South Florida

What was the Miami Heat up to as the season started? Take a look

Stories by Miami Herald journalists, with AI summarization

The stories below about the Miami Heat at the start of the season cover roster decisions, contract developments and strategic changes.

Nikola Jovic (5) talks to reporters during the Miami Heat Media Day on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, at the Kaseya Center in Miami. By Alie Skowronski

NO. 1: NIKOLA JOVIC AGREES TO FOUR-YEAR, $62.4 MILLION EXTENSION WITH HEAT AHEAD OF DEADLINE

The Miami Heat believes in the potential of forward Nikola Jovic. | Published October 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Anthony Chiang

Miami Heat guard Ethan Thompson catches the ball during practice drills at Abessino Court at Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton on October 2, 2025. By PHOTO BY AL DIAZ

NO. 2: HEAT’S PRESEASON GAME IN PUERTO RICO MEANINGFUL FOR ONE PLAYER. ALSO, FIVE GUARDS SIDELINED

As Miami Heat guard Ethan Thompson continues to pursue his NBA dream, he’ll realize another dream this weekend. | Published October 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Anthony Chiang

Grant Hill, USA Basketball Men’s National Team managing director, right, talks about Erik Spoelstra, Miami Heat head coach, being Team USA's new head coach during a press conference on Oct. 16, 2025, at Kaseya Center in Miami. By Alie Skowronski

NO. 3: TEAM USA FEELS LIKE ‘WE GOT OUR GUY’ IN HEAT’S ERIK SPOELSTRA: ‘WE ARE THRILLED’

The news became official with USA Basketball’s announcement on Tuesday, but the press conference to introduce Heat coach Erik Spoelstra as the new head coach of Team USA men’s national team through 2028 was held on Thursday at Kaseya Center. | Published October 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by Anthony Chiang

Miami Heat forward Precious Achiuwa (8) attempts a basket during practice drills during camp at Abessino Court at Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton on October 2, 2025. By PHOTO BY AL DIAZ

NO. 4: ACHIUWA AMONG HEAT ROSTER CUTS AND YOUNG GETS LAST TWO-WAY CONTRACT. WHERE THINGS STAND

Precious Achiuwa’s first tenure with the Miami Heat was short, but the forward/center’s second tenure with the Heat was even shorter. | Published October 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Anthony Chiang

Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Miami Heat and Jaime Jaquez Jr. #11 of the Miami Heat reacts during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on October 24, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. By Justin Ford

NO. 5: HEAT PLAYING FAST, HAVING FUN. CAN IT BE SUSTAINED? ‘WE’RE TRYING TO MAKE IT LAST ALL SEASON’

After finishing with one of the NBA’s 10 worst offensive ratings in three straight seasons, Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra knew something needed to change. | Published October 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Anthony Chiang

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.