Gap year or not, the Miami Heat are going to force themselves into the race for one of the top 4 seeds in the Eastern Conference. That much has become clear with how strong the Heat have looked through the first few games of the regular season.
It's only been three games, but the Heat have been one of the most impressive teams in the Eastern Conference. Most recently, the Heat sent another clear message after a signature win in their home opener against the New York Knicks.
Even without a fully healthy roster, the Heat managed to control much of the game against the Knicks.