The Miami Heat will begin their 28th NBA season on Wednesday night.
Unfortunately, as much as Heat fans want to see this new-look group perform on the court, some major faces will be missing come Oct. 26. In a series of tweets sent out by the Sun Sentinel‘s Ira Winderman, the beat writer updated the statues of a few players for opening night.
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Jose Richardson still no contact work. Will miss start of the season.
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) October 24, 2016
Ellington on knee, "I'm making progress but I'm still not ready yet."
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) October 24, 2016
Josh McRoberts said he has done some contact work. He's hopeful of being back sooner rather than later.
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) October 24, 2016
The absence of Wayne Ellington, who suffered a right quad contusion in the Heat’s final preseason game on Friday, is surprising, as only Josh Richardson and Josh McRoberts were expected to miss the team’s opener.
Ellington, 28, was signed in July and brought in to help the Heat spread the floor. The 3-point specialist even started during the preseason and played some heavy minutes.
Richardson, a sophomore now, partially tore the MCL in his right knee during an offseason workout on Sept. 9. The 23-year-old will definitely see his role with the team increase after already being a key player last season. Although he won’t be playing Wednesday, expect to see the budding young guard a lot throughout the regular season.
While fans are eager to see the two injured guards play, not the same can be said for McRoberts. The forward has been injured for the majority of his time in Miami and has made little difference when playing. Still, the 29-year-old believes he can make an impact on the team and will reportedly come back as a center.
A new era in Heat basketball starts Wednesday night against the Orlando Magic.
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