NBA 2013-2014 Season Preview - Miami Heat Roster and Coaches: Can They Make it to the Finals?
The NBA 2013-2014 season is still a few few weeks away from starting, but fans are already talking about the Finals. Many are wondering whether the Miami Heat can get back to the Championship for the fourth straight time, and possibly bag their third consecutive ring, or will another team step up this year. Analysts and experts have weighed in the season, and here's a quick look at how the team will perform this year.
Miami was able to keep its 2012-13 championship roster intact, with only few trades and additions. Keeping the team in its Finals contending form are its big three: LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. Mario Chalmers, Ray Allen and Chris Andersen are also staying in Miami to help bag another championship this comings season. And while Mike Miller has already moved to the Memphis Grizzlies, the Heat has acquired Michael Beasley and former No. 1 pick, Greg Oden.
"The Heat are not in turmoil, they are not old and they have rolled the dice on two talented players like Greg Oden and Michael Beasley that could make them even more difficult to beat come playoff time," Eddie Johnson of HoopsHype told USA Today.
As for the team's coaching staff, Heat fans will be happy to know that head coach Erik Spoelstra isn't going anywhere. Sun Sentinel has reported last month that Coach Spo has signed a multiyear extension with the team. However, the assistant coaches of the current champs did undergo several changes. Not to worry though, it seems to be for the good.
Bleacher Report notes that former assistant coaches Chad Kammerer and Keith Askins have left their posts for other scouting positions in the team. Dan Craig, Heat's summer league coach, will now take a seat in the sidelines assistant coach to Spo. Former Heat forward, Juwan Howard, has also announced his retirement from the league and will now be among the team's coaching staff.
While it's too early to say for certain that the Miami Heat will be going back to the NBA Finals this season, one thing is for certain: the Heat is still a force to reckon with.