sports
New Heat era begins: Tim Hardaway Jr. meets with Spoelstra, Riley ahead of Giannis’ arrival in Miami
By Rubén Rosario at WSVN 7 News
· July 7, 2026
· 1 min read
Heat nation can finally celebrate, because a new era has officially begun. Newly signed Heat guard Tim Hardaway, Jr. met Monday with with head coach Erik Spoelstra and team president Pat Riley. If Hardaway’s name sounds familiar, that’s because the 34-year-old is the son of NBA All-Star Tim Hardaway
Key takeaway If Hardaway’s name sounds familiar, that’s because the 34-year-old is the son of NBA All-Star Tim Hardaway Sr.
Why this matters in The Miami
The arrival of Tim Hardaway Jr. and Giannis Antetokounmpo in Miami signals a significant shift for the Heat, and local fans are eager to see how this new era will play out. With the team's preseason opener just a few months away, October will be a crucial time for the city as it gears up to support its revamped team. The fact that the Heat "un-retired" Tim Hardaway Sr.'s jersey number for his son to wear is a nod to the team's rich history and its connection to the community. As the Heat looks to make a strong comeback, the city's vibrant neighborhoods, such as Little Havana and Wynwood, will likely be abuzz with excitement, hosting watch parties and showcasing team spirit. The economic impact of the team's success should not be underestimated, either, as a winning season could bring a boost to local businesses, particularly in the Miami Beach and Brickell areas.
About this story
Original reporting by WSVN 7 News . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSVN 7 News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: sports ·
Published: July 7, 2026 ·
Source: WSVN 7 News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Heat nation can finally celebrate, because a new era has officially begun. Newly signed Heat guard Tim Hardaway, Jr. met Monday with with head coach Erik Spoelstra and team president Pat Riley. If Hardaway’s name sounds familiar, that’s because the 34-year-old is the son of NBA All-Star Tim Hardaway
When was this published? This article was first published on July 7, 2026 by WSVN 7 News and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Rubén Rosario at WSVN 7 News. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more sports coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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