They might not be the best in the Eastern Conference but the Miami Heat are a team to be on the lookout for, according to J.J. Redick.
Redick appeared on Wednesday’s “First Take” and spoke about why other teams should be fearful of the Heat.
Calling them “dangerous,” Redick reminded fans that the Heat have gone on an 11-3 run after a seven-game losing streak at the end of January.
He said they could be a true threat in the weeks ahead, particularly because of Jimmy Butler.
“They’ve got balance. They’ve got depth. And most importantly, ‘Playoff Jimmy’ is coming,” Redick said.
.@jj_redick warns the Eastern Conference about the Heat 🔥
"They've got balance. They've got depth. And most importantly, 'Playoff Jimmy' is coming." pic.twitter.com/ga3mIUIWXW
— First Take (@FirstTake) March 6, 2024
Since the All-Star break, Butler has averaged 25.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game.
He is once again looking a lot like “Playoff Jimmy” and has become the team leader that the Heat need.
Also since the break, the Heat have won five of their six games and are now the sixth seed in the East.
A lot of people would write the Heat off but they have repeatedly proven that no one should ever discount what they can do.
Last season was a prime example of that: after struggling to reach the playoffs, the Heat were able to push past some incredibly tough teams and went all the way to the NBA Finals.
And that wasn’t the first time that Miami impressed people and seemingly overperformed.
That is why analysts like Redick are warning other teams about the Heat even though many other teams have better records.
This is not the sort of team that others should underestimate.
The Heat are battling with the Orlando Magic, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Indiana Pacers right now in the Eastern Conference rankings and they next play the Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder.
Will they be able to score some impressive victories and climb higher in the standings?
NEXT: Udonis Haslem Makes A Bold Claim About Chris Bosh