Dynasty Blueprint: Who Should Join "Miami Thrice" in South Beach?

By (Correspondent) on July 9, 2010

2,424 reads

10

Previous
1 of 15
Next
Espn_u_boswadjam_576_display_image

It's official, LeBron James is now a member of the Miami Heat.

There he will team with Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade to form one of the greatest trios in NBA History.

However no team can win with stars alone.

History has shown that role players are needed to make significant contributions in both the regular season and playoffs.

This article will spotlight specific players who could fit in with the "dynasty-in-the-making" down in South Beach.

They will be broken down into three categories which are glaring needs for the Heat: Point Guards, Swingmen and Centers.

Point Guard - Jason Williams

J-will_display_image

Player Profile:

The man nicknamed "J-Will" is no stranger to South Beach.

Williams was actually the starting point guard for the Heat in 2006, an integral part of the team that brought Miami its first championship in franchise history.

What can he bring to the team?

A solid leadership presence on the floor as a back-up point guard.

Williams is also a streaky but dangerous shooter from the perimeter, an outstanding passer and solid play-maker.

He was once one of the flashiest players in the league but has since taken it down a notch, and matured a lot.

Point Guard - Luke Ridnour

Ridnour_display_image

Player Profile:

Ridnour is probably the second or third best point guard available this free agency.

He spent last-season splitting time with rookie sensation Brandon Jennings in Milwaukee, and often was given minutes over the young rookie.

Raymond Felton ranks higher but is likely too expensive for the Heat to pursue.

What can he bring to the team?

Like Williams, Ridnour is a proven outside shooter and a solid play-maker.

He provides leadership and a steady hand setting up and executing plays.

If Ridnour is willing to take a pay-cut he could be as effective running the point as the man in the previous slide.

Point Guard - Eddie House

Ehouse_display_image

Player Profile:

House has made a career out of his ability to provide instant offense off the bench.

He was integral part of the Boston Celtics 2008 Championship team, proving that he is indeed a serviceable role player.

In addition he is a tough competitor who is not afraid of the spotlight.

What can he bring to the team?

Quick scoring in bunches off the bench.

The ability to spread the floor with accurate and deadly long-range shooting.

Intangibles like toughness and determination.

Point Guard - Ronald "Flip" Murray

Flipmurray_display_image

Player Profile:

The casual fan may not know much about Ronald "Flip" Murray.

More intense fans will remember Murray from his days as a Seattle Supersonic in 2003, where he averaged over 20 points per game while filling in for an injured Ray Allen.

Murray is one of the guys who could be had with the league-minimum.

What can he bring to the team?

The ability to play either guard positions and enable the Heat's starting guards to get a rest.

Murray is an offensive threat with the ability to score in bunches.

Swingman - Da'Sean Butler

Dasean_display_image

Player Profile:

Wait a minute, Butler was drafted by the Heat!

That's right, but second round picks do not have guaranteed contracts.

Before blowing out his ACL, Butler was a strong prospect for the 2010 NBA Draft.

It would be in the Heat's best interest to sign him to a contract.

What can he bring to a team?

Heart, hard-work, hustle and energy are words that define Butler's days at West Virginia.

Butler can play both shooting guard and small forward, is a streaky perimeter shooter and knows how to create his own shot.

He is just an all-around Miami type of guy.

A very solid all-around player who should be a good rotation player in the league.

Swingman - Kyle Korver

Korver_display_image

Player Profile:

They say being good at one thing in the NBA can make you a millionaire.

Kyle Korver's shooting ability is a living testament to that statement.

Korver has played for Philadelphia and Utah in the past, and is regarded as one of the best shooters in the league.

What can he bring to the team?

An elite shooting ability from mid-range and the perimeter.

He is limited defensively and off-the-dribble but will stretch defenses for the Heat.

Korver is the type of lights out shooter that is essential on a team like this.

Swingman - Mike Miller

Millers_display_image

Player Profile:

There are already reports that Miller has signed on with the Heat for five years and a $30 million contract.

Miller was the 2001 Rookie of the Year and has had a solid career.

Lately he has played timidly though, and will need to be more aggressive in Miami.

What can he bring to the team?

An elite shooting presence and ability to create space on the floor.

Miller has the ability to create shots for his teammates on offense, and is an extremely underrated passer and ball-handler.

He also rebounds at a high rate and can play three positions on the floor.

If Miami has already locked him up they just added an extremely crucial piece to the puzzle.

Swingman - Raja Bell

Bell_display_image

Player Profile:

Bell is known for his famous clothesline on Kobe Bryant during a fierce Phoenix-Los Angeles playoff rivalry earlier in the decade.

Bell spent last season in Golden State and the few before that in Charlotte.

What can he bring to the team?

Bell is a tough competitor who has developed a reputation as a lock-down perimeter defender.

In addition he is a solid three point shooter who has hit big shots in big moments before.

His all-around veteran presence would benefit the Heat's drive for a championship over the next few seasons.

Center - Dexter Pittman

Pittman_display_image

Player Profile:

Another second round pick of the Heat makes an appearance.

Pittman was the 32nd overall pick for the Heat in the latest draft and is regarded as a center with high potential and upside.

He carved out a relatively successful career at Texas while shedding a significant portion of his body weight.

What can he bring to the team?

You can't teach size, length or strength in the NBA.

Pittman has decent amounts of all the above elements, as well as a solid touch finishing plays around the rim.

More impressive is his work-ethic, and the fact that Pat Riley believes he can be a good player.

Center - Joel Anthony

Joel_display_image

Player Profile:

Anthony was an undrafted player who became an excellent defensive presence for the Heat over recent seasons.

Miami has extended a qualifying option to him, meaning they have the right to match any offer that is sent his way.

What can he bring to the team?

Elite shot-blocking ability and a strong work-ethic.

Anthony is limited offensively but can plug the middle and make teams think twice about attacking the rim.

He is also a solid rebounder and has decent mobility.

Center - Zydrunas Ilgauskas

Z_display_image

Player Profile:

Ilgauskas is a close friend of LeBron's, who is among the all-time leaders in Cleveland for several statistical categories.

In his prime he was an All-Star and one of the better international players in the league.

What can he bring to the team?

A reliable threat shooting the ball from all areas up to the perimeter.

Ilgauskas rebounds well and is also a solid shot-blocker.

He could log minutes as a big body in the Heat rotation.

Center - Brad Miller

Bmill_display_image

Player Profile:

Miller is a former NBA All-Star who played his best days in Sacramento.

During his prime he was regarded as one of the best passing centers in the league.

What can he bring to the team?

A consistent shooting stroke that will help keep defenses honest.

Range on his jump-shot extends out to the three point line.

Miller is also a decent rebounder and has good court vision and passing skills.

In addition he also has substantial playoff experience.

Others To Consider & The Udonis Haslem Situation

Haslem_display_image

Should the Heat be unable to land some of the players listed in this article, there are plenty more free agents who would be willing to join Miami Thrice in South Beach.

Among these could be:
- Jon Scheyer (Point Guard)
- Keyon Dooling (Point Guard)
- Ime Udoka (Swingman)
- Larry Hughes (Swingman)
- Damien Wilkins (Swingman)
- Trenton Hassell (Swingman)
- Dorell Wright (Swingman)
- Quentin Richardson (Swingman)
- Theo Ratliff (Center)
- Brian Skinner (Center)
- Jarvis Varnado (Center)
- Rasho Nesterovic (Center)

Note:

I do realize that Udonis Haslem was not included in the article.

The reasoning for that is because he does not fit into any of the three categories which the article focus was on.

However I do believe Haslem should be retained as the effectiveness of his services are undeniable.

It remains to be seen if the Heat have the financial flexibility to do this though.

Begin Slideshow
Keep Reading
Flag
Props (2)
This article is

What is the duplicate article?

Why is this article offensive?

Where is this article plagiarized from?

Why is this article poorly edited?

Flag This Article
Miami Heat Miami Heat: Like this team?
Crop_45x45
or to post a comment

10 Comments

There are no comments yet. Get the conversation started by leaving the first comment

Loading comments...
just now posted just now
  • Loading...
  • Nobody has liked this comment yet
Cancel

This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete

Follow B/R on Facebook

Fans of bleacherreport

Follow @BleacherReport on Twitter
Miami Heat

Subscribe Now

We will never share your email address

Thanks for signing up.

Got something to say?

Post-Lottery 2-Round Mock Draft Hint: you can use arrow keys to navigate through this channel.