South Florida

Three things to know as the Miami Heat prepares to start a new season

Stories by Miami Herald journalists, with AI summarization

The Miami Heat gears up for the 2025-26 NBA season with a focus on media interactions, roster decisions and preseason planning. Articles commonly address player readiness and the strategic approach the team plans to take. Haywood Highsmith's knee surgery adds to the Heat's early season challenges, sidelining him for at least eight weeks. Erik Spoelstra speaks at the Heat's media day, hinting at competition for starting roles, particularly at the center position with Kel'El Ware.

New addition Norm Powell adds depth, with Spoelstra lauding his past experience and scoring ability. Meanwhile, the Heat invites G-League standout Ethan Thompson to training camp, offering him a shot to secure a roster spot during the preseason. As the team prepares for training camp on Sept. 30, these elements highlight the balance of managing injuries, integrating new talent, and refining their strategies for the upcoming season.

Miami Heat forward Haywood Highsmith (24) reacts to hitting a three during the first half of an NBA game against the Atlanta Hawks on February 26, 2025, in Miami. By D.A. Varela

NO. 1: HEAT’S HAYWOOD HIGHSMITH UNDERGOES KNEE SURGERY AFTER SUSTAINING INJURY IN OFFSEASON WORKOUT

As the start of the upcoming season inches closer, the Miami Heat will likely need to open training camp in late September without forward Haywood Highsmith. | Published August 8, 2025 | Read Full Story by Anthony Chiang

Golden State Warriors forward/guard Ethan Thompson (55) looks to pass the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter at Chase Center. By Kelley L Cox

NO. 2: SHARP-SHOOTING G-LEAGUE STANDOUT ACCEPTS TRAINING CAMP INVITE FROM HEAT

Sharp-shooter Ethan Thompson, a standout for the Orlando Magic’s G-League team last season, accepted a training camp invitation from the Heat on Wednesday. | Published August 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Barry Jackson

Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra walks on to the court past center Bam Adebayo (13) after calling a timeout during the first half of Game 4 of the Eastern Conference NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Kaseya Center on April 28, 2025, in Miami. By D.A. Varela

NO. 3: LIVE UPDATES: WHAT SPOELSTRA, ADEBAYO, POWELL ARE SAYING AT HEAT MEDIA DAY

The Heat held its annual media day at Kaseya Center on Monday in advance of Tuesday’s start of training camp at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. | Published September 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by Barry Jackson

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.