By ATTS 
The NBA’s Cold Shoulder to South Beach
The Miami Heat, a team with a rich history and a fiercely competitive spirit, finds itself in an unusual position. The release of the 2025-26 NBA regular season schedule has revealed a stark reality: the league doesn’t seem to find the Heat particularly captivating. This is evident in the shockingly low number of nationally televised games allotted to them. After having 16 games showcased on a national stage in the 2023-24 season, the Heat are now down to a mere five. This places them 23rd in the entire league, a ranking that puts them in the company of teams that are not exactly known for their widespread appeal. This situation raises eyebrows and sparks questions about the league’s perception of the Heat and their star players.
What does this mean for the Heat? It suggests that the league views them as less exciting or less likely to be a top contender compared to other teams. But is this assessment accurate? The Heat have made strategic moves, adding pieces like Norman Powell to bolster their offense, even while maintaining financial flexibility. While they may not be title favorites, dismissing them as uninteresting seems like a misjudgment. The reduced national TV exposure could be a motivational factor for players like Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo, who have a lot to prove. The Heat’s performance on the court is what ultimately matters, and they have the potential to be a force to be reckoned with.
The Underestimation of the Heat’s Potential
The NBA might be sleeping on the Heat, but it’s a mistake. Sure, they haven’t transformed into a super team overnight, and their moves were carefully made to set them up for a shot at Giannis Antetokounmpo. But to say they didn’t improve would be incorrect. The addition of Norman Powell significantly improved their offense. The team has put together one of the deepest rotations in the league, even with the departure of players like Duncan Robinson. This doesn’t mean that the Heat will be a 55-win team, as they are still missing that one star. However, this doesn’t mean that they are a team with only 29-38 wins, either. Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo should use this as motivation to prove their doubters wrong.
Why does this matter? It’s a chance for the Heat to prove the league wrong. Professional athletes are great at finding fuel for their fire. This gives Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro something extra to work with, especially when Herro is already facing a large contract. National TV exposure isn’t always based on what is on the court. Boston Celtics has a high ranking, but they only have one healthy star. Market size and mystique are always a factor. However, the Heat should be just as appealing as the Celtics, who are planning a rebuilding year. The Heat being behind teams like the Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, and Portland Trail Blazers is questionable. None of those teams have more star power than the Heat. The same can be said for the Indiana Pacers. Without Jimmy Butler, the Heat would have more national TV games if they traded for a big name. Even if the league doesn’t rate them highly, the team will be better off if their cornerstones treat this as a challenge.
Marketability vs. On-Court Performance
The NBA, like any business, has to consider marketability. Teams in larger markets or with established legacies often get preferential treatment when it comes to national TV slots. However, this shouldn’t overshadow the Heat’s appeal. While market size plays a role, the Heat boast exciting players and a proven track record of success. Finishing behind teams like the Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, and Portland Trail Blazers raises questions. These teams, while competitive, may not possess the same star power or consistent winning history as the Heat. The league’s decision feels like a slight to the appeal of Herro and Adebayo as prime-time players, even if it isn’t intentional. This situation could be a blessing in disguise for Miami. If Herro and Adebayo embrace it as a challenge, they could transform the Heat into an even more compelling team, proving the league wrong and delighting their fans.
It is worth noting that while national TV slots are valuable for revenue and exposure, they aren’t the only measure of a team’s worth. A team’s performance on the court, its ability to make the playoffs, and the excitement of its games are what ultimately drive interest. The Heat have the potential to excel in these areas, regardless of the number of nationally televised games. By proving their doubters wrong and exceeding expectations, they can make a statement that resonates far beyond the limitations of the schedule.
The Motivation Factor: Fueling the Fire
In professional sports, athletes often thrive on challenges and perceived slights. The NBA’s decision to limit the Heat’s national TV exposure might inadvertently provide the team with extra motivation. This could be the fuel that drives Herro, Adebayo, and the rest of the team to reach new heights. It’s a chance for them to show the league and the world what they are capable of. The team’s management team is also motivated to prove the decision makers wrong. A team like the Heat, built on the core of hard work, will use this as fuel to make a run and prove they belong at the top of the sport.
This situation has the potential to create a powerful narrative. The Heat, underestimated and overlooked, could become a team that defies expectations and silences the doubters. Their performance on the court and their ability to capture the imagination of fans will ultimately determine their success. The reduced national TV exposure can be a source of motivation for the team. They will now be playing with a chip on their shoulders, trying to prove that the league has underestimated their worth. This could very well be the impetus for a season of surprises and unexpected victories.
Conclusion: A Chance for the Heat to Shine
In conclusion, the Miami Heat’s limited national TV schedule is a puzzling decision by the NBA. While it may seem like a sign of disrespect, it also presents an opportunity for the team to prove the league wrong. With a motivated roster, strategic additions, and a core of talented players, the Heat are poised to make a statement. The situation will likely fuel their competitiveness and drive them to exceed expectations. Their focus should be on winning games and showing the league the value of the Heat’s brand of basketball. Ultimately, the Heat have the chance to prove their worth and remind the league why they are a team to watch.