Going into season number two without LeBron James, the Miami Heat organization is slowly climbing back up to prominence in the Eastern Conference. Last season, the Heat had a solid squad, but this year’s group seems to have even more fantasy potential. From Chris Bosh to Hassan Whiteside, Miami is loaded with guys who can stuff some fantasy stat sheets in 2015-16.
So, here is my 2015-16 fantasy team preview for the Miami Heat:
Hassan Whiteside, Center
Whiteside is one player who I think has a massive amount of upside going into the upcoming NBA season. Last year in 48 games, he averaged 11.8 points, 10.0 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game. Whiteside shot a solid 62 percent from the field and averaged just 23.8 minutes per game for Miami. I see an increased minute per game total this season, which will lead to even more stats for Whiteside. Playing alongside crafty veterans Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade, he should have proper guidance to take his game to all new heights.
With every young player comes some negatives, though. In 2014, Whiteside shot a tumultuous 50 percent from the charity stripe, which needs to be vastly improved this year. He also has shown points of immaturity over the last year. For example, his recent Twitter beef with Warriors’ up and coming star Draymond Green. One other negative to drafting Whiteside is his recent calf injury. The free-throw and behavior issues can both be fixed, however, keep your eye on the calf injury going into your upcoming fantasy drafts.
Fantasy Prediction for 2015-16
14.5 points, 12.5 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per game
Goran Dragic, Point Guard
I’ve always been a big fan of Dragic’s style and poise on the basketball court. He is truly a talented player who can get the job done in all aspects of the game for the Heat. In just 26 games with Miami last year, Dragic averaged 16.6 points, 5.3 assists and 3.4 rebounds per game. He also shot a cool 80 percent from the free-throw line and 50 percent from the field. All of his numbers were solid in his first season in Miami and should only be better this year.
Coming into his first full season with the Heat, Dragic should really be able to build on his team chemistry. He has a plethora of players whom he can dish the ball on a nightly basis. In mock drafts this off-season, I’ve seen Dragic going in the middle of the 4th Round most of the time. He will be one point guard who I will be targeting in all of my upcoming fantasy basketball drafts.
Fantasy Prediction for 2015-16
17.5 points, 7.0 assists and 4.0 rebounds per game
Justise Winslow, Small Forward
I’ve previously discussed how Lakers’ rookie D’Angelo Russell will most likely be this season’s rookie of the year, but Winslow will give him a run for his money. He was the 2015 10th overall pick out of Duke University, where in one season he averaged 12.6 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. At Duke, he shot a solid 42 percent from three-point range and 49 percent from the field. If his college stats transfer over to the NBA level, Winslow will be a nice sleeper pick at the small forward position.
One thing that I’d like to see Winslow improve at coming into his rookie campaign is his free-throw shooting. In college, he shot 64 percent from the charity stripe, which I think can be improved by the Heat coaching staff. Winslow will be playing behind veteran small forward Luol Deng, which bodes well for him. Hopefully, Deng can help to mold him into a solid option for Miami this year.
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Fantasy Prediction for 2015-16
12.5 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game
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