Miami Heat Roster for 2016-17 NBA Season: Can 3-time NBA Champion Bounce Back After Dwyane Wade's Departure?
Miami Heat, the super-team that ruled the NBA court in 2006, 2012 and 2013, experienced the biggest blow this summer when its key player Dwyane Wade left the franchise for a two-year $47.5-million contract with Chicago Bulls. After Wade's departure, fans were left wondering if the three-time NBA champion team could bounce back and do well in the 2016-17 Season.
Wade is a Major Loss For Miami Heat
Early this month, Miami Heat fans were shocked when Wade's departure was confirmed. The established NBA star has been playing for the franchise since he was drafted in 2003. He made major contributions to the team's three championship titles.
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"We grew up with Dwyane Wade, and now we go our separate ways. There will never be another Dwyane Wade, but that's our favorite part," Miami News Times wrote, commenting on Wade's departure from the team.
The Washington Post reported that Miami Heat President Pat Riley admitted that the franchise suffered its rockiest offseason with Wade's decision to sign with the Bulls. He also revealed that everything was his fault as he did not participate in one of the key negotiations. "What happened with Dwyane floored me," Riley told ESPN.
More Downfalls
Aside from Wade, the Heat also lost two other top players. Forward Luol Deng left the team for a four-year $72-million contract with Los Angeles Lakers while shooting guard Joe Johnson signed a two-year $11-million deal with Utah Jazz.
Aside from the exit of key players, the Heat also has to deal with health woes of one its highest-paid players, Chris Bosh. The NBA star suffered a calf injury last February and as of press time, it is still uncertain if he can play again.
Miami Heat is Picking Up The Pieces With Its New Roster
According to The Sports Daily, Riley is rebuilding the team by signing young players and re-signing some of its previous members. Among these are guard Wayne Ellington (2 years, $12), forward Derrick Williams (1 year, $5 million), forward James Johnson (1 year, $4 million), guard Tyler Johnson (4 years, $50 million), forward Udonis Haslem (1 year, $4 million), forward Willie Reed (2 years, $2 million) and forward Luke Babbit ($2 million).
Some sports enthusiasts believed that while some NBA franchises have formed super-teams for the 2016-17 NBA season, there is always hope for Miami Heat in the coming years. "Time is on the Heat's side in part due to their youth," Leonard Kreicas of SB Nation wrote. He said that with the team's new roster, it is very possible that it can win championships in the future seasons.
