Miami Heat
The last time the Heat won a title, they were headed by LeBron James. In fact, he often credits his time in Miami with learning how to win and giving him the blueprint on how to be a part of a championship team. He credits their culture with why they were successful. Whether that was specifically Pat Riley’s watchful eye over a then young and under-accomplished Erik Spoelstra, or just the general mentality that permeated through the franchise is unclear.
What is clear, is that the Miami Heat, up 2-0 over the Boston Celtics have seven undrafted free agents. And that coach that was once young and unseasoned, (the one that started off reviewing video for the franchise), is now arguably the best coach in the game. Their leader? Jimmy Butler, the Chicago Bulls’ 30th pick of the 2011 draft. Even without Tyler Herro, the team’s 3rd leading scorer throughout the season, they find themselves two games away from their second finals appearance since James left. They’ve done it by recognizing and cultivating talent. Something the Hornets have occasionally done, but not consistently. And certainly not to the extent of the Heat. But it is something that can conceivably be repeatable.