After a dismal start to the season at 11-30, the Miami Heat went on a tear during the second half going 31-10 and finishing at .500 41-41. A team that was sure to get a top five lottery pick missed the playoffs by an inch. The Heat were proud of what they accomplished with the roster that they had, and Erik Spoelstra was honored by his peers as he and Mike D’Antoni won the inaugural Michael H. Goldberg NBCA Coach of the Year Award, the award that is voted by coaches.
The Heat have some notable pieces from their impressive run that will become Free Agents.
Dion Waiters (SG, Unrestricted)
Dion Waiters had an impressive season. He averaged 15.9 points, 4.4 assists and 3.4 rebounds for Miami this season after averaging just nine points, two rebounds and two assists per game last season. Waiters became a key factor for the Heat’s scoring and late game situations. At only 25, the Heat will attempt to bring him back.
James Johnson (PF, Unrestricted)
James Johnson’s turnaround with the Heat was phenomenal. In his first season with the Heat, he lost 37 pounds and his averages jumped in almost every category. The Heat want him back and the fan base enjoyed the effort he displayed on defense.
Luke Babbit (SF, Unrestricted)
Luke Babbit’s time in Miami may be over. The 28-year-old saw his fair share of action this season but does not appear to be in the teams plans for the future.
Willie Reed (PF/C, Unrestricted)
Reed was apart of the many players that joined the Heat last year that redeemed themselves. After being cut by the Nets and bouncing around the D-League, Reed found a home as the backup to Hassan Whiteside. Reed opted out of his $1.5 million dollar player option in hopes of doubling or even tripling that cost. The Heat are not expecting him to change his mind and opt in before the June 29th deadline.
Udonis Haslem (PF, Unrestricted)
The Captain, the Glue, The Lifer. Udonis Haslem has been the heart of the Heat for the majority of his career. He has embraced his role as the veteran leader of the young team he was around this season. At 37, it is safe to say the Heat will bring back “UD” as he reaches the end of the last leg of his career.
