The Miami Heat might not regret parting ways with Jimmy Butler, even if they finished their 2024-25 campaign with 37-45 record and missed the playoffs. They probably wish that the breakup went more smoothly. However, while they were very successful with the six-time All-Star, he stopped being the player they needed.
Besides, rosters and stars always change in the world of sports. Since moving on from Butler, they’ve acquired multiple star-caliber wings whose combined impact trumps his. With that being said, there are just three burning questions for the Heat as they head into their new season.
3 Burning Questions For Heat Heading Into 2025-26 Season
What Happens With Terry Rozier?
When former Memphis Grizzlies and Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter was found guilty of gambling on his own games and banned from the NBA for life, it seemed like a rare (though not unique) circumstance. Yet, less than a year later, Terry Rozier was caught up in a similar situation. In fact, the 31-year-old was part of the same federal investigation that led to Porter being indicted on charges that included wire fraud conspiracy.
Now the Heat are in limbo, as Rozier has yet to be cleared of wrongdoing.
If he’s guilty like Porter and receives the same ban, his contract will be forfeited. As he’s set to make $26.6 million, that’s quite significant. They’re already under the first apron but $48 million over the cap. Thus, it won’t affect the exceptions they can use or who they can sign outright in free agency this summer. Nevertheless, Heat owner Micky Arison doesn’t mind saving money.
If Rozier is allowed to play next season, then there’s question with how effective he can be. Ever since being traded by the Charlotte Hornets, he’s looked like a shell of himself, particularly offensively. In 93 games with the Heat, he’s averaging 12.5 points per game on 40.4 percent shooting from the field and 32.3 percent shooting from 3. Maybe he can right the ship but Miami now has Davion Mitchell, Kasparas Jakucionis and Pelle Larsson. Rozier may be the odd man out.
How Much Difference Will Norman Powell Make?
It isn’t often that a team can get an All-Star-caliber player for pennies on the dollar.
Yet, that’s exactly what the Heat did this month when they landed Norman Powell from the Los Angeles Clippers in a three-team trade. Last season, Powell posted 21.8 points per game, nearly double what Kevin Love and Kyle Anderson averaged combined (11.2 points per game). With that being said, he may not be a bonafide No. 1 option that can replace Jimmy Butler. Still, he definitely makes them more potent offensively, all while helping them become a more prolific 3-point shooting team.
With the Heat ranking 24th in points per game and 21st in offensive rating in 2024-25, that makes him a real difference-maker. However, there is a question of what his role will be. Though he was a full-time starter last season, Tyler Herro and Andrew Wiggins are star wings in everything but name. Herro is also capable of playing point guard, but it’s not his most natural position.
Can Bam Adebayo Bounce Back?
As they say, development isn’t linear.
Keeping that in mind, Bam Adebayo‘s 2024-25 campaign shouldn’t cause anyone to ring the alarms. That being said, Adebayo shot a career-low 48.5 percent from the field. His scoring average (18.1 points per game) was the lowest it had been in the previous five years. His block average (0.7 per game) was the lowest it had been since his rookie season.
Part of the issue with his efficiency may have been Adebayo becoming more of a jump shooter, the big man taking a career-high 19.9 percent of his field goal attempts from 3-point range. His tendency to settle for jumpers was a factor in his unremarkable free-throw attempt rate (29.5 percent) and demonstrated by him taking just 21.3 percent of his shots within three feet of the rim. Yet, he also shot just 38.1 percent on hook shots and 49.7 percent on layups.
A change in his mentality and physicality could be all he needs to get back to All-Star form.
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