Miami Heat Have Hope for 2008-09 Season

I assumed in an earlier article that Michael Beasley was a lock for the No. 1 pick in this year's draft and I was wrong--thankfully.

The Miami Heat, despite Pat Riley's hesitation to select him, got the player they needed in Mr. Beasley and acquired another high-level player in Mario Chalmers. 

The rookies will have a decent amount of time before they are inserted into the starting lineup, but by season's end, the starting five should be:

PG: Mario Chalmers

SG: Dwyane Wade

SF: Michael Beasley

PF: Shawn Marion

C: Who cares, but probably Mark Blount

If Wade had to the play the two guard again this season, then Chalmers was the point guard the Heat needed.  Chalmers can run an offense and benefit greatly from Wade's drive and dish attack.

Chalmers is a clutch performer and gives the Heat another option with time winding down in regulation.

And of course, there's Beasley.  Very little needs to be said about his ability.  He's Carmelo Anthony with a mean streak. 

He's not the fastest or strongest player on the court, but he has the shooting range to be a threat from anywhere, the power to be a force in the paint, and the desire to pound the offensive glass until his team scores.

Beasley was the best all-around player in the draft and the Heat solidified a solid third scoring option behind Wade and Marion.  Being the third option will be great for Beasley who put up better numbers than Kevin Durant in college, but won't have to carry a franchise on his back from day one. 

The Center position won't be that important.  Whoever it is just can't be a liability on either side of the ball—just grab boards and defend the paint. 

Mark Blount is young enough and though Haslem is a natural four, the East is not known for its centers. (Their best center, Dwight Howard, is a power forward in denial.)  Haslem will be able to pound the glass and take charges at the five spot as well as spread the floor for the slashers.

With Daequan Cook, Jason Williams, and either Haslem or Blount (whoever does not start), if the Heat retain or replace Ricky Davis and Alonzo Mourning, the team will have decent reserves to back up a solid young core.

If healthy, the Heat can return to playoff form, even in an improving Eastern Conference.