Miami Heat's Chris Bosh (L) and LeBron James wait to enter the game after a timeout as a San Antonio Spurs' fan mocks James during the third quarter in Game 5 of their NBA Finals basketball series in San Antonio, Texas, June 15, 2014
Miami Heat's Chris Bosh (L) and LeBron James wait to enter the game after a timeout as a San Antonio Spurs' fan mocks James during the third quarter in Game 5 of their NBA Finals basketball series in San Antonio, Texas, June 15, 2014 REUTERS

The upcoming 2014-15 National Basketball Association (NBA) will present a tough challenge for Miami Heat. After LeBron James decided to become a free agent and eventually sign back with the Cleveland Cavaliers, one big question lies - and that is, will the Heat be able to triumph without James? It would have been tougher had the team lost their big guys, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. It is anticipated that without James in the picture, Wade and Bosh will step up their game. The Heat was 54-28 last season.

Miami Heat 2014-15 Roster

Forward: Chris Bosh, Luol Deng, Josh McRoberts, Udonis Haslem, Danny Granger, Khem Birch, James Ennis, Shawn Jones, Shawne Williams

Guard: Dwyane Wade, Norris Cole, Shannon Brown, Shabazz Napier, Andre Dawkins, Larry Drew II, Tyler Johnson

Center: Chris Andersen, Justin Hamilton

Key Additions (Previous Team): Khem Birch (Nevada-Las Vegas), Luol Deng (Cleveland Cavaliers), Tyler Johnson (Fresno State), Shawne Williams (Los Angeles D-Fenders), James Ennis (Piratas de Quebradillas), Shannon Brown (New York), Shawn Jones (Middle Tennessee), Andre Dawkins (Duke), Danny Granger (Los Angeles Clippers), Larry Drew II (Sioux Falls Skyforce), and Josh McRoberts (Charlotte Bobcats)

Key Losses (New Team): LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers), Ray Allen (free agent), Michael Beasley (Shanghai Sharks), Shane Battier (retired), Greg Oden (free agent), Toney Douglas (Jiangsu Dragons), Shane Battier (free agent), James Jones (Cleveland), and Rashard Lewis (free agent).

Projected Starters (position): Norris Cole (point guard), Luol Deng (small forward), Chris Bosh (center), Dwyane Wade (shooting guard), Josh McRoberts (power forward)

Season Outlook: A basketball team that loses its best player is likely to struggle. Deng can replace James' position at small forward and become the member of the new "Big 3" with Wade and Bosh. Deng has averaged 14.3 points, 2.5 assists, and 5.1 rebounds last season. Wade averaged 19 points, 4.7 assists, and 4.5 rebounds while Bosh had 16.2 points, 1.1 assists, and 6.6 rebounds. Deng's addition presents a strong support to the squad.

Veteran players Andersen and Haslem could bring plenty of experience. However, they wouldn't be able to deliver that much offensively. Chalmers and Cole could do great work in the backcourt. It is a big question whether or not Granger will be able to bounce back after being plagued with injuries. McRoberts, on the other hand, could present a solid role in the power forward position.

Wade, Bosh, and the rest of the Heat's roster could be good enough to secure a place in the top five of the Eastern Conference. It is anticipated that the Chicago Bulls and the Cleveland Cavaliers will rule the Eastern Conference. Heat will continue to be competitive and could fair well against that New York, Charlotte, Washington, and Brooklyn.