An elite Heat defense may be the one guarantee of Giannis’ first year

The Miami Heat are entering the first season of the Giannis Antetokounmpo era with expectations centered around establishing an elite defense. Head coach Erik Spoelstra is projected to build a top-10 defensive unit around Antetokounmpo, who remains regarded as one of the NBA's premier defensive players.

Historically, Miami has finished with a top-10 defense in eight of the past ten seasons under Spoelstra's leadership. The only exceptions came when the Heat finished 12th and 14th, including during the pandemic season and the most recent campaign.