The biggest question for Miami this season will be whether they have enough playmaking to navigate the regular season, with Terry Rozier as their primary ball-handling guard – despite being more of a combo guard by nature. The playmaking burden may then rest heavily on the shoulders of other players. Bam Adebayo appears ready to take on an expanded offensive role after showing more versatility, including three-point shooting, during his time with Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He could very well be the team’s leading scorer, with Tyler Herro playing a crucial role. Herro, who averaged a career-high 20.8 points per game last season, has shown flashes of All-Star potential, but his inconsistency and injury struggles have held him back. Both Adebayo and Herro will need to step up, especially if Jimmy Butler paces himself for another deep playoff run.
Ultimately, the Heat’s focus is less on regular-season standings and more on being healthy and ready for the playoffs, where they have repeatedly shown they are a legitimate threat.