Miami Heat ‘culture’ a draw for free agents?
By Bryan Rose
While many assume that the Miami Heat may find it difficult to lure free agents to South Beach given the departure of LeBron James, some believe the well known Miami Heat ‘culture’ will be enough to keep the franchise atop the top destination list.
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While Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade aren’t exactly superstar talent (at least in comparison to James), they still each have a big name. Will that be enough to bring free agents to the Miami Heat in the future? Maybe, but maybe not. That’s where the idea of the Miami Heat ‘culture’ comes into play along with the lure of playing in South Beach, something that attracted LeBron James to the Heat originally. Will it do the same for fellow talent moving forward though?
"Yet the greater issue is, regardless of where Wade and Bosh stand in the overall player ratings, the notion that the “Heat culture” is enough to sway players. I think that took a blow with LeBron James’ departure and it will be interesting to see if the aura of the cult of Pat Riley, Micky Arison and the Heat itself still is a drawing card."
The biggest free agent draw is winning – that’s safe to assume. Yes, there are particular places like New York, Chicago and Los Angeles that seemingly have a head up on potential free agent talent, though Miami would appear to be a notch below them (though still above most).
All that said, if the Miami Heat can continue to play well and be in playoff contention on a yearly basis, free agents will come.