Miami Heat Position Preview: Chris Bosh, Udonis Haslem and the Power Forwards
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On Current Roster: Chris Bosh, Udonis Haslem, Juwan Howard, Shavlik Randolph
On Projected 15-Man Roster: Bosh, Haslem, Howard
Starter: Bosh
Depth: Udonis Haslem off the bench reveals incredible immediate depth. Not many teams have a proven veteran workhorse like Haslem, and to have the luxury of bringing him in as a reserve is all the more valuable.
Juwan Howard probably won’t get many regular season minutes, but he will have a role in the playoffs. He can play center as well. His post defense will be important against the likes of Orlando and Boston.
Outlook: If Bosh isn’t the best power forward in basketball he’s absolutely in the top three, along with Pau Gasol and Dirk Nowitzki. He’s not a bruiser. He is a finesse big who can score in a multitude of ways.He has excellent range and will be an asset in the pick-and-roll game. He can do it all. He can put it on the floor for a pull up jumper or finish at the rim with fury.
He is an under-appreciated defender as well. Just because he doesn’t block a ton of shots, he gets overlooked. He has a great feel for defending the post as well as the pick and roll. He is a very smart, efficient player on both ends of the court, making him the best power forward the Heat has ever had.
Haslem is similar to Bosh in that he is a great rebounder with a deadly mid-range game. He might not start, but he will get 25-35 minutes a night. His presence in the playoffs will be especially valued. Not everything Haslem does shows up on the stat sheet. He is a gamer and does whatever it takes to win. The power forward position is rock solid in Miami.
