The Miami Heat are faced with high expectations entering next season due to the last year’s surprise NBA Finals run.
Veteran Kevin Love may not have spent the entire season with the team, but acknowledged the importance of their postseason efforts. With all eyes on the Heat to acquire Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard, Love made sure to mention his name when discussing expectations.
“I think for me, I’m most excited just about having an entire training camp and to start the season with the Heat,” Love said. “Like we just spoke of, I was bought out and signed with the Heat midway or 25 or so games left with the season, and I think we were fighting for a playoff spot. We ended up in the play-in games, and then, kind of, the rest is history, eight seed made the Finals.
Miami is hopeful to pick up right where they left off last year, ideally with Tyler Herro remaining on the team. If they acquire Lillard, Herro is likely included in the deal. Love’s emphasis on having an “entire training camp” in Miami factors significantly for chemistry purposes.
I think having an initial first training camp with the Heat underneath my belt is gonna be super impactful for me, and having that continuity from last year is gonna be big,” Love said. “I know there’s been a lot of talk of potential trades and Dame [Lillard], but I do think that we have a lot of talent, a lot of guys that are more than excited and willing to prove themselves. Like Tyler [Herro] gets back from injury, and just guys come off the emotional and physical high of making it to the Finals and understanding what we can get done out there on the floor if we all come together on the floor at the same time.