Miami Heat

“The Miami Mafia” A term of endearment used to describe the team down in South Beach. A term created by the hardworking “Heat Culture” known all around the league. Something that comes from resurrecting careers and winning.

Winning Ways

The Miami Heat, a franchise that’s only a mere 32 years old, have found a way to win and win often. Winning three Finals championships in five appearances. On top of the success, the team has had many great players walk through the doors and put on the red, white and black. In 2006, Shaq and a young Dwyane Wade helped lead the team to it’s very first championship in 2006. That team included Jason Williams, Antoine Walker, Alonzo Mourning and Gary Payton.

Then came the Big 3 era when Lebron James made his all famous decision, which led to the team making it to four straight Finals appearances. Those teams came stocked with players such as Chris Bosh, Shane Battier and the unforgettable Ray Allen. The man that produced the shot heard round the world in 2013 against the San Antonio Spurs.

The Future is Now

All of this brings us to 2020. Once again, the Heat find themselves in the playoffs led by an entire new core. A young core that’s poised to continue to make noise led by veteran all-stars Jimmy Butler and Goran Dragic, a.k.a The Dragon. In 2019, the team found themselves on the outside of the playoffs looking in. A sign and trade with Philadelphia for Jimmy Butler changed everything.

Pairing him with young All-Star center Bam Adebayo has been a dream for the franchise that is still coached by Erik Spoelstra. By surrounding Jimmy and Bam with young undrafted sharp shooter Duncan Robinson and first round pick Tyler Herro, the Heat have turned into a 3-point shooting nightmare. They finished the year as the 2nd best 3-point shooting team in the NBA, which doesn’t come as a surprise when you look at the rest of the roster.

Backup center, Kelly Olynyk shot 40.6% from three this year alongside Duncan’s 46% and Herro’s 38.9%. Goran Dragic and rookie of the year candidate Kendrick Nunn give teams fits at the point guard position. All in all, this 2020 version of the Miami Heat is deadly from everywhere on the floor and a defensive nightmare.

Leaders of the Miami Mafia

The team is coached by Erik Spoelstra, a two time champion with the Heat who’s been the coach since 2008. Spoelstra has been with the team since 1997, where he started as an assistant coach. The Heat are owned by Mickey Arison who came in on Forbes list as the 49th richest man in America.

The man of the hour, the day, the year and forever for the Miami Heat will always be Pat Riley. The coach of the 2006 dream team that brought the franchise its very first championship. A man who’s skills as a talent scout are unparalleled. The don of the Miami Mafia. He currently stands as the teams President. Pat was at the forefront of the 2010 free agency signings of Lebron James and Chris Bosh and orchestrated the major trades that saw Shaq join the Heat in 2006 and Jimmy Butler in 2019.

Amongst a city built on flashy clubs and South Beach, sits a franchise that bleeds Miami. Their Kingdom tucked nicely along the bay next to the cruise ships that come and go. Unapologetically Miami, from the moment you step inside of the arena and hear the club music, to the “Dos Minutos” announcement at the end of every quarter.