MIAMI — The Miami Heat officially took their first step into the franchise’s 38th season with Monday’s media day at Kaseya Center.
With coach Erik Spoelstra batting leadoff at the interview podium, some of the initial thoughts during the process (to be updated throughout the session):
— Of coming off last season’s record-setting playoff blowout loss to the Cavaliers, Spoelstra said, ” After that series, it was humbling. We had plenty of time to get away, decompress.”
— Of the team’s offseason, Spoelstra said, “We’ve had plenty opportunity to retool.”
— On opening training camp Tuesday at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, “I’m pleased where everybody is right now.”
— Of uncertainty around the team’s direction, Spoelstra said, “There’s an element of unknown with this team. It’s invigorated me. I’m embracing the unknown. There’s some things we do know.”
— Spoelstra added, “I think when you can also have a season where you’re not totally sure, but there’s big possibilities where guys can grow. It’s exciting.”
— Spoelstra added, “It can turn into something surprising.”
— Of center Kel’el Ware’s potential second-season growth, Spoelstra said, “He’s positioning himself for an important role.”
— But, Spoelstra added, “and he will have to prove it.”
— Of Tyler Herro waiting so late in the offseason for his recent ankle surgery, “That was Option C. We felt we might be able to help it with treatment, other protocols.”
— Spoelstra added, “He’s going to be back sooner than later.”
— Of Bam Adebayo having to do more in Herro’s absence, “He’ll be able to score. He’s setting himself up to have a terrific season.”
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— Of the Heat adding Norman Powell in the offseason, Spoelstra said, “We were thrilled, obviously.”
— Spoelstra said there will not be much looking back, “To me this feels like a different chapter, a different season.”
— Of Andrew Wiggins stepping up, Spoelstra said, “I’m very pleased where Wiggs is now, heading into camp.”
— He added of Wiggins, “You can just see it in his face.”
— On Terry Rozier, Spoelstra said, “Last year is last year.”
— Spoelstra said Rozier has dropped 10 pounds in the offseason, “What you can control is your approach every day. And Terry has been in the gym.”
— Of Rozier possibly returning to the rotation, Spoelstra said, “I’m open to the start of the season.”
— Of reacquiring Precious Achiuwa, Spoelatra said, “We never had an opportunity to fully develop him. There’s a lot we liked about him.”
— Spoelstra added, “I think he has a different perspective. And he has an opportunity, but we’ll see.”
