(Mandatory Credit: Issac Baldizon/Getty Images)
Good morning, friends.
Before we start, I just want to say thank you for reading throughout the 2024-25 season. None of this would be possible without you, so all of us here at HHH thank you endlessly. The season may be over, but there will be plenty of offseason content ahead, especially from yours truly.
Now, let’s get into it!
This season sucked. Let’s not sugarcoat it.
The Miami Heat suffered their two worst postseason losses in franchise history on their home court, losing by 37 in Game 3 and 55 in Game 4, five points away from an NBA record for worst point differential in a playoff game.
They were mercifully swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers, who outscored the Heat by 122 points, an NBA record. Miami finished with its worst regular season record since 2014-15, lost out on a lottery pick and lost sight of the #HEATCulture™ that was the backbone of the franchise for 30 years. Never wear those jerseys again, please.
Now that it’s (finally!) over, how would you honestly grade the 2024-25 Miami Heat season?
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Hanifan’s Take: There weren’t many positives to take away from this season. A few I listed in the offseason blog were Herro’s career year, finding a legitimate frontcourt partner next to Adebayo (who developed quicker than anyone thought) and Davion Mitchell’s emergence post-Jimmy trade.
To some extent, I was scratching the bottom of the barrel for anything. It was an incredibly disappointing season and it only highlighted how directionless they appear to be. Change is needed. I won’t promise anything because I’m not in the front office. I’m just a writer who’s still compartmentalizing everything that’s happened over the last calendar year. I’ve probably forgotten more basketball than Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra know; I never once said I was or am smart. I try to tell the truth like the rest of you.
There were (some) positives. But there was a whole lot more drama and rudderless play. I’m not sure if it was an abject failure (am I being too optimistic?!), but it’s definitely not far from it. And they can’t follow up with an offseason that’s anything close to what it’s been the last few summers. It may take a while, but let’s have a clear direction and tangible change to get us back to sustainable contention–whether that means taking a few steps back and collecting assets or the inverse.
Hanifan’s Grade: D
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(Note: This poll will close on May 13 at 11:59 p.m. EST!)
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