Giannis brings intensity to the early Miami era: he can still 'dominate the game'

2013 and 2021: the finish line of a race built on NBA

Giannis Antetokounmpo entered the leagueNBA in2013 and has since amassed21.531 points,8.882 rebounds, and4.484 assists.

This summer: the big-hitting trade and Heat's cast rebuild.

Antetokounmpo was the centerpiece of a deep restructuring of the Miami Heat's roster this summer. The team added Klay Thompson, Bobby Portis and Tim Hardaway Jr., among others, to a core led by Bam Adebayo, Andrew Wiggins, Pelle Larsson and Davion Mitchell.

The next chapter officially begins on Tuesday when the Heat open up their spring training in Boca Raton, Florida.

Monday: media day and statements by Antetokounmpo

At the Heat's media day on Monday, the two-time MVP stated he believes that if not the best, one of the best players in the world.

"I really believe that if not the best, I am one of the best players in the world", said Antetokounmpo. "I know when I'm at my best, when I am focused, when my body is fine. I really believe I can dominate the game and impact the game on both sides offensively and defensively. I think I have shown this over the years".

Tuesday: start of the preparation period in Boca Raton

"This is all new for me", Antetokounmpo said. "I'm trying to learn defense. I'm learning offensive systems. I am trying to fit into the locker room with new faces. I try to be able to play against players that I have never played before. It's all new to me, it's exciting".

He also talked about the effort required for the new phase. "I know I'm going to work. Whether I fail or succeed, I will fail working or succeeding working. And the goal is to win a championship. That's the goal".

Current days: Kaseya Center under construction and new time inside the club

The Kaseya Center, the Heat's home arena, is under construction these days. Dozens of workers in helmets, orange reflective vests and steel-toed boots are spread throughout the building as they finalise new club spaces and other amenities that will welcome fans within a few weeks.

The physical refurbishment of the arena combines with a renewed line-up, coach Erik Spoelstra sees alignment between changes on and off court.

"I feel like there's a synergy between many people at the club about this opportunity and timing", Spoelstra said.

Figures that support expectation

Antetokounmpo's career totals since 2013 place both his points and rebounds as the fifth-best total of NBA in that span.

For Spoelstra, the signing didn't come to reduce the role of the player. "We brought him here for a reason. He is here for one reason", said the coach.

Weekend: Iguanas in the backyard and the lighter part of adaptation

Off the court, Antetokounmpo had an unusual adjustment in Miami. Iguanas were recently spotted in the backyard of his new home, something he didn't have to deal with in Milwaukee. The issue included reptiles around Antetkounmpos new pool, which led to a viral moment over the weekend when the Heat's new star posted about the family encounter with the big lizards.

"If the iguanas keep coming, I'll probably move out, maybe get an apartment. No swimming pools, no grass, nothing like that", Antetokounmpo said.

The Heat expects this to be the worst of Antetokounmpo's adjustment problems.

Current stage: works, renewed cast and expectations before the competition

The Miami Heat are in between renovating the arena and starting work on a remodeled roster. Antetokounmpo arrives with career numbers that support discussion about the best of NBA, but still learns new systems, new teammates and new habits. Spoelstra talks about synergy and alignment, and the next step will be measured within competition when games begin.

== sync, corrected by elderman == @elder_man