Some new-look NBA teams are known for their offense, but the Miami Heat revamp prioritized defense.
Heat guard Davion Mitchell emphasized the assets they had on defense, from backcourt to frontcourt.
“We have three, really four [great defenders], with Wiggs. There are some matchups he guards the best player,” Mitchell said, per Barry Jackson.
Mitchell took pride competitively in their backcourt defense regardless of the mismatch from height and speed.
“They want to win Defensive Player of the Year too just as much as we do. We have this competitive spirit, where, I’m trying to win Defensive Player of the Year. Sometimes I do. I’ve got shifty, quicker guys. He’s got much taller guys, get to their spots. The defense is going to be amazing. I can’t wait,” he added.
Aside from the guards and wings, he also talked about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s great addition, which can give many teams a lot of trouble.
“People knew where to put Bam because they know how good he is defensively. But now they have [to deal with] Giannis too?” Mitchell said.
The 27-year-old defensive guard added that the organization has told him to be in his best shape as possible to obtain their championship campaign this upcoming season.
“There was no basketball [talk]. It was ‘get your weight down. Be in shape. That’s all we want.’ This is Heat culture to the T,” he added.
