NASSAU (WSVN) — Training began at the Atlantis Resort in Nassau for the Miami Heat after losing two star players and with a new set of faces.
Despite the changes in the team, players said they are ready to prepare for the upcoming season.
“It doesn’t make sense to talk, ‘OK, this guy’s not here, this guy’s not here.’ I mean it’s over,” said Heat guard Goran Dragic.
“It was great playing with Dwyane last year. I learned a lot, but this is our team now,” said Heat forward Justise Winslow. “We can’t think about what’s going on with him, and we’re concerned with Chris’ health. We got to deal with what we have with these guys right here, and we gotta just make it work.”
There are 10 new players on the current 20-man roster. “They knew what to expect,” said Heat Head Coach Erik Spolestra. “If, for whatever reason, that escaped them, not knowing what a Miami training camp would be like, then I think after the session tonight, they’ll realize and then they probably won’t have a lot of excess energy.”
Sixty percent of the team’s starting lineup from last season are gone. However, returning as a center is Hassan Whiteside. “We got really talented guys, you know?” he said. “Them guys was willing to put in the work everyday, and we just gotta move forward with what we got. These guys are talented, so I’m not worried.”
Player Udonis Haslem has been with the team since 2002. “I’m listening to the guys last night. Well, this is your opportunity,” Heat forward Udonis Haslem said. “Don’t settle, go get everything, go get it all. Get your career, get your rings, take care of your families — set your legacy up. Don’t just come here and try to make the team and try to be a part of the team. Go for everything.”
The Heat play their first preseason game against the Washington Wizards on Oct. 4.
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