What Will the Heat Do Next?
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Starters
G - Mario Chalmers
G - Dwyane Wade
F - Lebron James
F - Chris Bosh
C - Zydrunas Ilgauskus
Bench
Udonis Haslem
Mike Miller
Juwan Howard
The Heat have filled out their supporting cast nicely around Wade, James, and Bosh. Haslem and Miller both took much less, so you know their priority is winning. Howard, an NBA dinosaur, can still be an asset in the playoffs. A team can never have enough smart, veteran big men because they drop like flies. “Z” will help spread the floor with his shooting touch.
At this point, it’s about bringing in specialists. We don’t need big names or former All-Stars, but players who do a couple of things really well, players who know their role and won’t stir up the team’s chemistry. We have enough star power. It’s about team ball now.
Miami still has seven roster spots up for grabs. Three or four are likely to come from rookies and summer league hopefuls. That leaves a few spots for further needs. Miami has used up just about all of its cap room, so any additional player would have to sign for the minimum.
POINT GUARD
Available: Keyon Dooling, Eddie House, Jason Williams, Allen Iverson, Carlos Arroyo
Iverson could only hurt the team’s chemistry and is not worth the risk. They don’t need another scorer, but a player who can hit the open jumper and play smart basketball. House is an intriguing option because of his shooting ability. Dooling is the best defender of the group but still erratic offensively. Williams has a good mid-range jumper, a solid three ball, and is familiar with the organization after winning a ring here in 2006.
Best Fit : Jason Williams
CENTER
Available: Shaquille O’Neal, Brad Miller, Kwame Brown, Joel Anthony
Big Z is a great shooter for a center but isn’t the ideal defender. They need a big man who can block shots and provide a physical presence at the rim. Shaq has burned his bridge here and would add up to be too many egos anyway. Miller is a has-been and Brown is a never was. Anthony is a shot-blocking machine, still young (27), and plays with great energy.
Best Fit : Joel Anthony
WING PLAYER
Available: Roger Mason, Tracy McGrady, Matt Barnes, Richard Jefferson, Marquis Daniels
They could still use more shooters and perimeter defenders. McGrady is an intriguing idea but has never been much of a lockdown defender. Barnes is rumored to be interested in Miami and Boston, but is he even worth it? He’s not a great perimeter shooter (31% 3FG) and is just an average defender. Mason is the best shooter of the bunch, but would he be willing to come for the league minimum?
Miami could also look to add a couple of hungry, young perimeter players off its summer league roster, such as Kenny Hasbrouk or Patrick Beverley.
Best Fit : Roger Mason
