The Miami Heat pulled off the blockbuster trade of Giannis Antetokounmpo last offseason, a move that was largely expected to transform them into bonafide title contenders. However, the reality has been far different through 10 games in the 2026-27 season thus far, with the Heat currently at 4-6 for the season.

That even prompted Miami legend Udonis Haslem to attend last Monday’s shootaround at Kaseya Center, with Bam Adebayo refusing to divulge details about what the former franchise captain spoke about, per ESPN.

“It's just him showing he cares,” he said. “That's really the answer I can give you about what he said.”

The Heat endured a particularly difficult start, losing their first four games of the season. They gave up at least 125 points in four of their first seven games. And while things looked set to turn around after Miami responded with three straight wins, they have now lost twice in their last four games, which can be expected to result in considerable inquisition.

Miami were expected to emerge as one of the best teams in the league, but have struggled to get going, particularly on defence. Despite boasting of several top-class defenders, they currently rank 25th in defensive rating thus far, and have struggled to look like a team through vast stretches so far this season.

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Integrating a superstar of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s calibre, especially in an outfit that does not boast of too many shooters to make the most of his interior threat, was always going to be a considerable ask. However, the Heat have always been difficult to score against, and their struggles on the defensive end, as evidenced by teams making 16.4 3-pointers per game against them, are bound to raise questions.

Still, Miami have more than enough talent and defensive presence to tide through this stretch, and will be looking to solve the problems at the back, first and foremost.