Are the Miami Heat legit?

The Miami Heat, following the loss of Jimmy Butler, were expected to have another mediocre season. But after a blowout win on the road against the Memphis Grizzlies where they scored 86 points in the first half and wins at home against the undefeated New York Knicks and the 2-1 Charlotte Hornets, people are wondering, are the Heat legit?

The Heat are a team filled with role players but most of these “role players” are playing to or above their potential.

Norman Powell, who had a career year with the Clippers last season, averaging over 21 points, was the only trade the Heat made that was expected to have any impact. In three games, Powell has done that and more, averaging 24 points on 50% from three and seven rebounds.

Powell is playing the role Tyler Herro played last season, being the leading scorer. With Herro starting off the year injured and missing at least the next eight games, Powell can show his value without Herro being the main slasher.

The Heat also have had big performances from Jamie Jaquez Jr. who blew up for 28 points against the Hornets.

Davion Mitchell, who hasn't been the best scorer, is averaging over eight assists a game, which has him tied for seventh in all of the NBA. Mitchell's performances are giving The Heat a true point guard for the first time since Goran Dragic.

Then there's the big men Bam Adebayo and Kel’el Ware. Adebayo is undeniably the best player on the Heat, but as an undersized center standing at only 6'9, fans have said Adebayo would be a better fit at power forward.

Now with 7'0 "Ware, Adebayo can move to the four while Ware can play the five, making a much more well-rounded starting five that allows Adebayo to stretch the floor. This has caused Adebayo to double the amount of three-point attempts and made him a more efficient scorer, while still averaging nine rebounds a game this season.

This does not account for unsung players Nikola Jovic and Pelle Larsson, or for veterans Andrew Wiggins and Simone Fontecchio, all of whom put in impactful performances for the Heat.

The Heat have started the season on fire with a 3-1 record, and with Herro set to come back in the near future, this team has the potential to get a good seed in a weak Eastern Conference.

With coach Erik Spoelstra and his many years of experience and history of winning, this team has a very high floor. Saying that, the lack of a true star player will hold this team back from making a deep run in the playoffs.

Michael Fechter is a first-year student majoring in journalism. To contact him, please email maf6740@psu.edu