Q: Really enjoyed your article of October 18th giving perspective as to the current expectations to have on this team. The league has changed drastically how teams build teams due to the CBA structure, and with it the Heat I hope are adapting and planning for better days. This I think will be a year to enjoy and watch some of our young players develop and get better and for the team to take stock on what it really has moving into 2026 and beyond. Hopefully there is improvement that is tangible and fun to watch, and hopefully the team finds a way to get into the draft lottery while also showcasing to the fans the optics of a young team developing yet providing at times a bit of pain but also joy and hope. – Jerry, Miami.
A: And that leaves the question as to where the development curve stands, namely how much more there can be from Kel’el Ware, Nikola Jovic, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Pelle Larsson and the other young elements of this roster. At the moment, the level of All-Star appears to be a stretch for any. So will it mostly be developing a complementary core for when a star can be added, either lottery or otherwise?
Q: Ira, I have been a rabid fan of the Heat since 1993 and before that rabid fan of the Knicks since 1952. I have also been a great fan of yours, but I disagree with your “Grow With Us” piece. Barring terrible injuries, this team will be no worse than sixth and will be a factor in the playoffs. I’m excited because it’s a much better team than last year’s Jimmy Butler-bruised and injury-jinxed squad. Norman Powell and Andrew Wiggins are better than any two last year after Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro. Kel’el Ware and Nikola Jovic have improved. Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Terry Rozier could bounce back. Davion Mitchell will have a full season, Bam will better adjust at power forward. The losses of Duncan Robinson and Haywood Highsmith offset with a better overall bench. Plus, the East is weaker. I’m excited (but we need Tyler Herro back as soon as possible). – Mo, Miami.
A: Yes, if everything goes perfectly, there is reason for optimism. But that is asking a lot. Yes, the East is weaker, but it’s not as if the Heat are definitely better than any teams, say, outside of Washington, Brooklyn and Charlotte. And even the Hornets are showing a youthful upside. More than any factors you mention, it likely will come down to whether Erik Spoelstra can squeeze every competitive ounce of the roster and whether he can outcoach on a nightly basis.
Q: Wouldn’t you think that the losing record from last season (with its long winless streak and the the most lopsided playoff sweep in history) would be enough motivation for Erik Spoelstra to have the Heat ready for a strong start to this season? Yet there are no signs that’s the case. Did the praise of being voted the best NBA coach and named Team USA coach distract him from winning a single preseason game? – Kyle, Miami.
A: The preseason had nothing to do with ego or Erik Spoelstra’s side hustle or the remnants of last season’s closing disaster. It had to do with a roster that largely does not measure up to the opposition (at least while Tyler Herro is out). If the Heat are to win early in the season, it will be winning as an underdog.