-Dwyane Wade/LeBron James era. It’s even another Marquette alum. The Heat roster looks similar beyond the Butler-Josh Richardson swap, which serves as a substantial upgrade for Miami.

Justise Winslow should continue to improve as his role grows and expands. His playmaking opportunities might take a hit next to Butler and a healthy Goran Dragic, but Miami should still let Winslow run the second unit whenever possible. He’s an exciting talent.

Elsewhere, Bam Adebayo will finally step out of Hassan Whiteside’s fading shadow. He’s a strong rim protector and an elite rim-runner, which pairs nicely with Butler. The rest of the frontcourt is built around shooting, while Tyler Herro’s offense could lead to legitimate playing time as a rookie.

Final prediction: 46-36, No. 6 seed Eastern Conference