Apr 28, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (center) looks on from the bench against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the fourth quarter during game four for the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Miami Heat Positioned To Rise Despite NBA Insider's Middle-Tier Ranking

Originally posted on Miami Heat on SI | By Branson Brooks | Last updated May 30, 2025 1:17 PM ET

The Miami Heat have built a reputation of staying in the mix, even when they’re a middle-of-the-pack team. With a solid one-two punch in Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo, along with young players poised to take the next step, they could be on the doorstep of emerging as a true contender in the Eastern Conference.

During an episode of The Zach Lowe Show, the NBA insider alongside Wosny Lambre discussed some scenarios.

The Heat came in eighth out of the 15 Eastern Conference teams. Lowe will not count out the team’s ability to climb out of the middle tier.

Zach Lowe ranks the Heat with the 8th best future of the 15 Eastern Conference teams

“I’ve doubted them before, their ability to dig out of mediocrity. I’m not going to do that again. They have some interesting young players along with Bam and Herro”

(Via Zach Lowe Show) pic.twitter.com/ifOWtNmnnH
— Heat Culture (@HeatCulture13) May 30, 2025

The Heat finished the regular season eighth in the Eastern Conference standings. Though only earning a spot in the Play-In tournament, All-Star's Herro and Adebayo each had strong individual seasons to reflect on.

In his first All-Star season, Herro averaged 23.9 points, 5.5 assists, and 5.2 rebounds over 77 games. Adebayo, a three-time All-Star, contributed 18.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assist on 48.5 percent shooting from the field.

For the Heat to take the next step their younger players will need to make a greater impact. That includes forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. who had a down year after entering the season a potential Sixth Man of the Year candidate

Center Kel'el Ware is also expected to step into a larger role following a solid rookie season in which he averaged 9.3 points and 7.4 rebounds.

If the Heat's All-Star duo, along with key young contributors, can take a step forward, the team could make a significant leap next season.