Toronto Raptors biggest Eastern Conference foes for 2021

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 12: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics takes a shot over Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden on December 12, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 12: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics takes a shot over Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden on December 12, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
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Toronto Raptors
Miami Heat (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)

3. Miami Heat

The team that represented the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals was not a fluke. This is a team full of skill, but one where the stars aren’t afraid to get gritty and grind out wins. They’re your classic Pat Riley team.

The Miami Heat were able to re-sign guard Goran Dragic who was monumental in Miami’s finals run this past postseason. Dragic was the Heat’s leading scorer before his foot injury in the finals. They also re-signed big man Meyers Leonard.

The Miami Heat signed champion guard Avery Bradley to a two-year deal in what was probably their biggest outside addition of the offseason. A great defensive player who is a consistent shooter, Bradley brings the energy this Heat requires from all of their players.

The biggest loss for this Miami team is the departure of forward Jae Crowder. Crowder left for a role with the Phoenix Suns in free agency. Crowder was an underrated player during the Miami Heat’s finals run and will be missed on this roster.