The Myths and Facts Of Upcoming Miami Heat Offseason

Being that Miami lacks a first round pick courtesy of a past trade, as well as virtually no cap room beyond perhaps half the mid-level exception to offer, here are the myths and realities of what Heat fans should expect this summer.

Myth: Dwyane Wade will sign an extension and forego his unrestricted free agent status next year.

Fact: Barring a mega trade that would net Miami either Amare Stoudemire or Chris Bosh this summer (not likely), Wade will wait until 2010 when several teams will be able to offer him a max deal and perhaps a star sidekick to play with. That's the bad news. The good news, however, is that the Heat are among those teams and Wade seems genuinely happy in Miami. Therefore, unless things really fall apart this season, Miami will be in prime position to get a Bosh or Stoudemire next year when both are free agents, to pair alongside Wade.  That is, assuming of course, that they would be inclined to want to get paid a max contract to play alongside Wade in South Beach.

Myth: Michael Beasley is a basketball player.

Fact: Michael Beasley is a stoner that plays basketball and has an amazing knack to shoot the ball well and completely miss defensive assignments. Okay, maybe that is a bit strong, but here is my point. I watched this guy closely all year. In a nutshell, he lacks the drive and focus that great players usually have. But here's the thing. You know who doesn't? Ricky Rubio. Memphis, the team with the number 2 pick, will have Rubio available to them in next week's draft, and they have shown an interest in Michael Beasley in the past. Now maybe, just maybe, the Heat could ship Beasley straight up for Rubio or perhaps even include Mario Chalmers in the deal to sweeten the pot. A pipe dream? Who knows. What I do know is that Boston is stacked with talent, the Cavs and Magic are only getting better, and Miami got beat by a team in the playoffs that the Cavs swept, and by an average margain of 15 points a game. Even if Miami got Bosh or Stoudemire to complement Wade next year, the top tier of the East is tougher than ever and Miami needs to consider moves like trading for Rubio more than people may think.

Myth: Miami will trade Beasley this offseason.

Fact: Unless it's for Rubio, they won't. Say what you will (hehe) about B-silly but his contract is too good for us to trade him unless its for another rookie contract.

Myth: Miami will use their full mid-level exception to sign a free agent.

Fact: Even though they would like to, doing so would push Miami over the luxury tax and Pat Riley knows Heat owner Mickey Arison wouldn't green-light such a move if it didn't make Miami a legitimate contendar. And it won't. Therefore, Miami will use half of its exception to throw around to any interested parties, particularly point guards, and hope that the bad economy will result in players settling to take less money than in past seasons.

Myth: Udonis Haslem will remain the Heat's starting power forward.

Fact: Michael Beasley will be in the starting lineup next year, which means that Udonis will come off the bench. While Udonis' hustle and timely scoring has been a huge asset for Miami for years now, Beasley was drafted 2nd in last year's draft to give Wade some scoring help. As evidenced in the Hawks series victory against the Heat in the playoffs, Miami simply lacked the offensive wherewithall to keep up with the Hawks. As much as Coach Spoelstra would have liked to start Beasley, he was too much of a defensive liability. Therefore, expect the Heat organization to invest a lot of time helping Beasley improve his defense. By the time late October comes, Beasley should be at least a good enough defender that it won't outweigh his offensive talents.

Myth: Pat Riley is leaving Miami.

Fact: Although Riley has received some coaching overtures from teams like Cleveland in the past and may soon get some from La La land if Phil Jackson retires, he is not going to leave the Heat. It's impossible for him to have any more decision-making power than he already has in Miami and he also has a great relationship with owner Mickey Arison. Not only is Riley never going to leave this team for another one, there may even be plans for his favorite Armani three piece to be hung up in the rafters one day right next to other Heat greats Like Zo, Michael Jordan, and Dan Marino (Thats right! Only in Miami!).

Myth: Turtle from Entourage is banging Jamie-Lynn Sigler.

Fact: The guy that plays Turtle from Entourage is banging Jamie-Lynn Sigler.

Myth: Phil Jackson will retire.

Fact: You know why he won't? Cuz he is still young enough to lose his mind with too much free time and there is nothing he probably loves doing more than coaching. Plus, the Lakers should be at the top of the West next year and Kobe is still in his prime and about to sign a 5 year deal. Lastly, from what reports have said, there was no drama surrounding the Lakers this season and things went pretty smooth all year.

Myth: The Taking of Pelham 123 was good.

Fact: The Hangover was good.

Myth: Don't be a Menace to Society while drinking your orange juice in the Hood.

Fact: Do be a Menace to Society while drinking your orange juice in the Hood.

Myth: Spike Lee is a Knicks fan.

Fact: Spike Lee is a Laker fan.

Myth: Dante Stallworth is a football player.

Fact: Dante Stallworth is an example of everything that is wrong with the legal system.

Myth: We all miss Stephen A. Smith, who was let go from his contract with ESPN.

Fact: We all miss Stephen A. Smith, who was let go from his contract with ESPN. NOT!!!