A Q&A with Surya Fernandez of SB Nation’s Heat site Hot Hot Hoops.

What needs to happen for this to be an enjoyable season for Heat fans?

The team needs to prove its surprising finish to last season wasn't a fluke and keep sustaining that high level of ball we saw when they were finally coalescing. Should they stay relatively healthy, we could see something special this season.

Miami Heat / Projected Starters
Position	Starters	Bench
Guards	Goran Dragic Dion Waiters	Tyler Johnson
Wings	Rodney McGruder James Johnson	Justise Winslow Josh Richardson Wayne Ellington Okaro White
Bigs	Hassan Whiteside	Kelly Olynyk Bam Adebayo Udonis Haslem Jordan Mickey AJ Hammons

What makes Heat fans most excited about this year? What makes Heat fans most nervous?

We’re excited to see the continued development from the young core of Justise Winslow and rookie Bam Adebayo, along with the always-entertaining Josh Richardson and Tyler Johnson.

We’re nervous that there isn't a clear-cut No. 1 option on offense, though Dion Waiters would gladly take that role provided he stays healthy and can be consistent.

Gut Check

Survey data collected from site writers and editors. The wider the graph the more optimism and trust the fans have in their team! The grey line indicates the average of all sites' collected data.

6.6

Out of 10

How good will your team be this year

7.6

Out of 10

Are they on the rise or on the decline

7.2

Out of 10

Are fans happy with the team’s direction or angry

4.6

Out of 10

Are they trying to win now or build for the future

What storyline might a national audience be missing about the Heat?

Will Hassan Whiteside or Goran Dragic step up and become the leader of the team and get their first All-Star selection? Whiteside needs to bring his “A” game consistently, while Dragic must show the passion and drive he displayed for Slovenia in the EuroBasket tournament this summer.

Why should neutrals pay attention to the Heat this year?

They play hard every night on both ends of the floor on every possession. Coach Erik Spoelstra expects nothing less, and that's why players like Rodney McGruder earn minutes in the rotation.

What's your prediction for the season?

48-34, No. 4 seed.