The Miami Heat haven’t gotten much better, yet several of their biggest rivals have made big additions this summer.
After the first significant wave of free agent signings and a limited trade market, the Miami Heat are likely running it back with their core. They lost a key role in Caleb Martin, but recently filled their 14th roster spot with the re-signing of Haywood Highsmith. Other than that, they made a pair of draft selections with Kel’el Ware and Pelle Larson, along with the signing of veteran point guard Alec Burks.
It’s looking like Tyler Herro has survived yet another summer of potential trade rumors. The Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Terry Rozier and Herro-led team will be returning at full health. Miami’s limitations financially this offseason made it difficult to shake up the roster.
Although the Heat showed plenty of flaws and inconsistency last season, mainly due to injuries, the front office likes this group. They are essentially banking on good health, along with growth from the team’s young core in Adebayo, Herro, Nikola Jovic and Jaime Jaquez Jr.
However, there are rival Eastern Conference teams that have gotten better and will be hungry to make a push in the 2023-2024 season. Let’s go over a few teams that are primed to take that leap.
Orlando Magic
Led by their superstar in the making of Paolo Banchero, the Orlando Magic turned in an impressive 2023-2024 season. The year prior, they saw themselves finish at 13th in the East and a 34-48 record. This past year featured them making the jump all the way to the fifth seed at a 47-35 record.
They have attractive young pieces to build on heading into the future with Banchero, Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter Jr. There could be a fair argument that Banchero has the skill set to quickly become an All-NBA caliber player. He received his first All-Star nod last season, along with the league’s Rookie of the Year honors a season prior.
Orlando beefed up their lineup by signing two-way guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on the opening day of free agency. Pope can instill championship experience, while adding elite defense and 3-point shooting for a young squad that was in need of a veteran presence.
Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers have gone all in this offseason. They have added superstar Paul George in free agency to round out a newly formed big three alongside former MVP Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. But that wasn’t all, as they made a solid draft selection in Jarred McCain followed by signings of Caleb Martin, Eric Gordon and Andre Drummond.
Kelly Oubre, a critical rotation piece for them last season, also re-signed on a team-friendly deal. There needs to be credit given when it’s due, and Philadelphia has built a powerhouse to go up against the best of the East and the league as a whole. The 76ers sport a lengthy and versatile starting group, and they addressed the bench by adding some depth.
For a Philadelphia squad that beat the Heat in the first play-in game last season, it seems like they will continue to be a tough opponent. Health is going to be the biggest factor in the potential for the 76ers, but on paper, they look elite.
New York Knicks
Jalen Brunson has formed the New York Knicks into contender status over the last couple of years. Led by Brunson’s talents, the Knicks have implemented a winning culture. They were eliminated in seven games against the Indiana Pacers in the second round, but the injury bug simply stunted the team’s potential.
The Knicks seemed to be a great matchup against the eventual champion Boston Celtics until health limited their playoff run. Not only did New York keep their Brunson, Julius Randle and Josh Hart core together, but they also brought in reinforcements. Mikal Bridges was acquired in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets, along with re-signing OG Anunoby at the start of free agency.
New York is hoping that the Bridges trade is the piece that can push them over the hump, and rightfully so. Bridges averaged 19.6 points and 4.5 rebounds for the Nets a year ago and appeared in every game of the season. Outside of the marquee names, they still have a strong supporting cast with Mitchell Robinson, Deuce McBride and Donte DiVincenzo.
The Knicks front office has bought into this core. When healthy, they have versatility, depth and are led by a legit superstar in this league.
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