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Heat Roster Bursting: Signing More Veterans Quickly
Looks like the hits keep coming for the Miami Heat and did anyone really expect otherwise? If you have the foresight and ability to concoct a plan to land three of the most talented free agents in NBA history, don’t you think the mental fortitude would be there to build a team around them, too? If you believe the talking heads on tv, then you would surely be doubting this Heat franchise. And tragically so.
Here’s the latest – first they start the day off by completing deals for fellow Gators Mike Miller and Udonis Haslem. Now they are finalizing the Zydrunas Ilgauskas deal, who has opted to play in Miami over all other takers, thanks in large part to Lebron James signing here and recruiting his old friend. (See Lebron’s tweet welcoming Big Z to South Beach)
Now, the Heat are reportedly finishing up a deal for Juwan Howard to join the Heat. This is a deal 16 years in the making (recall how Howard signed with the Heat back in 1996 only to have the NBA nix the deal on account of the fact that the Heat had no cap money left).
The final phase, for now, is to see which Heat free agents will stay. The Heat have extended a qualifying deal to Joel Anthony, who should take the deal. They also have been contacted by James Jones, Carlos Arroyo, and Jamaal Magloire with interest in staying in Miami.
That puts the Heat in a pretty good position to get out of the gate with this team. Not only is getting all their ducks in a row quickly key for the team’s identity, but it creates a fervor among players looking at their options to get in with Miami now and also gets the team plenty of time to start training together. The chemistry is going to have to be molded quickly team-wide. So far, so good.
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.
Point Guard Options Swell for Miami Heat
The Heat have been relatively quiet this offseason in acquiring players to round out their roster. There was the noise in the draft, and that was it. As if that wasn’t enough. Well, it isn’t if Riley is trying to launch this team back into contention.
So, you have an asset in Shawn Marion that you could potentially use in a deal to land pretty much any player you want. Sure, Elton Brand is out there, reportedly weighing offers from his current team, the Clippers, and an offer from another suitor the Golden State Warriors – who have apparently lost Baron Davis. How instantly would Elton Brand make the Heat a championship contender.
The problem? The Heat have very little financial flexibility for this season. They are staring at the $58M cap limit right now. Shawn Marion’s $17.8M has significant influence as well, but is only going to be locked in for this season. Then there is the horrible contract of Smush Parker, who is still on the books for $2.4M. Really, all Miami has to offer is the $5.8 mid-level exception (MLE), which was more attractive when Miami had Shaq and Wade and was contending.
Still there are several options that could help Miami this offseason. The first would be signing Keyon Dooling, who is seeking a substantial portion of the MLE. The Heat could offer that, but the problem is that Dooling wants a longer termed contract while Riley wants to stick to 2 years so that he can keep financially flexibile for the 2010 offseason.
Along with all this early bubbling of free agent movement, the Heat do seem to be inactive but we are assured elsewhere that the Heat are biding their time and trying to net the best value. What about Indiana’s Jamaal Tinsley? He is currently expected to be the odd man out as the Pacers just traded for TJ Ford and drafted Jerryd Bayless but then traded him to Portland for Jarret Jack.
How about the Knicks Stephon Marbury? This seems to be a real possibility to Frank Isola, and a necessary step for the Knicks in his opinion. I am sure he would be a good fit, but those draft pundits who were salivating over landing Derrick Rose to play with Dwyane Wade could find a similar scenario with Marbury – if he could reclaim his NBA stardom in a fresh start in Miami. That deal would require Miami to deal Shawn Marion, however, to make it happen. And don’t doubt that possibility as D’Antoni is quite familiar with what Marion can do.
Kirk Hinrich? It would probably take the perfect scenario to get the Bulls to trade him to the Heat and reports are he is going to Denver, which makes sense as that gets him out of the conference. This would be probably the best situation for the Heat as Hinrich could play both excellent defense and work as a shooting guard to play off of Wade when he does have the ball. Plus, you wouldn’t have to worry about Wade getting mauled when they play the Bulls anymore.
Memphis’ Kyle Lowry? Philadelphia’s Andre Miller?
There are also options on the free agent market beyond Keyon Dooling like Carlos Arroyo and Sebastian Telfair. I think Arroyo would offer a better backcourt partner to Wade than most think, as he would be playing in Miami and he would be freed up to shoot when he got the ball or create plays. Everyone remembers how tough Arroyo was when he played for Puerto Rico and something tells me that playing in Miami would give him that same energy.
Also, what about Jason Williams? Don’t expect the Heat to bring him back unless there is some really perceived value there. In other words, if he is the best option left and they can sign him to come off the bench for the veteran minimum.
So, don’t buy the Heat’s relative quietness at this point. They have a plethora of options out there, it is just a matter of working with the right scenario. That means the team has to keep its flexibility and it won’t look to get into a contract beyond 2010. They will also look for a clear upgrade over Marcus Banks and Mario Chalmers – who many are likening to Rajon Rondo, the flavor of the moment. Also, don’t overlook free agent invitee Jason Richards from Davidson. He missed the shot that could have spoiled Kansas’ run and lead the nation in assists and assist to turnover ratio.
The Heat are in the driver’s seat where point guard is concerned and an option like Jamaal Tinsley or Marbury could be had at a really, really cheap price.
Free Agent Market Could Help Heat
There are several needs the Heat would like to shore up: they are in need of a starting point guard and an answer at center.
Instead of looking to trade scenarios, let’s focus on free agents that are out there and could help the Heat. To fit into our brief study here, they must be unrestricted and fit into a need. Here is a quick look at some of the names that could be added to the Heat’s roster this summer.
| Pos. | Name/Team |
Evaluation |
| PG | Carlos Arroyo Orlando Magic |
Arroyo knows Miami, starring at FIU. He is a point guard that can shoot, play off the ball, and run the offense. His defense is questionable, but he could easily come in and be a starting caliber PG for the Heat. He could make the offense much more efficient. Unrestricted FA. |
| PG | Beno Udrih Sacramento Kings |
Probably will be out of the Heat’s price range but could definitely help the Heat. Another concern is that Riley is not looking to handcuff the financial flexibility his team is currently moving towards in anticipation of the big FA summer of 2010. So, Udrih is probably looking for a longer deal and that rules out Miami. |
| PG | Damon Stoudamire San Antonio Spurs |
The old vet is looking for one last contract, and might be had for the veteran minimum in the right situation. In Miami, most likely would come off the bench but probably not going to be an upgrade over Marcus Banks or Mario Chalmer. Could be a bench option if Jason Williams doesn’t come back. |
| PF/C | Kwame Brown Memphis Grizzlies |
I know what you’re thinking – he’s a bust. I don’t buy it. He was the #1 draft pick for a reason, he has great athleticism and size. Will he be an offensive presence in the post? Not likely. But he can rebound and block shots, and he could work on getting more of a nose for the ball. Brought into Miami with a fresh start, who knows. The Heat are notorious for their player development and team culture. And he could be had for nothing. |
| PF/C | Stromile Swift NJ Nets |
This guy has always had the raw athleticism to play the center postion, block shots and grab rebounds. In an uptempo offense, he could run and get cheap baskets but could also man the center and help redirect traffic. Has a player option. |
| C | Primoz Brezec Toronto Raptors |
Slow footed and couldn’t seem to help any team he went to last year. Still, solid center that could provide a presence down low and can extend his defenders by shooting outside. Then again, Heat already have Mark Blount which is a better option offensively and defensively. |
So there are 6 possible free agent options that are available for point guards and centers. The other possibility could be to see the Heat sign a swingman, like Golden State’s Mickael Pietrus, and then make a trade. Of course, the Heat could also sign their own free agents as Alonzo Mourning has yet to make his final decision about playing this season.
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