Once again, ESPN is predicting mediocrity for the Miami Heat ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season. As would come as a surprise to no one, they're projected to finish, you guessed it, as a Play-In Tournament team in the Eastern Conference. At this point, the disrespect is not entirely shocking, but it's certainly a bit much.
If you want to criticize the Heat for trading Jimmy Butler, fine. If you want to nitpick them for not going harder after Kevin Durant, that's not surprising either. However, to continue to discount this roster (and the upgrade they made this offseason) time and time again, even before training camp begins, is where lines are being crossed.