2015-16 Finish: 48-34

Season Highlight:

The Heat entered the season as GM Proid usually enters a season with his teams, no rookies coming in, a lot of FA’s and a plan to bring back his guys even if they try to bolt. Free agency went to plan looking from the outside in, Duncan, Smith, Dunleavy and Gay all re-signed and Rondo was the main piece that wanted to test his options. When it came down to it Proid made a compelling case and Rondo decided Miami was the best place for him.

As always the Heat were competitive in the east and managed to finish as a 6^th seed heading into the post season.

Season Lowlight:

Facing the 3 seed Cavs, Proid, and many other GM’s had eyes on an upset. After winning Game 1 in Cleveland things looked good. The Cavs got home court advantage back in game 4 and the series went to 7. In the end LeBron and the Cavs were too much to overcome and the Heat were bundled out in the 1^st round.

Best Trade:

Heat Receive: Timofey Mozgov and Markieff Morris

Heat Send: Mike Dunleavy, Marc Gasol, Brian Robertsm Marcus Thornton and Tarick Black

Marc Gasol is the Key piece out here but for the Heat cutting some cap was key and they did just that saving 15 million and getting a couple of decent pieces to fill the void.

Worst Trade:

Heat Receive: Kyle Korver and Al Jefferson.
Heat Send: Timofey Mozgov, Markieff Morris and Norris Cole

Al Jefferson, while injured when he was traded for was bought in to be the difference maker for the Heat in the East. It just didnt seem to click. Jefferson put up his lowest scoring numbers in 8 odd years for the Heat (12.0ppg). and really didnt get going in the playoffs.

 

Other Notable Trades:

Heat Receive: Timofey Mozgov and Markieff Morris
Heat Send: Mike Dunleavy, Marc Gasol, Brian Roberts annd Marcus Thornton.

 

Heat Receive: Langston Galloway
Heat Send: 2^nd Rounder (Mia)

Best FA Signing:

Letting Rondo hit FA was a calculated risk and bringing him back was the best signing the Heat made. Keeping a starting PG that fits with your lineup as a distributor was key for the Heats season.

Worst FA Signing:

$12,000,000 for Amir Johnson was the worst as all other signings were minimum deals. Johnson was traded out towards the trade deadline after putting up 8points and 10 boards per game. Not bd but a $12 million guy needs to give more.

 

 

Star:

Rudy Gay

Gay continued to put up stellar numbers for the Heat. 2015-2016 saw him average 26 points, 6 rebounds and almost 2 assists a game. Rudy continues to out perform his NBA counterpart and was again rated in the top eschelon of NLL stars.

 
Surprise:

Langston Galloway

Galloway joined the Heat after a season with the Pacers. He played 77 games and while his stats were not star level his production as a backup to Rondo helped keep the team ticking while Rondo sat.

 

 

Goat:

Al Jefferson

Jefferson was bought over to be an additional scorer to Gay and he didnt live up to expectations. 12ppg was a low for some time. His rebounding numbers in the regular season were good however playoffs, where he needs to earn his $$$, were again a disappointment.

Draft Report Card:

Entering the Draft the Heat actually had a 1^st rounder on hand which seems to go against Proid’s M.O. They drafted Henry Ellenson and quickly flipped him to Detroit and received Mo Williams from the 76ers.

 

 

Looking to the Future:

Are the Heat destined to be a tredmill team? The retirement of Tim Duncan and some important upcoming Free Agents will make or break their future. They still hold their 1^st rounders for 2018 and 2019, expect them to be used to acquire established talent but will that be enough for the team to take the next step? It’s difficult to say but with a new sim engine incoming expect to see the Heat on the cutting edge of tactics taking advantage of a Proid where things are unknown for all.

Upcoming Free Agents:

Al Jefferson – With Duncan gone, Jefferson would be a nice guy for the team to hang on to. However he is a UFA with a bad loyalty. Look for him to bolt.

David West – Again another guy that would benefit from Duncan’s minutes. Again another F Loyalty UFA. And another one out the door?

Randy Foye – Same situation here UFA, could be gone.

Luc Mbah a Moute – Journeyman UFA, Likely gone

Jonas Jerebko – Loyal player, UFA and a guy that the Heat would keep on for the right price