The Miami Heat are ushering in a new era this season after acquiring two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason.
It was the highlight of one of the greatest offseasons in franchise history. A new superstar afoot presents new expectations — championship expectations, to be specific.
No, we aren’t guaranteeing a championship. We aren’t even guaraneeing the Heat make it out of a crowded Eastern Conference. But a new-look Heat squad led by Antetokounmpo and Mr. 83, Bam Adebayo, plus Erik Spoelstra manning the sidelines, is a tantalizing trio. We don’t know how this roster will mesh together because we haven’t seen it together yet.
If there’s one certainty, though, it’s that Miami will be a highly disruptive, active defense.
Although, some skeptics in the national space don’t believe that’s the case.
On a recent episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, Simmons, a long-time Celtics fan, foolishly asked The Ringer’s Zach Lowe about “who will play defense” on the Heat this season. Over 24 hours later, that sentiment spread to former NBA veteran Danny Green, who questioned the Heat’s defensive infrastructure outside of Adebayo and Antetokounmpo, two very good defenders.
Why the Miami Heat will be a very good defensive team:
Hot take: A Miami Heat squad coached by Erik Spoelstra will play defense.
Hot take pt. 2: They have multiple good defenders.
I’m burning hot with how much fiery takes I’m spewing, I know.
We’re past the point of rational analysis: There’s a sick part of me that respects this level of hate. I know Green doesn’t technically “hate” the Heat, but his perspective isn’t drifting far from someone who openly does.
Again, I know we haven’t seen this Heat team perform yet, but the very last line of the laundry list of concerns should be the team’s defense.
Outside of Adebayo and Antetokounmpo, here’s a list of a few of the Heat’s top defenders:
- Andrew Wiggins — One of the best wing defenders in the East.
- Davion Mitchell — An animal at the point-of-attack.
- Pelle Larsson — Have you seen how many times he gets hit in the face? He’s not afraid of the scrum.
- Dru Smith — Led the NBA in deflections per 36 minutes (6.2!!!) last year.
- Nikola Jovic — Not as disruptive as a few of his counterparts, but an underrated on-ball defender.
- Myron Gardner — The aggravator!
- Keshad Johnson — A big-bodied 4 who has posted career averages of 3.0 stocks per 75 possessions
Shall I go on?
Not to mention, Spoelstra-coached teams have finished top-10 in defense in nine of the last 10 and 13 of the last 16 seasons. In that span, they have cracked the top-5 five teams, according to Cleaning The Glass.
At the very least, the Heat are going to defend. I don’t think that should be of concern, especially with Adebayo and Antetokounmpo — who have combined to make 11 All-Defensive teams — leading the way.
That’s their backbone.
That’s their MO.
That’s their organizational philosophy.
That’s their CULTURE.
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Soon
Heat with Bam on the court last year had a 113.4 defense (#8) and traded the worst defenders on last years team for Giannis.
Heat will score an ave of 103-107pts. But they will keep their opponents below 100. Go Heat! Luvin the underdog tag. Again. As Usual.
In 2025-2026, Miami scored 120.9 ppg (#2) and gave up 118.5 ppg (#22) in NBA.
Last season, the top 5 point differentials (offensive ppg vs defensive ppg) in the NBA were as follows:
Based on last season’s statistics, I conservatively estimate the Heat offense will average 116.0 – 118.0 ppg and give up approximately 110.0 – 112.0 ppg. That would result in a point differential of approximately +4.0 – +8.0 ppg. This should place the Heat in the top 4-6 teams in the East.
Great stats as usual sunman! Am just lowering my expectations on their offense but very optimistic on their d.
Thanks. Me too. I can’t wait to see Pelle lock down Maxey like he did last year.
With so many roster changes…many teams will have huge chemistry questions. With regards to speculating about the Heat defense…F the doubters!
Top 8 defense ranking
Top 5 for me
Depending on the opponent, I can see the best Heat defenders getting the most minutes at crunch time.
The only way average or below average defenders will get a lot of playing time is if their offensive games are clicking AND their defensive flaws can be compensated for (covered up/concealed) in team defensive schemes by the other Heat players on the court.
Make no mistake, this will be a defense first team. I believe individual defensive efforts suffer when offensive games aren’t clicking. Don’t forget, many of the better offensive players in the NBA are average or below average defenders to begin with. If their defense suffers, they will easier to target/ exploit. I see a lot of “off nights” for Heat opponents this season.
Offense sells tickets. Defense wins championships
P.S. Simmons is a Celtic lover and a Heat hater. Take anything he says with a grain of salt
Except for Rudy Godbert and Jaden McDaniels who’s going to play defense for the Timberwolves.
Even if Wiggins, Mitchell and Larsson didn’t exist, it’s a silly take. Except for two elite defenders, who is going to play defense? Well two elite defenders make up for a lot of bad defense. Did they miss the Jimmy Butler-Bam years where guys like Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson both played big minutes, and the Heat were a good/great defensive team?
Let’s just call this for what it is…
People that don’t watch the HEAT like we do all season long.
People that hate the Miami Heat for whatever reason.
It’s hate on the Heat hot take season, row silly from that Boston group.
They’re probably focusing only on Hardaway Jr and Thompson. Two players. We can do that to every and any team.
#Soon
I think you’re right about the focus of the comment. But, they are also two players who likely will seldom be on the court together.