NBA Free Agents 2011: 5 Point Guards Better Fit to Help the Miami Heat

The Miami Heat are most likely not going to tend to Mario Chalmers' contract anytime before basketball resumes, and the restricted free agent will likely take his talents elsewhere.

In taking a look at prospective point guards, we can get a better picture as to who is a better fit in Miami.

I'm not taking shots at Chalmers right now—in fact, I think he's a legitimate starter—but it's still fun to explore potential options.

South Beach should take a look at the following five guys, and without further ado, here they are.

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5. T.J. Ford

At 28 years old, T.J. Ford has been very misunderstood throughout his NBA career.

He's look at mostly as subpar, but let's remember that just two years ago, Ford averaged a solid 14.9 points and 5.3 assists per game.

He only played 18.9 minutes every night last season, but perhaps that had to do with the emergence of Darren Collison.

Ford can't shoot especially well, but that shouldn't be a problem considering the incumbents on the Miami Heat roster. He's a great defender (like Chalmers) too, and he would fit well with the South Beach system. 

4. Andre Miller

I know, I know. Didn't Andre Miller just get dealt to the Denver Nuggets?

Nonetheless, he fits the bill since he's a free agent. He has a 12-year NBA career under his belt, and over that time, he has been consistently solid.

It's not all about the experience, though. Do you see Mike Bibby's talents anywhere on this list?

Miller does things with the ball that most 35-year-old point guards are unable to do, Bibby included (even though he's only 33). Even last season, he averaged 12.7 points and seven assists per game for the Portland Trail Blazers. If there was a "Guys-who-play-younger-than-they-actually-are," Miller would undoubtedly be the starting point guard of the team. He's a warrior; that's all there is to it.

He'd do just a fine job in Miami, where his durability—he played in 632 consecutive games before a one-game suspension in December for shoving Blake Griffin—and great distribution skills would be much appreciated.

Chalmers, on the other hand, has missed 21 games in the last three years. There are more injury-riddled players, sure, but I'm just saying.

3. Rodney Stuckey

Rodney Stuckey isn't exactly known as a premier distributor, but that was in part because he played for the Detroit Pistons. A washed-up Rip Hamilton was perhaps his best counterpart.

Even so, he proved his durability by playing some shooting guard last season. He also brings a rare electric charge, and he hustles to no end.

If anyone is going to toss money at Stuckey, it'll be the Heat, who are searching for a long-term option at the point. He's 25 and he fits that position.

Additionally, it would be a thrill for the Eastern Washington product to play for a title-contending team, something he has yet to do in his four-year career.

2. Aaron Brooks

Aaron Brooks was shipped at the trade deadline from Houston to Phoenix.

He didn't flourish or impress in his two months in Arizona (he only put up 9.6 points and dished out 4.2 assists in 25 games), and Suns' management isn't entirely sure he's destined to become a mainstay.

Miami would be a great fit for the 25-year-old Brooks, where he would benefit from better opportunities than he received as a Sun.

His upside is higher than Chalmers, and he might be able to finally settle down and find his true niche in Florida, something that '09 Aaron Brooks once had.

1. J.J. Barea

Jose Juan Barea, or J.J., as he is more commonly known, really set himself apart from all the other free agent point guards this past season, when he was a key contributor in the NBA Finals.

Although he did well statistically, the numbers don't do justice to the services he provided the Dallas Mavericks with. He played with unimaginable heart and was fearless when it came to driving and hustling.

Barea would a tremendous fit in South Beach because he has proved, unlike any other name on this list, that he has the perfect combination of both experience and, at 27 years young, youth.

It might be a bit awkward considering the circumstances of a month ago, but if there's anyone who can make it work, it's J.J. He outplayed Mario in the Finals and, starting next year, he might become his replacement.

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