How the Miami Heat Addressed a Key Issue From Last Season

MIAMI, Fla. – Last season, the Miami Heat struggled against lengthy opponents – 0-13 against the Orlando Magic, Toronto Raptors, and Boston Celtics. The lack of size has been an issue for years, primarily during Jimmy Butler’s six-year tenure. It was arguably the biggest factor in two NBA Finals losses.

However, the issue won’t be lingering ahead of the 2026-27 season.

After acquiring former Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis in a blockbuster trade, the Heat have severe size in the frontcourt. Plus, re-signing Andrew Wiggins adds another versatile, defensive piece to the puzzle.

It’s likely the best supporting cast to surround three-time All-Star Bam Adebayo. However, Erik Spoelstra will be tasked with putting it all together. He described the talent and possibilities as “multifaceted” at Thursday’s introductory press conference.

“We needed to address that coming into the offseason,” Spoelstra said. “We have more size but just as important, we have more physicality, versatility with our frontcourt. There’s a lot of different things we can do. We can pair different guys together – three guys together. There are a lot of possibilities. Some that we’re thinking about now and some that probably won’t be realized until we start getting into the games. Addressing the size and physicality was something we needed to do.”

In the Heat’s own Southeast Division, every team will present size. The Magic retained most of its frontcourt pieces, minus Moritz Wagner, who is signing with the Brooklyn Nets. In the nation’s capital, the Washington Wizards drafted BYU product AJ Dybantsa, pairing him up with Alex Sarr and 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis. The Charlotte Hornets acquired former Sixth Man of the Year Naz Reid. Finally, the Atlanta Hawks retained the frontcourt from last season.

Antetokounmpo is known as a dominant force, especially when driving to the rim. The 6-11 and 243-pound frame allows him to shoot over defenders without facing a legitimate contest. He can’t space the floor, but the three-point shot is better than before.

Meanwhile, Portis can hit outside shots but back down defenders in the post.

The new frontcourt’s defense should be among the league’s best. Although Adebayo is the anchor, he won’t be tasked with handling so much. Plus, the Heat should be able to sustain minutes when the six-time All-Defensive center sits on the bench to take a breather.

Championship aspirations surround the South Florida franchise and it starts on the defensive side of the court.

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Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Heat beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports