(a sorta) League Preview: Miami Heat

The sorriest and lottery likelies are not nearly as interesting as the Bulls, Suns, Raptors, Wizards, Clippers and Thunder. All of these teams have tasted recent disappointment (and some were simply abysmal). Yet star power and team balance have all these squads talking about post season glory. We conclude this grouping with the 3^rd best team in the suddenly stacked Southeast Division.

Miami Heat

PG Mario Chalmers Carlos Arroyo

SG Dwyane Wade Daequan Cook Quentin Richardson

SF James Jones Yakhouba Diawara Dorell Wright

PF Udonis Haslem Michael Beasley

C Jermaine O’Neal Jamaal Magloire

Dwyane Wade’s 2008-09 season was one of the most spectacular in League history. 30 pts, 49 fg%, 7.5 ast, 5 reb, 2.2 steals, 1.3 blocks. 1.3 BLOCKS!!!!! For better or worse, the Heat will need more of the same to succeed this season. Wade is in his prime and will likely be able to shoulder the load. But he could use a little help, especially in Miami intends on surpassing last season’s 43 wins. The days of the Leastern Conference are over. To sniff home court in the East this year may require 50 wins.

Michael Beasley has not exactly shone signs of a pending bust out season. His personal struggles aside, Beasley must establish a consistent identity on the floor. He has the skills on offense to be very aggressive, but he is still feeling his way through sets. Rumors that Miami will experiment with him at the 3 are intriguing. Their bet has gotta be that he will put up big points, because staying with those quick threes is going to challenge for Mr. Beasley. Be tentative no more, Michael. Time has come to attack.

The base of Jermaine O’Neal, Udonis Haslem, and second year p.g. Mario Chalmers is solid. JO’s days of flying around the rim are done. But he is 7’0 veteran with a decent bag of tricks. He can still protect the basket with his length and timing. Of course, he has to stay healthy. Haslem is pro. His combination of tenacity and poise is fantastic. Straight battler. Chalmers is just one of those dudes who can play. He does not overwhelm you with his athleticism, but he has the tools to compete for sure.

Depending on 2^nd year players can be sketchy. Though I believe Mario will answer the bell, the acquisition of Carlos Arroyo was a good move by the wiley Riley. Assuming Chalmers plays great, Arroyo still provides needed stability to a second unit chuck full of swingmen. Miami has no depth up front, unless you count Sluggin Jamal McGloire. Three guard rotations will be common, with Haslem slidding over to center and Beasley at the power forward spot.

Small forward is a remains an unresolved issue. Whether Miami rolls with Beas, or James Jones, the overall lack of punch on the perimeter aside from DWade is a problem. Both Daequan Cook and Dorell Wright have shown signs. Unfortunately, the no-longer-so-young duo hangs their hats on the offensive end, which ultimately limits their impact as potential rotation players. Diawara gets into it defensively, and he will earn minutes. James Jones needs to have a big year from downtown, whether as a starter or a sub, to give Wade some space to get busy.

Compared to Chicago, Phoenix and even Washington, Miami does not have the depth of talent on the roster. But Dwyane Wade’s star shines so bright, that for at least half Miami’s games, his team is winning. Amazing. If Wade goes down for even 10 games, can Miami sustain without him? If he stays healthy, can the Heat knock out an inevitably more talented team come playoff time? It is all about DWade.