- Report: Victor Oladipo to seek specialist’s evaluation regarding timetable for knee injury
- Erik Spoelstra declines to answer whether Victor Oladipo will play for Miami Heat again this season
- Dewayne Dedmon offers fantastic response when asked what he’s willing to do for Miami Heat
- Report: Victor Oladipo increasingly unlikely to receive ‘anything near’ maximum deal this offseason
- Kendrick Nunn shows he’s been fully vaccinated and exclaims COVID-19 ‘can kiss my a–‘
- Gabrielle Union dedicates lengthy, heartfelt tribute to DMX
- Report: Victor Oladipo will not travel with Miami Heat on upcoming road trip
- Report: Dwyane Wade and Udonis Haslem dragged into $160,000 eviction lawsuit over Miami pizzeria
- Video: Victor Oladipo exits game vs. Lakers after suffering non-contact injury
- Video: Jimmy Butler taunts Lakers while taking over in 4th quarter for Heat
The Last Remnant of the Big Three Is Gone, But The Future Is Still Bright in Miami
- Updated: October 2, 2016

It’s been a somber summer for the Miami Heat. When free agency began back in July, there was an initial air of hopefulness in Miami. The team made quick work of the Hassan Whiteside situation by almost immediately signing him to a long-term deal, but soon thereafter, things took a turn for the worse.
First, the Heat failed to sign the highly sought-after Kevin Durant. Then, South Florida’s greatest champion, Dwyane Wade, left to sign with the Chicago Bulls. More recently, the Heat announced that Chris Bosh, the final remaining member of the “Big Three,” will probably never play another game in a Heat uniform.
For Heat fans, losing out on Bosh and Wade certainly hurts, but the fact is, the show must go on. Miami will now have to find a way to move on from a heartbreaking offseason and focus on the team’s potential for success in the future.
So, what’s next for the Heat?
1. The Evolution of Justise Winslow
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The Heat’s 2015 first-round draft pick has already proven to the world that he is ready to succeed in the NBA. Justise Winslow made a name for himself on the defensive side of the ball last season while earning valuable time guarding some of the league’s best players. He eventually even earned a starting role in the playoffs.
The next step in the evolution of the former Duke University product will be for him to develop and hone his offensive game. In 2015-16, Winslow averaged a mere 6.4 points per game. Granted, Winslow was rarely used as an offensive weapon, so he didn’t take many shots. Regardless, he must continue to develop his jump shot.
In an increased role on offense during this year’s summer league play, Winslow brought his scoring average up to 16.3 points per game. With the loss of primary scorers Bosh and Wade, expect Winslow to be counted on more heavily to produce points. Once he hones his offensive game, the next step for the six-foot-seven forward will be to take on more of a leadership role. Miami is a very young team and Winslow sounds like he’s ready to take the reigns.
Justise Winslow told me today that he thinks the Heat can be his team soon. Will play the full interview today on @790TheTicket
— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) September 26, 2016
Next: Power Forward by Committee
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