My analyses on the Heat moving forward

[Poe]

I know the game against Portland was close, but so many things bothered me about the game. The hustle on defense and on the boards was terrible for this team's standards. In this thread, I'm going to focus more on the offense, though. I think some things need to be adjusted if this team wants to make it out of the 5th seed.

 

 

- A quicker offensive tempo. Each game, it never feels like everyone is getting up a satisfactory number of shots. This team has enough talent to put up a high amount of points each night, yet this is the worst fast break team in the league. Use less shot clock, score more points.

 

- More fast break buckets. Wade, Wright, Beasley, Q-Rich, and even Chalmers are all guys who can play the fast break successfully. Chalmers, Wade, and Wright can all handle the ball on the break, Q can spot up for transition threes, and Wade, Wright, and Beasley can all fetch alleys. This team needs to get out and run more.

 

- More touches for the other two members of the "big three". It doesn't feel like Beasley and O'Neal get enough touches, primarily JO. With a faster paced offense, everyone will be able to get their shots. Wade should have 20 shots each night with 10+ FTA, Beasley should have a good 15 shot attempts (he averages 13, so it's not too far off at this point) with 7+ FTA (averages 4), and O'Neal needs at least 15+ shots and 6+ FTA. He used to average nearly 20 shot attempts per game, and he's been very efficient scoring the ball with the limited touches he's been getting this year (only 10 shot attempts, 56% thus far).

 

- Beasley and Wade to ATTACK. Beasley and Wade settle for way too many jumpshots. Simply put, they are much more affective attacking the basket. They should look to score in the paint more often. It will also help Beas get to the line more.

 

- Haslem should only play PF. Haslem is a great player, but he isn't versatile. He has trouble guarding any position other than PF. He isn't quick enough to guard SFs, and he isn't big enough for centers. When Beasley plays SF, make him guard his own man. It's the only way he'll learn. Never make Haslem play center, either. Either JO, Joel, or Magloire should play the center, and that's it.

 

- Chalmers back in the starting line up. Arroyo is pretty efficient, but his lack of 3 pt shooting and overall defensive abilities, to me, doesn't make him a good fit as a long time starter for this team. Chalmers has much more defensive potential, and has already developed a much better 3 pt shot. Benching him has re-motivated him to put more importance into his position, but he's got to gain his starting spot back sooner or later.

 

- Dorell running the offense off the bench. Dorell should be developed as the back up point guard, IMO. His length and quickness allows him to guard almost any position, so defensively it isn't a problem. He's already guarding PGs on a regular basis, yet we still don't see him actually run the offense. Offensively he can create mismatches with his height, and I think he has grown to be an underrated passer in this league. At 24 years old, he's got a lot of growing room left. Let him develop at the point.

 

- Dorell and O'Neal pick n rolls. I see too many pick n rolls with Joel Anthony setting the screen for Dorell. For one, O'Neal is the superior offensive player, easily has better hands and is a better finisher, plus Dorell reads screens well enough to give him the ball in the right place at the right moment. I think Spoelstra should adjust the rotation to where O'Neal is primarily setting the screens for Wright. This would set up more scoring opportunities for both players.

 

- JJ out, Dae-Dae in. Other than 3 shooting, James Jones is virtually useless on the offensive end, and his defensive abilities aren't anything special, either. He needs to be traded, IMO, and Cook should replace him in the rotation. Daequan has shooting potential. I can see him become a useful player for transition buckets, and spotting up for threes. That's all Cook should be looking for in his offense until he truly, completely develops his game anywhere else.

 

- More reliable offensive bench production. When Wade is off the floor, there is a clear difference in offensive efficiency. Spoelstra likes to have the offense run through Beasley when Wade is out. There's nothing wrong with that, but with both JO and Wade off the floor, Wright becomes the second option, yet he hasn't been involved the right way since the Sacramento game. Again, put him at point, put Cook on the wing, play some screen and roles with JO, while still giving plenty of opportunities to let Beasley do his thing.

 

 

Overall, this team needs a faster offensive pace, and have a consistent 9-man rotation of Chalmers-Wade-Q-Rich-Beasley-O'Neal, with Wright and Haslem getting the main minutes off the bench, and having Cook fill in at the wing and Joel filling in at center.

 

The Heat can become an elite team in a short time if they simply put more consistent effort on the defensive end, and played a more efficient overall offensive game. More pace, more energy, more intensity each game, while getting everyone involved on offense, and keeping Chalmers, Cook, Wright, Beasley, and even Joel in position to develop their game.

[Flash]

I think you're right about all the things you said but I think our problems are very simple.

 

1. Wade needs to step it up. Let's face it, he's getting the help on most nights but his play is killing us often times because of the % he's shooting. His assists are down too as well if I'm not mistaken.

 

2. Spoelstra. His rotations are absolutely terrible, he doesn't know how to handle Beasley's minutes either. Where is Daequan Cook? He's going to kill his confidence for the rest of the season. Dorrell needs to be our 6th man also. I love Udonis and everything he does but let's be honest, D-Wright is our best player coming off the bench and it isn't even close.

[Check my Stats]

I didn't read your entire post because no matter how much you alter the strategy you aren't going to break through the ceiling of the top 4 teams.

 

What the Heat really need to do is hit a home run in FA next season because Wade desperately needs a second option at his side. While you might not get Bosh or LBJ you could get someone like Joe Johnson who would be great alongside Wade, or maybe Stat. They just need another guy who can drop 20 consistently for them, because your roster is filled out okay with role players but you need that second star.

 

EDIT - To the above, wow I can't believe Wade's shooting numbers, especially for a guy who gets to the rim alot doesn't he? I think this further proves he needs someone who can alleviate some of the pressure, especially offensively. I mean the guy has the ball in his hands 90% of the time down the floor so it's hard for him to dominate all game every game.

Edited December 21, 2009 by travesy3

[Poe]

I think you're right about all the things you said but I think our problems are very simple.

 

1. Wade needs to step it up. Let's face it, he's getting the help on most nights but his play is killing us often times because of the % he's shooting. His assists are down too as well if I'm not mistaken.

 

2. Spoelstra. His rotations are absolutely terrible, he doesn't know how to handle Beasley's minutes either. Where is Daequan Cook? He's going to kill his confidence for the rest of the season. Dorrell needs to be our 6th man also. I love Udonis and everything he does but let's be honest, D-Wright is our best player coming off the bench and it isn't even close.

Like Riles said, Wade's efficiency has been down. It all has to do with the types of shots he's been taking. He needs to be that relentless scorer at the basket like he's been last year in his MVP candidate season.

 

I agree about Dorell, but not in the sense that he needs to be the official "sixth man". He does need to come in earlier in games, though. Last game he didn't come in until the 2nd quarter. He's versatile enough to fill in for almost anybody. He should be coming in somewhere halfway through the first, and like I said earlier, he needs a more prominent role.

 

 

 

I didn't read your entire post because no matter how much you alter the strategy you aren't going to break through the ceiling of the top 4 teams.

 

What the Heat really need to do is hit a home run in FA next season because Wade desperately needs a second option at his side. While you might not get Bosh or LBJ you could get someone like Joe Johnson who would be great alongside Wade, or maybe Stat. They just need another guy who can drop 20 consistently for them, because your roster is filled out okay with role players but you need that second star.

 

EDIT - To the above, wow I can't believe Wade's shooting numbers, especially for a guy who gets to the rim alot doesn't he? I think this further proves he needs someone who can alleviate some of the pressure, especially offensively. I mean the guy has the ball in his hands 90% of the time down the floor so it's hard for him to dominate all game every game.

 

The only reason for the Heat not being an elite team is lack of consistency. That's it.

 

The Heat have already beaten the Blazers, the Nuggets, and the Magic twice, but also lost a 10 point 4th quarter lead against the Suns, lost a close game against the Cavs, and the Laker's Kobe Bryant put up a 3pt buzzer beater to win a game the Heat probably should have won. If the Heat can beat all these teams, or at least come this close in their games, I don't see why they can't become elite within this very season.

 

When the Heat lose, it's normally for the same reasons. Intensity, battle on the boards, Wade taking too many jumpers, lack of good offensive production with Wade on the bench, and Spoe's rotations. When the Heat have everything right, they can beat any team in the league.

 

And yes, the Heat do need a legit SF. Q-Rich has been great, but they still need an all star go-to guy to complete this team. I think that's what the Heat have been preparing for and developing players around it. LeBron, T-Mac, Rudy Gay, Joe Johnson, maybe even Richard Jefferson. So much cap space, so many options to choose from. Riles will land at least one of these guys, and it's done. If Haslem, JO, Dorell, and D-Wade (of course) stay, and an all star SF joins the team, the Heat will become real championship contenders by then. Anything under the conference finals will be considered a failed season.

 

 

Also, the reason for Wade's downplay is because he isn't attacking the basket the way he used to. Flash and I have talked about it a lot. He just settles for too many jumpers.

Edited December 21, 2009 by Poe

[Check my Stats]

Ya but Wade needs someone who can alleviate the offensive pressure, he isn't built like LBJ. LBJ can dominate game in game out with ease because he can overpower EVERYONE who tries to guard him pretty much. Wade has to work harder for his buckets I would assume.

 

I mean do you honestly believe that the Heat could beat the Celtics, Magic or Cavaliers in a series? I mean maybe the Hawks but that is as far as I would go and Wade would have to piss every game for them to even do that. This is basically the same team that lost to the Hawks last year and the Hawks are playing a lot better this year so far.

 

All Wade needs is a single guy who can average 20 a night and this team will instantly contend, so I completely agree with you. But in terms of this season I don't think there is any way the Heat can make it past the 2nd round. The East is tough right now though, I mean the top 4 is as tough as it gets so I mean the Heat would need more than just another star to move into the 'anything less than the ECF' group, they would need to retain their entire team and at the same time improve their bench.

 

If you guys got Bosh in a sign and trade (to keep your expiring player's rights as well as your MLE) I think your team would instantly be shot into the discussion with Cavs, Celtics etc, Wade is that dominant and adding another star would make it so much easier for him to become more than just a scorer. Wade and Bosh on the pick and roll would be amazing.

Edited December 22, 2009 by travesy3

[Poe]

Bosh would be a nice gift, but I don't see it happening. The Heat are already developing a PF who has shown strong signs of dominance. He's only 20 years old, and I don't know if you realize, but he's actually averaging 18 and 7 on 48% shooting this month, and he's continuing to improve each game.

 

I already said the Heat aren't elite this year, and only for one reason. Again, it's the inconsistencies that come with giving large minutes to young players, a fragile center who seems to be injured every other game, and a guard with too much pressure on his shoulders to carry a team every single game. The Heat aren't even a bad team at all. Some nights they look like a top 3 team, and others they look like they shouldn't even be in the playoff race.

 

I agree. The Heat have a good shot at the 2nd round this year, and I can't see them going anywhere past that. Next year, a legit SF will push them beyond that. I think the Heat have all the right pieces. All they need is a player who can handle the ball and be reliable when Wade is having an off night. Someone like Joe Johnson, or Tracy McGrady. Rudy Gay, even. There are so many options this offseason, the Heat are almost guaranteed to get one of these guys.

 

The Heat don't exactly have a bad bench, either. Spoelstra just doesn't seem to know how to put the right group of guys together at the right times. Haslem and Wright would start for most teams, and Cook and Jones would both be key role players off the bench or could even start for some teams that are in need of 3pt shooting like the T'Wolves.

 

 

Anyway, point is, the Heat have everything it takes to be a contending team. They have the face of their franchise in Wade. They have their franchise PF in Beasley. They have their long time starter, defensive-minded point in Chalmers. They have their veteran, former MVP candidate center in JO. A former key championship piece in Haslem. A veteran system player in Q-Rich. And a very versatile, high potential sixth man in Wright. An all star wing is the last piece to the puzzle, and then it's all eyes on the prize.

 

My only concern IS Jermaine's fragile body. He fixed his knees, then broke his nose and injured his hip. I just hope he can find a way to stay healthy, or else the Heat will have to go for a different center. Bosh isn't the answer, IMO. That would make too many mouths to feed offensively. Chemistry ruining, and Bosh isn't a great defender, either.

[Flash]

I honestly can't say I've seen a team beat the Heat this year simply because they were so much better than us. Either we came out flat(Memphis), lack of effort(almost every loss) or just bad luck(Kobe miracle bank 3).

 

Bosh is the main target IMO. LeBron won't fit in here even though I'd definitely be in favor of bringing him in. Riley won't put up with his immature bull either. Bosh is hungry though and plays with more intensity than a lot of guys in this league. Not to mention he's a PF who can play center if we need him to.

 

The second tier free agents is where I think we make our splash. If we can bring in a Rudy Gay or Joe Johnson that would help Wade a ton. Then see if you can re-sign Jermaine for the MLE and maybe make a run at T-Mac if he'd sign for cheap.

 

Wade's play is on no one but himself. He's the only one he can blame for his crappy season so far.

[Erick Blasco]

For all the guys here killing Spoelstra and coming with solutions to what the Heat "need," can someone provide definitive context for Spoelstra's poor rotations besides something like "this guy's hot, he should play all 48 minutes of a game?"

 

The Heat have 2 guys who can create their own offense, or can adequately set up other players. Wade is 1. O'Neal is 0.5. Beasley is 0.5.

 

O'Neal can't bring it every night. He's too soft when he's healthy, he's too often not healthy, and he's probably playing the best defense of his career right now anyway. Beasley can't pass, can't defend worth a lick, and only knows how to be a scorer against defenses that aren't doing anything exotic.

 

I already have faith in Spoelstra based on the fact that he's benched Beasley late in a number of big games and either won, or almost won in nearly all of that.

 

The rest of his players lack talent (Anthony, Maglorie, Cook, Jones, Haslem), court intelligence (Arroyo, Cook, Jones, Chalmers), or experience (Cook, Wright, Chalmers).

 

When you don't have talent or experience, your best bet is to slow things down, max out every possession, and try to max out the roster---ALL of which Spoelstra is doing. Aside from Wade doing more than he already is, there seriously is almost no way for the Heat to be better than they are right now. Go put Beasley in---the Heat have awful +/- numbers with him on the floor as opposed to off---and teams can score at will on the Heat, while Beasley jacks up bad shots. Chalmers makes too many rookie mistakes for a second-year player to be reliable in his own right.

 

The only players who have been reliable have been O'Neal, Haslem, Richardson, (guard/wing of the moment), and Wade. Who is going to throw accurate passes and make good decisions for the Heat to run? Where are the layups coming from with Daequan Cook and Q-Rich running the floor in transition?

 

And you like Wright way more than any of his non-family should. He's a decent prospect who works hard on defense and hasn't found an offensive niche. He's not a point guard.

 

There's no "problem" with the Heat aside from the fact that they lack offensive punch up front, their future is still too inexperienced, O'Neal is still brittle, and the youngsters are mostly mistake players.

 

Assuming Wade stays in Miami and James Jones' option is picked up, the Heat have 5 players retained for next year and only $24 million committed to those players. That should become 6 players and $30 million when Haslem is figured in. That's enough for another stud free agent and depth, to go along with Chalmers and Beasley having a year under their belt.

 

The "problem" with the Heat is that 2010 can't come fast enough.

[Poe]

Bosh is the main target IMO.

 

I disagree, personally. The Heat should look for guys like LeBron James and Joe Johnson before going after Bosh. Getting a 4 would mean moving Beasley over to the 3, a position he has been struggling with. Leaving Beas at the 4 would mean moving Chris over to the 5, and I really can't see Bosh as a center for a championship team, especially matching up with teams like the Lakers, the Celtics, or the Magic, for example.

 

Getting an SF removes the pressure of building Beasley in that position. Beasley is much more natural as a power forward, and that's where he should primarily play for the rest of his career. I'd even take T-Mac over Bosh simply because he's cheaper, he's a better fit, and the Heat could use the extra money to bring in a couple more vets.

[Poe]

I'm going to split this post, so it'll be easier for me to respond to each point individually.

 

For all the guys here killing Spoelstra and coming with solutions to what the Heat "need," can someone provide definitive context for Spoelstra's poor rotations besides something like "this guy's hot, he should play all 48 minutes of a game?"

 

The "not playing Beas in the 4th quarter" and things of that nature is the main complaint for most Heat fans, but it's actually what I respect about coach Spoe. Personally, I only have two real complaints about him, and they aren't even complaints but rather just suggesting adjustments.

 

Giving a guy like Cook more minutes is crucial, I think, especially for his confidence, plus he's more likely to stay in this team's future plans than James Jones. JJ is on the trading block, anyway, last I heard. He already has the reputation as a good shooter and system defender, so hopefully a team will pick him up soon enough.

 

The biggest adjustment I think needs to be made is the way the line up has been set up when Wade is off the floor. Normally it's somewhere along the lines of Arroyo - Wright - Beasley - Haslem - Anthony, with the offense running through Beasley. There are a few problems I see here. One, Beasley has difficulty making plays at the SF spot versus the PF spot, although he's improving. Two, Dorell is the second option, yet there is no crucial point made to put the ball in his hands. So it's either Beasley makes a play, or it's a completely dead possession winding up with a random player throwing up a contested shot with the shot clock winding down.

 

If the line up could be adjusted to where O'Neal comes out earlier in the game so that he has more time with the second unit, and Dorell plays more minutes at the point, I think the scoring can become more consistent throughout the game. Wright - Cook - Beasley - Haslem - O'Neal will create a much better flowing offense.

 

The Heat have 2 guys who can create their own offense, or can adequately set up other players. Wade is 1. O'Neal is 0.5. Beasley is 0.5.

You're right. Wade is the only truly established player on the team who can truly be relied on to create.

 

Beasley is still developing, though he has made some strides. He's slowly starting to look like the 20 and 10 player the Heat were expecting him to become. I wouldn't say he's totally reliable yet, but I think within a year he will be. He needs touches so he can become that player

 

O'Neal keep getting injured, though I still think he needs more touches. He usually seems effective with the ball in his hands, plus he's shooting too high of a percentage to only be attempting 10 shots per game.

 

O'Neal can't bring it every night. He's too soft when he's healthy, he's too often not healthy, and he's probably playing the best defense of his career right now anyway. Beasley can't pass, can't defend worth a lick, and only knows how to be a scorer against defenses that aren't doing anything exotic.

 

O'Neal has had too many setbacks for me to call him soft. I think his rebounding numbers should come back up soon enough.

 

Beasley has trouble on defense, but he tries his best out there. He's young and has never been asked to defend until coming to the NBA. Maybe if he was 25 I would be complaining, but he's only 20, and he does give plenty of effort on D. For now, that's good enough for me.

 

I already have faith in Spoelstra based on the fact that he's benched Beasley late in a number of big games and either won, or almost won in nearly all of that.

 

The rest of his players lack talent (Anthony, Maglorie, Cook, Jones, Haslem), court intelligence (Arroyo, Cook, Jones, Chalmers), or experience (Cook, Wright, Chalmers).

 

When you don't have talent or experience, your best bet is to slow things down, max out every possession, and try to max out the roster---ALL of which Spoelstra is doing. Aside from Wade doing more than he already is, there seriously is almost no way for the Heat to be better than they are right now. Go put Beasley in---the Heat have awful +/- numbers with him on the floor as opposed to off---and teams can score at will on the Heat, while Beasley jacks up bad shots. Chalmers makes too many rookie mistakes for a second-year player to be reliable in his own right.

 

I disagree with most of what's said here other than the fact the Heat play a slow tempo and Spoe finds a way to use most of the roster. Look, I'm not asking for a 7 seconds or less offense. Just add in a bit more tempo to the offense while giving more room for O'Neal to be a playmaker, and give Dorell a higher role on the team and allow him to develop as an offensive playmaker.

 

The only players who have been reliable have been O'Neal, Haslem, Richardson, (guard/wing of the moment), and Wade. Who is going to throw accurate passes and make good decisions for the Heat to run? Where are the layups coming from with Daequan Cook and Q-Rich running the floor in transition?

 

Again, Chalmers, Wade, and Wright can push the break, and Wade n Wright can both make plays off the ball. Q-Rich used to make a living in Pheonix off of transition threes, and Daequan is more athletic than he looks. I'm not saying the Heat should go all-out run-n-gun style offense, just to look to push the break more often than having one of the lowest transition games in the NBA despite having one of the best defenses, IMO.

 

And you like Wright way more than any of his non-family should. He's a decent prospect who works hard on defense and hasn't found an offensive niche. He's not a point guard.

 

Wow. I like Dorell's game and all, but I could care less about his personal life, let alone care about him like a family member. That's going a bit far. See, I like Dorell the way Warriors' fans like Anthony Randolph. Just a guy who's good enough to start and looks to have the potential to one day be a star, yet is constantly buried on the bench and never seems to get a real chance. That's it. I'm rooting for him, but I don't care about him.

 

Also, Dorell can play point, easily. He was drafted as a 2 guard, but after growing another 2 inches, he played the 3 just because it is more convenient with Wade on the floor. Riley experimented with developing him as a point forward, and now Spoelstra has put it into practice and gave him limited minutes against the Nuggets and Lakers with him playing point, and then increased his minutes at the PG role against the Kings where he had 19 points, 5 assists, and 0 TOs at the position, with Arroyo not getting a single minute. For some reason, after that, Arroyo got back into the rotation, and Wright never saw minutes at the point again this season.

 

Wright can play point. He guards PGs regularly, and he has proven that he can be effective there offensively. He needs to establish himself as the point forward off the bench for this team.

 

There's no "problem" with the Heat aside from the fact that they lack offensive punch up front, their future is still too inexperienced, O'Neal is still brittle, and the youngsters are mostly mistake players.

 

I strongly disagree. Beasley has been a solid 18 and 7 player this month, and improving. O'Neal has continually been injured (hip, nose, and a week off with his family), but when he's healthy and gets touches, he's effective. Chalmers is shooting a high percentage and is becoming a better and better compliment to Wade's game. Even Q-Rich is effective in multiple ways, knocking down shots and even posting up on mismatches.

 

Everybody on the court is effective with scoring in their own ways, except Arroyo, Joel, and Jones (limited offense - can only shoot 3s). Arroyo's minutes need to be cut, Joel needs to come in the game earlier to allow O'Neal more time with the second unit (pick n rolls with Dorell, and give midrange shooting to free up more space for Beasley), and Cook needs to replace Jones' minutes.

 

Assuming Wade stays in Miami and James Jones' option is picked up, the Heat have 5 players retained for next year and only $24 million committed to those players. That should become 6 players and $30 million when Haslem is figured in. That's enough for another stud free agent and depth, to go along with Chalmers and Beasley having a year under their belt.

 

Hopefully JJ's contract will be sent away this year. The Heat need to do what they can to keep Wade, plus Dorell, Haslem, and either Cook or Q-Rich, and go after a legit SF and perhaps some vets if there is still more room.

 

The "problem" with the Heat is that 2010 can't come fast enough.

No. The Heat are looking for a player to complete this roster, not fix it.

[Flash]

Agree 100% about Dorell Poe. He can play the point easily and that was our plan before he got injured.

 

Benching Beasley late in games is absurd. He's our second option offensively and taking him out of the game really hurts the offense if Wade can't create his shot. I like Udonis and all but there's no reason for him to be in before Mike anymore.

[Check my Stats]

I honestly thought, before this season started, Beasley was going to average 20+ this year.

[Erick Blasco]

I appreciate the well-thought out response Poe, and don't sweat the Wright comments too much. Half of it is said in jest. I just think it's strange how he's not a player who plays a lot, yet he has your utmost admiration. Then again, my favorite player is Matt Harpring so I guess I'm the pot calling the kettle black.

 

I can see what you're talking about with the bench lineup; maybe Spoelstra assumes that Beasley should be good enough to handle the load by himself against backups? Or that O'Neal wouldn't get many touches anyway, so playing him is unnecessary with Beasley since Beas won't do much without the ball either.

 

With Wright, can he initiate an offense? Can he break surprise traps? Can he tell players where they should go in specific sets? Can he defend opposing point guards? Making good decisions on screen/rolls are one thing, but a lot goes into being a point guard. Wright hasn't played a single second at the point this season (according to 82 games), can he suddenly play the point without a hitch?

 

And James Jones is a player who won't make mistakes. Remember, Spoelstra's from the Pat Riley school where he wants to minimize as many mistakes as possible. Jones is a smarter defender than Cook and a very accurate shooter. Cook is shooting 30% this season and 32% on threes.

 

Still, I think the Heat are maxing out their talent as well as anyone in the league and a huge, huge testament to that is Spoelstra.

[Poe]

@Flash - Haslem has been great late in games for this team. He is much, much more reliable on the defensive end than Beas, and he's hit some important clutch shots for this team. Plus, he's more reliable off the ball than Beas, which is important since we all know who's hands the ball is in when the game is on the line.

 

Beas will become more involved down the stretch in time.

 

 

@Erick - S'all good with the Wright comment. And he hasn't been my fave for that long, either. Only last month it was Haslem, and I changed it because I was glad to see Wright starting to finally get some more playing time and becoming more successful with it. He's actually been the best player for this team off the bench in 4 of the past 6 games, earning a solid 25-30 minute per game rotation spot, and I've heard great things about his performance in practice from Spoe and Wade, both expressing him to even be the best player on the team in some recent practices.

 

Anyway, about whether he can truly play point or not. He has played point for this team this year, for sure against the Nuggets, Lakers, and Kings. Maybe 82 games didn't count it because he happened to be on the court with Wade at the same time, even though Wright was both initiating the offense, guarding the opposing PG, and the opposing PG was guarding him.

 

With Wright, yes, he can initiate an offense, though telling players where to go is still questionable. Actually, throughout his career, it's usually players telling HIM where to go, though we're seeing less of that this year because of his growing maturity. Still, even when he isn't playing point, he does typically bring the ball up the court on defensive rebounds, with Chalmers, Arroyo, or Wade moving over to the wing, and he starts the play.

 

Defending opposing PGs is clearly, clearly not an issue. Matter of fact, the point actually seems to be the position Dorell is most comfortable defending. Even though Dorell doesn't always initiate the offense, he has been guarding point guards regularly.

 

About surprise traps, I don't know how he'll handle it. He always does a great job keeping his head up with the ball in his hands, and he is surprisingly a very good passer. I'd imagine if he gets hit with a double, he should be able to spot someone for an open look.

 

 

You make a good point on James Jones, btw. I understand why he's getting minutes over Daequan. I'm thinking about the future of this team, though, and Dae-Dae has much more room for growth than Jones. Don't look at shooting percentages to make assumptions on Cook's shooting ability this year, btw, he's had a shoulder injury that affected his shooting form early in the season. Plus, assuming Spoe actually does adjust his bench rotation and keeps Beasley at the 3 and moves Wright over to 1, putting Cook at the 2 spot makes more sense because it brings more ball handling and would put a little less pressure on Dorell if he isn't the only guy on the court who is able to handle the ball.

 

 

BTW, I'm not criticizing Spoelstra on his coaching abilities in this thread. I respect him as a coach and am grateful to have him in Riley's place. Most Heat fans seem to want to throw him out of Miami, probably because he's a no-name guy replacing an HoFer, but I personally think he's done a great job so far.

[Cleveland's Finest]

I understand your ideas and I agree with Chalmers starting and Haslem playing PF only, but I don't really understand how you Heat fans are still confident that your team is elite this season.

[Poe]

I understand your ideas and I agree with Chalmers starting and Haslem playing PF only, but I don't really understand how you Heat fans are still confident that your team is elite this season.

I don't think they are elite, but they can easily become elite in a short amount of time. It is hard to tell by their record, though, but if you look at them from game to game, you can see this team's potential. An example is when they got blown out on Sun 13 by a below .500 team in Memphis 90-118, then two days later they blow out Toronto and force the best offensive team in the league to below 100 points in a 115-95 victory, and then on the next game on Thur 17 they blow out Orlando 104-86.

 

Like Flash said, when the Heat lose, it never feels like the loss was because the opposing team was simply better than the Heat.

 

Again, the Heat have yet to prove to be elite because of their lack of consistency, but I firmly believe that they are a much better team than their record shows. Whether it's lack of consistent effort from game to game, or "lack of toughness" like Riley suggested, or if they require an adjustment to their offensive gameplan... really, this team can become elite from within. If they can just get a few things right, they are up there with the best.

Edited December 23, 2009 by Poe