2007-2008 In Review
Record: 15-67
Eastern Conference Seed: 15
Summer Of 2008
Key Additions: Erik Spoelstra (via coaching change), Michael Beasley (via draft), James Jones (via free agency), Mario Chalmers (via draft), Shaun Livingston (via free agency), Jamaal Magloire (via free agency).
Key Losses: Randy Pfund (via resignation), Ricky Davis (via free agency), Jason Williams (via free agency), Alonzo Mourning (via free agency/retirement?), Earl Barron (via free agency – left for Europe).
After one of the most abysmal regular-season showings in NBA history this past season, the Miami Heat underwent some big changes in the summer of 2008, both from a roster and personnel standpoint.
Replacing Pat Riley, as the ultra-accomplished head coach decided to step down from the role, is Erik Spoelstra. The 37-year-old rookie has spent 13 seasons with the organization under various titles, such as assistant coach, director of scouting, head of individual player development, and team video coordinator.
Subsequently, Riley found himself a new title—General Manager—after Randy Pfund “resigned” from the position just over a week ago.
Why is the word “resigned” in quotes? Rumor has it that Pfund was forced out of the job, so that Riley could have the superiority and “official” job title. That seems mighty reminiscent of the 2005 incident where Stan Van Gundy stepped down as the Heat’s head coach to “spend more time with his family.” Funny how that works, isn’t it?
On the bright side, Riley can no longer reel in criticism for missing his own team’s games to do extra scouting work.
One of the prospects that Riley has spent extensive time scouting is Michael Beasley, who was available on the draft board when Miami was on the clock with the second-overall pick in June’s NBA Draft. After much speculation regarding the possibility of trading down, or even boldly taking O.J. Mayo at No. 2, Heat personnel convinced Riley to select Beasley, the Kansas State sensation who put up superior freshman numbers to Kevin Durant’s of 2006-07.
Simply put, “B-Easy” can do it all on the offensive end, whether “it” be posting up, using a soft touch around the basket, hitting a midrange jump shot, burying the three, rebounding, or bullying his way to the hoop after contact. You name it, Beasley can do it—and he can get it done at either forward position.
The defense remains a work in progress, but it will be utterly shocking if Michael Beasley doesn’t establish himself as a perennial All-Star and consistent 20/10 threat for a long time to come.
5 comments Last one added 8 months ago — Leave a Comment
Rory Davis 8 months ago
The Heat would be SCARY with an even decent center. God, what would they be like with a worthy Center?? WHO KNOWS!
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Lucas Rifkin 8 months ago
cant have it all now can we?
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Mike Turnell 8 months ago
Yeah, Mark Blount is horrible. He had a career high of FIVE rebounds the other day. five!
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Dustin Chapman 8 months ago
Blount's career high is not five rebounds. In fact, I remember him putting together a 20/20 game in Boston back in 2003 (contract year, of course).
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Allen Levin 8 months ago
Good article. I am a huge Heat fan. I agree with most of what you said. You do a good analysis of the team's strengths and weaknesses. Since I am such a die-hard, its hard to stomach 4th in the division. My prediction is 2nd or 3rd in the divsion and 6th seed. Well-written.
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