New faces bring championship aspirations as Heat kick off regular season at home vs. Timberwolves

The Miami Heat completely revamped their roster over the offseason, introducing nine new faces after last year s 43-39 performance ended with an underwhelming early exit in the play-in tournament. Wednesday night s season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves is their first chance to show how much things have changed since then. The biggest splash for the franchise was the blockbuster deal with the Milwaukee Bucks that sent superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and backup big Bobby Portis to South Florida in exchange for Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware and Kasparas Jakucionis. The two-time NBA Most Valuable Player and former champion joins Heat captain Bam Adebayo in what many consider to be one of the strongest frontcourt duos in the league. I m excited to play basketball, play some real basketball. I m excited to feel the energy in that arena and I m just excited to get the journey started, said Antetokounmpo. They re joined by fellow Heat newcomer Klay Thompso