Lou Williams sees a top-four Eastern Conference finish for the Miami Heat, believing their current trajectory can propel them despite key departures and recent struggles.
The Miami Heat arguably thrive the most as underdogs compared to the rest of the league. The last example comes from the 2023 playoffs, when they reached the NBA Finals as an eighth seed, beating more respected opponents with more talented rosters. Regardless, the spotless execution on both sides of the court helped them prevail in a marvelous Cinderella story. Despite losing to the Denver Nuggets after five games, it was a historic moment, from a franchise and league perspective.
However, the biggest difference from then and now is that superstar forward Jimmy Butler is no longer a member of the Heat, departing at last season's trade deadline to the Golden State Warriors after contract disputes, plus drama from behind the scenes. This season began a new chapter, with three-time All-Star center Bam Adebayo inheriting the keys. The roster is much younger compared to recent years, with the additions of a couple of veterans in Norman Powell and Simone Fontecchio, both acquired in separate offseason trades.
The Heat had a hot start to the season, at one point, on top of the Eastern Conference. However, there was a massive derailment to their trajectory after losing nine out of 11 games. They would drop in the standings drastically until stringing four consecutive, convincing victories, with the most recent coming against the Detroit Pistons on Thursday night, Jan 1st, with a final score of 118-112.
The team was restoring order to its season, looking to regain lost ground.
In a recent episode of "Run It Back," part of the FanDuel Sports network, former three-time Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams believes in the "possibility" of the Heat finishing around the top of the Eastern Conference.
"If they can continue to play this way," the former 17-year veteran said. "I think they go forward before they go backwards. I think they cap out at [the fourth seed] if they do put themselves in that conversation."
Outside of the Pistons, New York Knicks, and Boston Celtics, there's a small gap within the rest of the Eastern Conference standings. The Heat currently sit with a 19-15 record, ahead of today's evening game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, occupying the sixth seed. They're tied with the Philadelphia 76ers, who will face the New York Knicks tonight at Madison Square Garden, and the Toronto Raptors are slightly 0.5 games ahead.
There are still a few weeks away before the trade deadline and the All-Star game, which come before teams focus more on playoff position. However, the business remains as usual for the Heat, which is winning games.
Join the Community! Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news! It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our RoundTable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
More Miami Heat News: