Heat Offseason Thread

[Flash]

Ok so this season is basically a waste so I made this for us Heat fans to discuss the possible options we have going into the 2010 year.

 

Right now it seems like we have 2 picks in the top 10 and one may even end up in the top 10 if we keep playing the way we are so here are 10 names we might consider:

 

1. Greg Monroe: PF, Georgetown - Big, versatile guy who will play the 4 primarily at the next level but could play some 5 if necessary.

 

2. Devin Ebanks: F, West Virginia - Tough rebounder for his size almost like Gerald Wallace with a little less athleticism. He'd be a very solid guy to have off the bench.

 

3. Sherron Collins: PG, Kansas - Its no secret we need help at PG and a great college guard like him would help.

 

4. DeMarcus Cousins: F/C, Kentucky - This is if we really stink it up. He'd be a no brainer.

 

5. Craig Brackins: F, Iowa St. - Maybe the most versatile big man in college. Has a great outside shot and can play down low as well.

 

6. Kalin Lucas: PG, Michigan St. - Great scorer who can come in right away and play.

 

7. Xavier Henry: G, Kansas - Outstanding talent on the wing and could be an option if we're right outside the top 10.

 

8. Patrick Patterson: F, Kentucky - Not quite as good as Cousins but Patterson is a solid guy at the 4 who has a great skill set.

 

9. Stanley Robinson: F, Connecticut - Another versatile wing player with tons of athleticism. His J needs some work in terms of consistency but he's a potentially dominant perimeter defender.

 

10. Soloman Alabi: C, FSU - A raw big man with a world of talent. Coming to Miami would be good for him if we were to re-sign JO for cheap and he would also get a chance to learn from Alonzo. He's a high risk/high reward type of guy.

 

Now on to free agency. As you know the Heat should have a ton of cap space to work with so here are some potential names they may consider.

 

1. LeBron James - The dream scenario for every Heat fan but its just that, a dream. He can very well end up in NJ or NY but right now the way the Cavs are playing I think he stays. Especially if they add another piece before the deadline. However, if he does leave Cleveland I can see Miami being his first choice.

 

2. Chris Bosh - More likely than LeBron but still a longshot at this point. I don't think he could play the 5 and we have our future at the 4 with Beasley who can be a dominant offensive player if he reaches his potential.

 

3. Joe Johnson - Not sure if ATL will give him the max so even if we lose Wade or not he seems like a very strong candidate to play here.

 

4. Rudy Gay - Here's a very interesting situation for the Heat. Young player with a world of upside who can come in and score right away. His defense is questionable but that can be fixed IMO. He won't command the max so he'll give us the flexibility to go out and sign a couple other names.

 

5. Gilbert Arenas - He's exactly what Miami needs. A point guard who can score the ball. He's going to be dirt cheap after the gun saga so we could go after a Gay or Johnson as well. I think the role of a #2 scorer is perfect for Arenas because he's not going to be a #1 option anywhere and playing alongside Wade could help him a ton.

 

6. Tracy McGrady - This is bound to happen. He isn't wanted in Houston and we've reportedly shown a lot of interest in how he's progressing with Tim Grover. Tracy lives here during the offseason so I think this should be a lock if you ask me.

 

7. Amare Stoudemire - The least likely scenario IMO. We already had a chance to trade for him but we didn't want to include Beaz in that trade so the only way we'd go after him is through Free Agency. I think he actually stays in Phoenix.

 

8. Ray Allen - He's likely done in Boston after this year. This would be a nice landing spot for Ray to come off the bench and be a shooter to have.

 

9. Carlos Boozer - Another option and he really wants to be here but is he worth that huge contract? I say no.

 

There a lot of other mid-level names we can definitely go after but that's too many to name.

 

What do you guys think we should do?

[Poe]

The Heat will be in the playoffs. I'm not worried at all about that. The Heat are in their lowest point of the season I think. Things will turn around soon enough.

 

 

That said, I doubt the Heat will be getting a top 10 pick. But whoever they do get, though, I would personally look for a back up center, unless they can get a real stud at point guard. I don't know too much about the rookies, though. I don't watch college basketball.

 

 

Talking FA, I don't want to see JO back whatsoever. He's going to demand touches and will continue to play soft as hell until he gets those touches. If the Heat manage to grab an all star talent to join Wade and Beasley, there won't be enough shots to go around for JO. Instead, the Heat will need a guy who's willing to do the dirty work no matter if he ever touches the ball on offense or not. Someone like Marcus Camby or Ben Wallace.

 

Another solid role player to grab will be Steve Blake. The Heat need a solid guy at point guard to allow Wade to play his best position full time, and I think Blake will be the perfect fit. With three 20 ppg caliber players in the starting line up, the point guard can't be ball dominant. Steve Blake is used to playing with Brandon Roy, who he allows to take the ball up the floor during the right moments in the game. Blake is also a great three point shooter, a perfect compliment to Wade's slashing game, and he doesn't turn over the ball with a high assist/TO ratio, which is perfect for Heat style offense. He plays great defense, and will fit in well with this team chemistry-wise due to his friendship with Haslem.

 

 

With the veteran role players out of the way, the first thing on the Heat's mind with their amount of money to spend will be to grab a big time free agent, to not only ensure Wade's stay, but to also put this team in a position to look at a championship. I think the best guy to look at is Joe Johnson. Of course, LeBron would be a dream, but I personally believe he's going to stay in Cleveland for the rest of his career, and JJ has moved from team to team before. Plus, JJ would probably be a better fit anyway. With JJ, Wade still takes the leading role of the team, whereas LeBron there may be a clash of egos. Also, JJ would compliment Wade's game much like Pippen did for Jordan. Johnson is a great all around player who will be able to adjust to any style of play. His ability to create and take pressure off of Wade and Beasley will push this team over the top.

 

 

If the additions of Joe Johnson, Steve Blake, and Marcus Camby are in place, the Heat should look to keep Rafer Alston, Dorell Wright, and Udonis Haslem as their top priority players to keep. Keeping Quentin Richardson and Joel Anthony should also be kept in mind as third string back ups in case of injury.

- Alston can provide a veteran presence off the bench, and with his age, a bench role will probably suit him best heading forward in his career.

 

- Dorell Wright is turning into a great all around player who would do very well with such talent surrounding him, and would most likely take on the sixth man role. With the attention Wade, JJ, and Bease will get, Wright will have freedom to move without the ball and find himself with wide open shots and finishes at the basket. He can also provide defensive energy as well.

 

- Udonis Haslem is a Heat 4 life, so he'll probably be willing to take a pay cut and even a reduced role to stay. If the Heat manage to grab close friend Steve Blake, that should also ensure Haslem's stay. His veteran presence will also be needed off the bench.

 

- Richardson can be a shooter and a solid defender off the bench. He'll be nothing more after the talent comes in, though he'll still be a useful player if the Heat can manage to keep him for a pay cut.

 

- Anthony is a cheap center who will get those blocks and bring energy off the bench. He'll be reduced to third string, though, so in all likelyhood, he will probably be leaving the team this summer.

 

 

In conclusion, my vision for the team after Draft and FA:

 

Starting line up -

PG - Steve Blake

SG - Dwyane Wade

SF - Joe Johnson

PF - Michael Beasley

C - Marcus Camby

 

Bench -

Rafer Alston

Dorell Wright

Quentin Richardson

Udonis Haslem

-Rookie Center (Alabi?)

 

 

That looks very much like a championship caliber squad to me

[Flash]

Not a fan of bringing in Steve Blake. I feel like we can do better at that PG spot.

[Clutch]

no matter who we get - i would really like the heat to bring in a "traditional" center (whether to start or bring off the bench depending on who else they get) like camby or brendan haywood -- no more soft jump shooting centers who can't rebound

[Poe]

@Flash - Jason Williams brought similar things in '05-'06 that Steve Blake would be able to bring in '10-'11. The Heat don't need a major talent at the point. Just someone who is solid in their role. Blake is already by far a better shooter, defender, and decision maker than anyone the Heat have on their team at the traditional point. Like I've said before, Blake is very underrated.

 

 

no matter who we get - i would really like the heat to bring in a "traditional" center (whether to start or bring off the bench depending on who else they get) like camby or brendan haywood -- no more soft jump shooting centers who can't rebound

I completely agree.

Edited February 8, 2010 by Poe

[Clutch]

the pg position im not too sure what should be done..i personally feel miami really passed up a great opportunity in andre miller AND iverson (didn't want chalmers startin spot to be lost, yet alston and arroyo are starting more regularly over chalmers)

[SRV]

We need to draft Monroe. We need a quality big man, and a young one would be nice. I highly doubt we get Lebron, and I know Wade isn't going to settle for scrubs. So we need to get Bosh, Amare, or Boozer. That would sure up the post, and then we can sign a guy like Gay and we should be set for starters.

[Flash]

In terms of the center. I think Alabi can be that guy if we're willing to wait a year or 2 for him to make a serious impact on our team. Working under Zo could do wonders for a guy like that.

 

As for the PG spot. I would look at someone like Felton if not Arenas who will come for just as cheap as any of those guys.

 

PG: Arenas/Alston

SG: Wade/Wright

SF: Rudy Gay/ T-Mac/Ebanks

PF: Beasley/Haslem/Ebanks

C: Camby/Alabi

 

That's a solid team if you ask me. Arenas and Tracy will come for cheap and we can dish out a solid amount for Rudy Gay. T-Mac will have a solid role coming off the bench and Ebanks/Alabi are both solid picks in round 1. Not to mention you bring in Camby for defense and as a mentor for Alabi.

 

Or you could go with a lineup of:

 

PG: Felton/Alston

SG: Wade/Wright

SF: Joe Johnson/T-Mac/Ebanks

PF: Beasley/Haslem/Ebanks

C: Camby/Alabi

[Flash]

We need to draft Monroe. We need a quality big man, and a young one would be nice. I highly doubt we get Lebron, and I know Wade isn't going to settle for scrubs. So we need to get Bosh, Amare, or Boozer. That would sure up the post, and then we can sign a guy like Gay and we should be set for starters.

 

I like the idea of Camby as a guy who can come in and be great on the defensive side of the ball and be a mentor to a younger big man whether it be Monroe, Alabi or whoever we draft at that spot.

 

Only guy out of those 3 I want is Bosh but I don't think that's gonna happen.

[Flash]

Let me also add that I'm convinced that if we get a contending roster next year, Pat Riley will coach us. It's becoming more and more obvious that Spo isn't getting through to this team and we need someone who can. If not Riley I think you'll see Byron Scott end up in Miami as he was a former player of Riley's IIRC.

[SRV]

I don't think Riley is that much of a douche. The only way I see him coaching is if we get Lebron, cause then he knows he doesn't have to do that much work to get us a championship. Also, if that did happen, I don't want us to fire Spo, he is very useful for film and all that, and I bet that if Riley cut him off he wouldn't want to come back.

[Flash]

I don't think Riley is that much of a douche. The only way I see him coaching is if we get Lebron, cause then he knows he doesn't have to do that much work to get us a championship. Also, if that did happen, I don't want us to fire Spo, he is very useful for film and all that, and I bet that if Riley cut him off he wouldn't want to come back.

 

Spo doesn't command the respect of this team and we'll never win without a coach who players respect. Look at every team who's won the title the last few years.

 

Lakers - Phil Jackson definitely gets his players respect

Celtics - Maybe the best player/coach relationship with a team this decade

Spurs - Goes without saying

Heat - Again, goes without saying

Pistons - Those guys definitely respected Brown as a coach

 

Riley will definitely step in if he feels that he needs to.

[Clutch]

i think the fact that byron scott and avery johnson are jobless is ridiculous, heat need to bring one of those 2 in (personally i really want byron scott who is the most like riley)- spo is not a good head coach..and i honestly dont see him becoming into one despite his "age" thats always being mentioned.

[SRV]

I don't want Spo as head coach if Riley comes back, but I don't want us to fire him completely. He has been with the team for a long time and he knows the players and can be very helpful.

[Clutch]

ye i dont think we should fire him..if he has been so great and worked his way up as head coach it wouldnt make sense to just get rid of him..he's been a huge part of miami for years. and i really find it hard to see riley coming back AGAIN..i would love it but i dont know, i think he's done with coaching..maybe we can steal larry brown from charlotte lol

Edited February 9, 2010 by Clutch

[Flash]

Guys...you really think an NBA coach is going to just become an assistant coach after being replaced?

[La Bomba]

In terms of the center. I think Alabi can be that guy if we're willing to wait a year or 2 for him to make a serious impact on our team. Working under Zo could do wonders for a guy like that.

 

As for the PG spot. I would look at someone like Felton if not Arenas who will come for just as cheap as any of those guys.

 

PG: Arenas/Alston

SG: Wade/Wright

SF: Rudy Gay/ T-Mac/Ebanks

PF: Beasley/Haslem/Ebanks

C: Camby/Alabi

 

That's a solid team if you ask me. Arenas and Tracy will come for cheap and we can dish out a solid amount for Rudy Gay. T-Mac will have a solid role coming off the bench and Ebanks/Alabi are both solid picks in round 1. Not to mention you bring in Camby for defense and as a mentor for Alabi.

 

Or you could go with a lineup of:

 

PG: Felton/Alston

SG: Wade/Wright

SF: Joe Johnson/T-Mac/Ebanks

PF: Beasley/Haslem/Ebanks

C: Camby/Alabi

Rudy Gay is one of the biggest ballhogs in the league and so is Arenas. Not to mention that team would give up 120 points per game. No way that first team mentioned works

[Clutch]

Guys...you really think an NBA coach is going to just become an assistant coach after being replaced?

 

lol i dont think anyone else is gonna give him a job

[Flash]

Well you are a Grizzlies fan so I'll take your word for it. I don't get a chance to watch him much so thanks for that.

 

Team 2 seems like a great team IMO. Especially with Felton at the point. I do think we need to improve at the 3 position. Dorell is a perfect guy to have off the bench and Ebanks is a tremendous young talent.

[La Bomba]

Gay is a different player compared to last season, but he still has a lot of work to do as a teammate. He has the talent and the tools to be a superstar, but I don't see him making enough sacrifices for the team.

[Flash]

Gay is a different player compared to last season, but he still has a lot of work to do as a teammate. He has the talent and the tools to be a superstar, but I don't see him making enough sacrifices for the team.

 

Fair enough. I personally like JJ better anyways. He'd be a little more expensive though.

[Flash]

We may actually make a deal for Blake at the deadline due to his expiring contract. I'd prefer that over signing him next year.

[Poe]

We may actually make a deal for Blake at the deadline due to his expiring contract. I'd prefer that over signing him next year.

Any sources on that?

 

It would be great to shed James Jones' contract for him. If Dae-Dae wins the 3 point shoot out, that might raise trade appeal. Maybe even add Rio in the deal and trick the Blazers into thinking that he's still good.

 

Chalmers, Cook, and Jones

 

for

 

Blake and Batum, maybe?

 

or better yet

 

Blake and Fernandez?

[Flash]

Any sources on that?

 

It would be great to shed James Jones' contract for him. If Dae-Dae wins the 3 point shoot out, that might raise trade appeal. Maybe even add Rio in the deal and trick the Blazers into thinking that he's still good.

 

Chalmers, Cook, and Jones

 

for

 

Blake and Batum, maybe?

 

or better yet

 

Blake and Fernandez?

 

Read it on the Hoopshype rumor mill not that that's the most trusted source but it makes sense.

 

FWIW Portland has said they won't trade Batum or Fernandez.

[Poe]

Read it on the Hoopshype rumor mill not that that's the most trusted source but it makes sense.

 

FWIW Portland has said they won't trade Batum or Fernandez.

Oh, that sucks.

 

Still, maybe Jones and Cook/Chalmers and a first pick would do for just Blake. Hopefully, if the Heat are pursuing a trade like this, that they could squeeze a bit more value than just one point guard.