- Perhaps it’s time for the Heat to look at the upcoming season with somewhat reduced expectations compared to previous seasons, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel opines. Avoiding the play-in tournament and winning at least one playoff series could rank as more reasonable goals than expecting to make a run to the Finals, given the current pecking order in the East.
- Dru Smith currently holds one of the Heat’s three tw0-way deals but there’s no assurances he’ll retain that contract, Winderman notes. Smith continues to recover from a knee injury and the team could create an open competition during training camp as they evaluate Smith’s status ahead of the Oct. 23 regular-season opener.