Heat may be East’s biggest mystery after landing Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Heat could reach the NBA Finals this season. They could also wind up fighting their way through the play-in.

Neither outcome would be especially shocking. That’s what makes Miami one of the biggest mysteries in the Eastern Conference.

The obvious reason for optimism is Giannis Antetokounmpo, acquired from Milwaukee in the biggest move of the Heat’s offseason. Pairing him with Bam Adebayo gives Erik Spoelstra one of the league’s most imposing frontcourts.

Miami also added Klay Thompson, Bobby Portis, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Nick Richards. So, no doubt, there’s talent. There are also questions.

The Heat gave up Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kasparas Jakucionis in the Giannis deal, and Norman Powell left in free agency. ESPN’s season preview noted that Miami could still use another scorer, more shooting and another playmaker around Antetokounmpo and Adebayo.

That’s the issue. Giannis is still capable of being the best player on the floor on virtually any night. Spoelstra remains one of the NBA’s best coaches. Adebayo is an All-NBA-level defender. Andrew Wiggins is still around, too.

But how cleanly does all of it fit? Can Thompson and Hardaway provide enough shooting? Can Portis hold up defensively? Does Miami have enough perimeter creation when games slow down?

Maybe Spoelstra solves all of it and the Heat become terrifying by April. Maybe the roster flaws prove too significant and Miami spends another spring sweating through the play-in.

Either way, boring doesn’t seem especially likely.