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Heat V Magic: Primetime
Dwyane Wade and the Heat rolled into Orlando for a Thanksgiving Eve primetime showdown for a test for the Eastern conference. They passed.
The Heat came back on the Magic despite being down in the 4th quarter by nine points with just over 5 minutes to go. Dwyane Wade didn’t shoot well, 6/20, but he gave his team the presence they needed to fight to the finish.
Dwight Howard had a rough night offensively but the Heat bits did a solid job limiting hos effectiveness. Yet the Magic had several chances to take the game back. Jason Williams missed two free throws coming on a Heat desperation foul after Vince Carter hit a three to take the lead.
Seizing the moment, the Heat inbounded and got a missed shot from Wade which turned into a Michael Beasley dunk for the difference in the game. The Magic fans left quietly, going home to prepare from their Thanksgivings. But it is the Heat who will be celebrating.
Heat V Cavs: What We Learn
The Cavs came to Miami with all the cred of a contender. They have two ex-Heatians on their team in Jamario Moon and the ever-puerile Shaquille O’neal. They also held on for the win 111-106. Yet there is something to be gleaned in this loss – the Heat aren’t that far off.
We learned Michael Beasley is going to be a very good power forward in this league. We learned that Wade is very much the superstar that Lebron James is. Or rather, should that statement be reversed since it is Wade who single-handedly kept the Heat in the game at critical moments.
The Heat may have lost the game but there were many positives in that the Heat played at a high enough level to gain respect in this league. Who knows? Maybe the Heat will learn how to win these type of games in the near future.
Heat Kick Off 2009-2010 Season Tonight
The boys are back! Finally, after a long summer waiting to see what the Heat would do to build upon their momentum of getting back into the playoffs this past season, we get to see what the big plan is. Or was there one?
It seemed that Riley is staunchly fixed on waiting for this offseason to re-sign Dwyane Wade and add someone else to the mix. This has forced the Heat to be very crafty in regards to its financial picture, which the Heat have been able to do. They have tons of money coming off the books as only Michael Beasley and Daequan Cook are guaranteed to be on the books after this season.
So it’s audition time for this team – and the entire franchise is trying to show Wade that this is his current and future home. What to expect?
First of all, who’s in and who’s out. In: Carlos Arroyo, Quentin Richardson and Shavlik Randolph. Out: Mark Blount, and Jamario Moon. The Heat finished 43-39 last season, and lost to the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the playoffs.
What about who’s playing when and where? Expect to see the shift is on as Michael Beasley is going to start at PF while fan favorite Udonis Haslem shifts to the bench. Also, it has been rumored that Q-Rich has jostled his way into the starting lineup at SF, where Beasley was playing last season. Rounding things out will be Jermaine O’neal at C, Mario Chalmers at PG and Dwyane Wade, as always, at SG.
The bench looks intriguing. Questions abound over the role that Carlos Arroyo, Daequan Cook and even Dorell Wright will play. What kind of minutes will they get? When Chris Quinn returns, what is the point guard situation going to look like? Haslem will try his hand at coming off the bench, but it will only be successful if Beasley can show that he can rebound and defend better. Beasley, coming off a tumultous offseason, has seemingly gotten things on track in his personal life and is looking to take the next step in his professional career. Again, the growth potential of this young team is what will be assessed, and the result will be how far they can reach into the playoffs.
This is an audition of sorts. Dwyane Wade wants to be in Miami but only if it is in his best interests – he wants to win, not just make money. If this team can show growth, perhaps get into the 2nd round or deeper, then Wade should be a lock to stay. Who will remain with him, however, will remain to be seen.
Expectations: This team has enough youth to create a higher ceiling. Cook, Beasley, Chalmers – all can take drastic steps forward. The bench is stronger as there are more options to play with – let’s not forget James Jones’ ability to contribute to this team. There doesn’t, however, feel like there is too much of a difference between last year and this year so it is reasonable to expect a 40+ win season and a berth to the playoffs. The difference might be once the Heat reach the playoffs – I’m expecting at least a 2nd round appearance. Can Wade play another MVP-like season? We’ll soon find out.
From Quinn’s Foot to God’s Ears: Arroyo Arrival Good for Heat, Chalmers
Look, Super Mario can down play this all he wants, but the fact of the matter is competition leads to greatness. Either you get off it and get out there and prove yourself or you wilt and everyone forgets you. For Mario Chalmers, this shouldn’t bother him – if he has the chops. If not, we’ll know real soon what the true intentions were behind signing Carlos Arroyo, a practical Miami native.
The kid from Puerto Rico grew up down here and played at FIU – which now sports Isiah Thomas as their head coach these days. He is competitive and physical – something the Heat could use as they look to get back to the playoffs and improve this season.
The question is, would any of this occurred had not Chris Quinn sustained a sprained right foot? You bet. At least, I would hope so. Arroyo became eligible for free agency on Monday and the rumor has long been the Heat would give him a look. What’s not to like about his game? On a team like the Heat, in a reserve role, Arroyo will shine. The question is, will it affect Chalmer’s playing time.
Either way you look at it, you have to be happy about the Heat improving its roster this offseason and sticking to the plan that Riley has set in place – keep the finances free for this offseason to try and retain Dwyane Wade and add another free agent while also staying competitive. Riley made it look easy, trading for Quentin Richardson and now adding Arroyo to the mix. I’s also like to add that Shavlik Randolph is an intriguing prospect who had a pretty tantalizing game coming out of Duke a few years back. Who knows what he adds.
A New Mobile Age
Just got myself a new phone and boy does it have me excited. The new age of the sports fan is here, in fact I’d say a new age of human experience.
It cannot be understated that the printing press lead to unparalleled exploration by way of exposing new ideas, but by expanding the means of expression to a wider range of people. Now, with the evolution of the cell phone, we can see most anyone grab hold and state how they feel about the events of our lives. So, it is in this new dawn of excitement and communication that I set forth this essay from my phone to say we will be able to cover the heat like few others dare. And also, why not join us?
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