The Miami Heat figure to be one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference this upcoming season after missing out on the playoffs last year. The Heat dealt with a lot of key injuries a season ago which was a huge part of their demise but they have reloaded their roster and figure to have guys like Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh healthy which should make them contenders. Another key piece of their roster that missed a lot of time last season was Josh McRoberts but he is reportedly feeling healthy and should be ready for training camp according to Kyle Neddenriep of the Indianapolis Star.
Prior to last season McRoberts signed a free agent contract with the Heat for four years and more than $22 million. McRoberts had surgery on his toe before the 2014-15 season started but came back to play in 17 games before tearing his meniscus and requiring season-ending surgery. McRoberts hopes to be healthier this year but joked that he will never be 100 percent.
"I don't think I'm ever going to see 100 percent (laughs). I've played too long to be 100 percent, but I'm getting pretty close. I've had a great summer here rehabbing with St. Vincent and think I'll be ready to go. I can't wait for the season to get going. I'm just trying to rehab and get back here for the start of camp. I'm excited to get back on the court and do what I love to do," said McRoberts.
McRoberts is a 28-year old power forward that is entering his ninth season in the NBA. The Heat are McRoberts' sixth team and he has carved himself out a nice role in the NBA. McRoberts was the top recruit coming out of high school in 2005 before attending Duke but he has been a disappointment since then. Now McRoberts is more of a hustle guy that can do a lot of things for a team but doesn't do anything particularly great.
McRoberts earned his big contract with the Heat after he had the best season of his career with the Charlotte Bobcats in 2013-14 when he averaged 8.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game in 78 starts. That season McRoberts also made 36 percent of his three point attempts which will be a nice asset for the Heat to have.
McRoberts is a lock to be coming off the bench this season as Bosh will be the starter at power forward, but he and Amar'e Stoudemire should be the backup big men. McRoberts will play a similar role as Bosh in that he will be a stretch four. The Heat's second unit should be a very good one at least when you look at it on paper as McRoberts and Stoudemire will be joined by Gerald Green, Justise Winslow, and Mario Chalmers.
