Photo: Peter Baba

Tim Legler believes Giannis Antetokounmpo’s arrival has changed the outlook surrounding the Miami Heat and put the franchise back among the teams that should receive serious attention.

Legler said that despite his respect for Miami’s organization and head coach Erik Spoelstra, the Heat had not met the level he normally associates with the franchise over the previous couple of seasons.

“As much respect as I have for their organization and Erik Spoelstra, that was just not a team the last couple years that I thought were ‘Heat standard.’ They weren’t really relevant.

“We’re not used to that with the Miami Heat. This now changes that. The Miami Heat now are relevant. They’re a team that is absolutely and firmly in the mix.”