Bring The Heat: Predicting Miami's 2009-2010 Season

Lead by a superhuman regular season performance from Dwyane Wade the Heat marched their way to a surprising and impressive 43-39 record, returning to the playoffs as the Eastern Conference's 5th seed after missing out the previous season.

Highlight's from the 2008-2009 season included Wade being tossed up in MVP discussions after pulling off one of the best comebacks to professional basketball in recent history. He would finish the season as the NBA's scoring champion in addition to being selected for the All-NBA First Team and All-Defensive Second Team.

Miami would also experience solid, yet streaky play from second overall pick Michael Beasley who showed glimpses of brilliance and future superstar potential. Mario Chalmers proved to be the surprise of the season, garnering All-Rookie 2nd Team honors as he lead all rookies in steals and played all 82 games for the Heat.

Now I present to you some key predictions that I think could prove to have a significant impact on the Heat's season for 2009-2010.

1) Michael Beasley's Leap to Semi-Stardom

"B-Easy" averaged a clip under 14 ppg and 5.5 rpg last season yet was labelled by some as a 'bust' or 'failure'. For a nineteen year old those stats are pretty decent, but I guess the expectations of being the second overall pick were set a bit too high—especially after seeing the way Derrick Rose exceeded all expectations set for him.

Miami and myself alike would like to believe Beasley's off-the-court issues are being dealt with and hopefully will not be a hindrance to him on the floor. Emerging as Wade's second option should be his ultimate goal this season and given the fact that he should get the starting nod at small forward, it is likely he could be emerging for a 18-9 season.

2) Erik Spoelstra Solidifies His Reputation

The Spoelstra is incredible. How many times has the youngest coach in the entire NBA, taken the worst team in the league and turned them into a playoff team (who, in this case, were one game away from the Eastern Conference Semi's)?

Another spectacular season from the Miami Heat should see them have the possibility of winning at least 45 games, solidifying Spoelstra's reputation as not a 'fluke' but a genuinely solid and reputable Head Coach.

3) Jermaine O'Neal Will Play 80 Games

This will be the hardest to justify to real NBA fans, but I only have two words: Tim Grover.

The man is a miracle-worker. He trained Jordan, he resurrected The Flash from the grave, and now he has turned his attention to Gilbert Arenas, Tracy McGrady and Miami's own Jermaine O'Neal. I expect all three players to bounce back with strong seasons, and hopefully JO can chip in a 16-9 season to go with his 80 games.

4) Carlos Arroyo Will Prove An X-Factor

Perhaps the signing of Arroyo has been so underrated due to the fact that it's so late in the off-season and the regular season is only short weeks from starting. Maybe it's due to the fact that Carlos has been out of the league for a season.

Ultimately Arroyo will prove the x-factor for this team in leading the second unit. His experience will only further the growth of Mario Chalmers, and Arroyo's speed and ability to break down his man off the dribble and distribute the ball will give the second unit an element it lacked last season.

After all, don't you remember him dropping 24 on Team USA as PR claimed the upset?

5) Miami Will Get The 4th Seed

A strong season is needed to retain Dwyane Wade (or at least he would make us believe that). Regardless of what it takes to please Wade, the Heat have all the pieces to claim the 4th overall seed in the Eastern Conference.

The maturing of Beasley and Chalmers will contribute, as will the new-found health of Jermaine O'Neal. If Beasley can make 75% of the improvements we need from him and JO can play over 70 games then Miami should be fine. Arroyo will man the second unit, Q-Rich will be hitting bombs all year, and Dwyane Wade should once again be in the running for a Regular Season MVP and second scoring title.

Miami...It's time to BRING THE HEAT!