2018-19 NBA Season Preview: What to expect from the Miami Heat

Gilbert McGregor

2018-19 NBA Season Preview: What to expect from the Miami Heat image

With the 2018-19 NBA season quickly approaching, we're rolling out 30 Teams in 30 Days. Between now and opening night, we're dedicating one day to each team in the league.

Up next, we're taking a look at the Southeast Division. After starting with the Magic and Wizards, we're taking a look at last year's Division champion, the Miami Heat.

2017-18 season record

44-38 (6th in Eastern Conference)

Projected 2018-19 season record

41.5 wins (7th in Eastern Conference)

Notable additions

None

Notable departures

None

3 key storylines

Dwyane Wade's farewell tour

It's the elephant in the room – after serving as the face of the Miami Heat franchise since 2003 (yes, even when playing elsewhere), the 2018-19 NBA season will be the last for Dwyane Wade.

This upcoming season will be a year full of lasts for the three-time champion and each will be chronicled and documented. It's not like he doesn't have plenty left in the tank, either – Wade averaged 12.0 points in 21 regular season games with Miami last season and was the team's second-leading scorer (16.6 ppg) in the 2018 postseason.

There's no doubt the 2018-19 Heat will look to send the legend off on the best note possible; Wade's play last season suggests that he'll deliver a few more signature performances along the way, too.

The Hassan Whiteside experience

Did Hassan Whiteside peak in 2017? 

Season GP MIN PTS REB BLK FG%
2014-15 48 23.8 11.8 10.0 2.6 .628
2015-16 73 29.1 14.2 11.8 3.7 .606
2016-17 77 32.6 17.0 14.1 2.1 .557
2017-18 54 25.3 14.0 11.4 1.7 .540

While the numbers might suggest the 29-year-old centre is trending downward, last season is deeper than some stats would indicate. After dealing with injuries in the early parts of the season, Whiteside  expressed his frustration  over his lack of playing time once he returned to the active lineup. The 7-footer's frustration with his role continued in the postseason , where Miami was eliminated in the first round. 

The outlook for 2018-19 is much more positive for Whiteside already, as the centre told the Sun-Sentinel all the pain from his injuries is gone, suggesting he could return to the level of explosiveness that set him apart in years past. The relationship between Whiteside and Spoelstra appears to be repaired as well , which means he can be more productive in the role he feels he deserves. 

Which young player makes the jump?

In recent years, Miami has done exceptionally well in the draft process, acquiring players that fit stylistically and culture wise. Tyler Johnson (Undrafted free agent, 2014), Justise Winslow (No. 10 pick, 2015), Josh Richardson (No. 40 pick, 2015), and Bam Adebayo (No. 14 pick, 2017) each played an integral role in the Heat's 44-win season in 2017-18. 

With Goran Dragic playing at an All-Star level, the potential reemergence of Hassan Whiteside and the uncertainty of Dion Waiters' health, Miami's ceiling largely depends on which young player steps up to be the team's clear-cut No. 3 guy.

Could it be Richardson, who has improved each season and fits the mould of the ideal '3-and-D' wing? Or Winslow, who has shown flashes but still has plenty of untapped potential as a lottery pick? If there are any more hiccups with the Whiteside experience, perhaps it is Adebayo, who has all the tools to be an elite big in Miami's system.

The Heat are in a great spot talent-wise, but 2018-19 is the season that potential needs to be realized.

5 games to watch

Nov. 12 vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Playoff rematch? Check. Joel Embiid rivalry? Check.

After eliminating the Heat at American Airlines Arena in the 2018 playoffs, the Sixers make the first of two visits to Miami a month into the season. There will be plenty of fanfare, including the interior matchup between Embiid and Whiteside.

Miami's definitely got this one circled as its first crack at a top three team in the East this season.

Nov. 18 vs. Los Angeles Lakers

It's a new-look Lakers team making their only trip to Miami to take on a very similar Heat Team in what should be another valid early season test.

While it's been over four years since LeBron James donned a Miami Heat uniform, it's always fun to watch the four-time MVP take on his best friend Dwyane Wade and his former team. – after all, the duo did bring back-to-back titles to South Beach in the past decade.

Jan. 8 vs. Denver Nuggets

Last season, the first meeting between the Heat and Nuggets was decided by one point. The second? A double-overtime thriller which Miami won 149-141. 

If this early January matchup at American Airlines Arena has just half of the entertainment value as either of last season's games, you won't want to miss it.

Jan. 19 vs. Chicago Bulls

Plenty of games will highlight Dwyane Wade's farewell tour, but few will live up to his final game in front of his hometown crowd in Chicago. Miami will always be "Wade County", but Wade is who he is because of his formative years.

There will be plenty of emotion and a good game to go along with it when the Heat face the Bulls on Jan. 19.

April 9 vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Wade will take the American Airlines Arena floor for the final time in the regular season on April 9 when the 76ers make their second visit of the year.

While Miami is projected to qualify for the playoffs, emotions will be high in its regular season home finale where plenty of video and time is sure to be taken out to honor Wade's 14.5 seasons with the team.

Gilbert McGregor

Gilbert McGregor Photo

Gilbert McGregor first joined The Sporting News in 2018 as a content producer for Global editions of NBA.com. Before covering the game, McGregor played basketball collegiately at Wake Forest, graduating with a Communication degree in 2016. McGregor began covering the NBA during the 2017-18 season and has been on hand for a number of league events.