Miami Heat: Grading the 'Other' Heat Players

One of the common misconceptions about the Miami Heat is that they're a team built around the Big Three and nothing else behind them. While that might have been true in 2011, 2012 offers a new tale of the tape.

With sharpshooters, defenders and young scorers playing alongside the Big Three, the Miami Heat have added the one thing they lacked in their first-year pursuit of an NBA Championship: depth. While Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James remain pivotal to the Heat's success, it's the rest of the roster who will need to step up come playoff time.

The following grades reflect each player's value to the Miami Heat's prospective NBA Championship. Factors considered include position played, production, play style, current and potential playing time and upside as a player.

Joel Anthony, Center

Joel Anthony is an intimidating defender who thrives as a shot blocker. He also rebounds well in the time he's given, despite standing at just 6'9".

On the offensive end, Anthony is nothing to marvel. He's also nothing to shun.

Anthony rarely turns the ball over and only shoots when he knows he can make it. His 53 percent shooting and average of less than a turnover per game are evidence.

While his statistical contributions aren't significant, he's the best center the Heat have. In order for them to win in the postseason, they need his 20+ minutes to be foul and mistake-free.

Considering their next best option is Eddy Curry, his grade gets a boost.

Season Averages: 22.3 mpg, 3.1 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.3 bpg

Overall Grade of Value: A

Shane Battier, Forward

Shane Battier is an elite defender with above-average shooting ability. That's something the Heat lacked through most of last season.

In 2011, most of the players behind the Big Three were limited to an offensive specialty or a defensive prowess. In 2012, Battier is one of the leaders of a group who can do both.

Battier's veteran leadership and playoff experience is likely to pay dividends come the postseason, which is exactly why the Heat gave him a three-year deal. If Battier can just find his shot, the Heat could put it all together and head home with a title.

Season Averages: 4.4 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 0.9 spg, 0.8 bpg

Overall Grade of Value: B

Mario Chalmers, Point Guard

Mario Chalmers has long been considered one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA. Until recently, however, he was the furthest thing from respected on the offensive end of the floor.

So far this season, Chalmers is stretching the floor as he shoots a career-best 46 percent from distance. He's also posting career-bests with 51 percent shooting from the floor and 11.1 points per game. Thus far, Chalmers has been the Heat's their best non-Big Three scoring option.

Between his growing ability to score, shutdown defense on the perimeter and uncanny ability to make the right play, Chalmers has emerged as the non-Big Three MVP. If not for James and Wade, he'd also be a likely candidate to lead the Heat in assists.

Season Averages: 11.1 ppg, 3.5 apg, 1.3 spg, 46% 3PT

Overall Grade of Value: A

Norris Cole, Point Guard

Norris Cole has been one of the true steals of the 2011 NBA draft. He has scored the ball well and given the Heat quality minutes off of the bench as Miami has finally found consistency at the point guard position.

While Cole has cooled down since his hot start, he's still averaging over 20 minutes per contest. He's also remained a consistent scoring threat, reaching double digits on seven different occasions throughout February.

Best of all, his upside is greater than his already impressive production. Should Cole live up to that potential, there's no reason he can't become a star in his own right.

Season Averages: 21.2 mpg, 8.5 ppg, 2.5 apg, 0.8 spg

Overall Grade of Value: B+

Eddy Curry, Center

Eddy Curry will never live up to the hype of being the fourth overall draft choice in the 2001 NBA draft. Between weight issues and injuries, his ridiculous contract will be scrutinized and his relatively strong production will always be forgotten. That doesn't mean he can't make positive contributions, though.

Curry is the tallest player on the Miami Heat's roster and despite playing just four minutes per game, could be an important player once the postseason rolls around.

The only thing separating Curry and Joel Anthony on the depth chart is Dexter Pittman. With the Heat's big men all injury-prone and likely to see foul trouble in a seven game series, Curry could be spending a lot more time on the floor than you'd expect.

Season Averages: 4.4 mpg, 1.1 ppg, 0.7 rpg

Overall Grade of Value: C

Mickell Gladness, Center

It's hard to gauge someone's value when their playing time is so limited. Nevertheless, Gladness is one of the tallest players on the team and could see some playing time as the postseason approaches.

With injuries always a possibility, it's important that Gladness' spot on the roster is protected. Backup center Dexter Pittman isn't averaging many more minutes than Gladness and has suffered from a shoulder injury. Should he or Joel Anthony fall victim to an injury, Gladness could see a major increase in court time.

Unfortunately, that's a lot of "ifs" and not enough certainty.

Season Averages: 3.5 mpg, 0.3 ppg, 1.4 rpg

Overall Grade of Value: D+

Terrel Harris, Guard

Though he hasn't played often, it's worth noting that the Heat are 7-2 in games he's played in. Then again, they're 20-5 when he hasn't played—so that statistic may not mean as much as it seems.

Nevertheless, Harris has seen solid time on the court when given the opportunity to play. He's averaging greater than 10 minutes per contest and has contributed in all facets of the game. His value is low because of the depth at his position, but should a slew of injuries come along, he could be a player you see more of.

Season Averages: 10.2 mpg, 3.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg

Overall Grade of Value: D

Juwan Howard, Forward

The 39-year-old Juwan Howard is still going out there and contributing in a variety of areas.

While his minutes are, by far, the lowest of his career, Howard's veteran leadership and work ethic are invaluable. He's averaging just over four minutes a game but seems to do something positive every time he hits the floor.

Season Averages: 4.2 mpg, 0.8 ppg, 0.7 rpg

Overall Grade of Value: C+

James Jones, Guard/Forward

It appears the sharpshooting James Jones has fallen out of favor with the Miami Heat. After averaging nearly 20 minutes per contest in 2011, Jones has seen that number drop to just over 10 minutes per game in 2012. That's highlighted by a stretch of 18 consecutive appearances with less than 10 minutes on the floor.

If Jones is able to find more playing time, there's no denying how valuable he can be. He's one of the league's best three-point shooters and offers the Heat a deadly combination when paired with Mike Miller.

That all means nothing without playing time, though.

Season Averages: 10.3 mpg, 3.3 ppg, 42% 3PT

Overall Grade of Value: D

Mike Miller, Guard/Forward

What a turnaround season it has been for the former Florida Gator.

Miller is currently shooting 51 percent from the floor and an NBA-best 52 percent from distance. While Miller is only averaging 19.0 minutes per contest, he has improved tremendously as a defender and continues to hit shots when they count most.

In last year's NBA Finals, the Heat lacked a true three-point marksman due to Miller's struggles. This year, they have an undeniable advantage over any team they face as Miller is good enough to drop in two or three shots from distance each time out.

Had he been able to do so against the Mavericks, we may have seen a different outcome.

Season Averages: 19.2 mpg, 6.2 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 52% 3PT

Overall Grade of Value: B

Udonis Haslem, Forward

Udonis Haslem has never been a stat-sheet stuffer, but he's the closest thing the Heat have to a reliable frontcourt option behind Chris Bosh.

He's an elite rebounder and doesn't make many mistakes on either end of the floor. Furthermore, he's easily the Heat's best low post defender, despite being undersized at just 6'8".

As the Heat search for a second-consecutive NBA Finals appearance, they're likely to face some of the best front courts in the NBA along the way. Haslem will play a major role in whether the Heat emerge victorious or fall short for the second consecutive season.

Season Averages: 26.1 mpg, 6.4 ppg, 8.3 rpg

Overall Grade of Value: B+

Dexter Pittman, Center

Of all the reserves at the center position, Dexter Pittman has seen the most playing time. Unavailingly, he hasn't done much with it.

Pittman is averaging more fouls than rebounds and is the furthest thing from a threat on the offensive end of the floor. He has struggled with his weight and has failed to find his niche within the Heat's rotation, making their frontcourt that much more of a weakness.

Fortunately for Pittman, he's only 24 years old. His upside remains promising and he plays a position of weakness for the Heat, making his value high for that reason alone.

If he can get his weight down and play more efficiently, he could contribute in the long term.

Season Averages: 7.3 mpg, 1.4 ppg, 1.6 rpg

Overall Grade of Value: C-