Five Points the Miami Heat Need to Focus on to Succeed

Last season, the Miami Heat won a grand total of 15 games. To call it a disappointing season is being nice.

This season, the Heat have already won 21 games and look to be a much better squad. Never one for complacency, Pat Riley and his team needs to do these five things to ensure the team continues to succeed.

1. Take the Pressure off Dwyane Wade

The face of the franchise is Mr. Do It All. Wade is the league leader in scoring (28.8 ppg), ninth in assists (7.3 per game), third in steals (2.3 per game), and he blocks the same amount of shots per game (1.6) as former teammate Shaquille O'Neal. 

Wade is a shooting guard but the ball always goes through him. He leads the team in assists because he always has the rock. So it does not surprise anyone that he also leads the league in turnovers with nearly four per game.

It's been said before and it will continue until something changes: the Heat need another playmaker.

Most times, if Wade isn't scoring or making things happen, the team just seems lost.

2. Shawn Marion Is the Key

I don't believe Marion will be on the team after this season but while he is here he needs to continue playing at a high level.

The rumors have been flying that Marion can be gone any day now and that might explain the resurgence of his game lately.

Since coming over from Phoenix, Marion's scoring production has dipped. He's averaging the lowest since his rookie year.

So when I say he is the key I mean trading him is imperative. Marion is a good player that can help out another club, but with this being Wade's team, he can't be the Matrix that we have all come accustomed to. This team is far too Wade-centered.

Marion needs to be traded and the Heat need to get bigger and stronger.

With Marion out, the Heat can slide Michael Beasley into the small forward position, Udonis Haslem stays at power forward, and insert a better option at center for Joel Anthony.

3. Take Advantage of Charity

The Heat are one of the worst free throw-shooting teams in the league.

They are actually tied for 29th at a clip of 74 percent per game.

The only guys to have a percentage better than 80 are Daequan Cook and Chris Quinn. Both are reserves and average less than one free throw attempt a game.

With Wade being one of the most-fouled players in the game, he's going to need to shoot better than 75 percent.

4.  Stay Healthy

Last season's dismal performance was heavily due to injuries.

Health is never a given and it shouldn't be taken for granted. With Wade leading the league in minutes there is always the chance for him to get fatigued down the stretch. 

The Heat are only missing Dorrell Wright, who is out with a knee injury.

Alonzo Mourning should also be nearing that time to probably return to the team.

If and when both men return we can't expect immediate impact.

5. A Good Bench

If the Heat bench can play as they did Wednesday night in Milwaukee (51 points) then the Heat should be fine.

The bench has not always been the best but they are starting to gel this year. Coach Eric Spoelstra has gone 10 to 11 players deep so many guys are getting their shot to step up. 

With all these opportunities they need to grasp hold and take advantage. Wednesday night, Cook and Beasley did just that, scoring a total of 45 points between them.

Spoelstra has also asked Quinn to be more aggressive as he has the tendency to play a little too safe and never looks for his own shot.

Conclusion

Doing these five things are going to be necessary for this team to make it to the promised land again.

They don't appear to be a championship-caliber squad but they are definitely heading in the right direction.

Spoelstra hasn't looked like a rookie coach so far and as long as he has the MVP candidate Wade on the court, the Heat should be fine.

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