The Heat are revealing a new floor for their game against the Lakers. On Monday, Miami’s City Edition culture court will premiere at the Kaseya Center for 2023-24.

The special court’s center court reads “Heat Culture”—the team culture the organization has long promoted.

There will be other inscriptions on Miami’s hardwood for games on this court. Both sides will have “Hardest working” painted. Best condition. Greatest professionalism. Unselfish. Most brutal. Nastiest NBA squad.”

Are the Heat all that? Sure. Maybe. The team’s standout forward Jimmy Butler agrees. Butler told reporters that during the team’s NBA Finals run last season.

The Heat mentioned their legacy of All-Stars, Hall of Famers, and deep postseason runs while releasing their City Edition jerseys. Thus, the Heat have proven themselves, but this level is risky.

Hubris in professional sports

The court has already had something of a negаtive impact on social media:

Alex Bregman, Houston Astros third baseman, knows that calling out another club rarely works. Many wondered what it would be like if the ‘Stros didn’t win the division. Perhaps never.”

In the ALCS, the Astros lost to their division rivals, the Texas Rangers. Then they won the World Series. The Rangers didn’t like Bregman’s comments. World Series MVP Corey Seager made Bregman laugh last in their procession.

The Astros are being challenged by the Miami Heat, who are assaulting the entire NBA.

Their message to opposing teams is “We’re tougher, stronger, and can go longer than you, which means we’re better.” That won’t bother the world’s most competitive people, right? It’s like the 90s Cowboys branding themselves “America’s Team”.

This remark is worse because the Heat can’t claim to be the league’s best team. Last year, they lost the NBA Finals to Denver in five games. The Heat have been terrific lately, but they’ve never been the league’s greatest. The Heat are 2-4 after six games and have given up over 100 points in every game. Their defense isn’t strong for a squad that prides itself on its defense, culture, and nastiness.

The Miami Heat will play the Los Angeles Lakers on their new court tomorrow at 7:30 pm ET/4:30 pm PT. NBA TV broadcasts the game. If the Lakers win, expect post-game press conferences to mention those statements on the court.