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Shavlik Randolph and Kenny Hasbrouck Sign to Round Out Heat Roster to 15
Well, the skeptics can be silenced, the Heat will have 15 players on their roster after all. Funny thing is, there is expected to be more signings and the latest two still have to prove themselves to make the final roster. Neither contract is guaranteed unless they make the roster and stay on past January.
Kenny Hasbrouck showed himself to be an NBA-level player in the 2010 Summer League for the Heat while Shavlik Randolph, another retainee from last year’s Heat roster, showed he, too, was ready for another go with the Heat.
Hasbrouck, who had signed with the Heat late last season, was an offensive force for the Heat in Las Vegas this summer, averaging 13.6 points per game, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. He is a bit undersized to be a two guard, but also lacks all the refined skills of a point guard. Still, he stands a very good chance to make this Heat team out of training camp because of the Heat’s depth up front and lack of options at the guard positions. That said, he can shoot – he shot about 50% from three point range helping to lead the Heat to a 4-1 record.
Randolph came out of Duke looking like a very skilled big man and was drafted by the 76ers. He never caught on in Philly, spending his first three seasons there, but ended up in Miami twice last season. (He signed with Heat only to be released and landed in Portland, but came back to Miami after being released from the Blazers.) Obviously motivated to play for this Heat team after adding the likes of RUN DLC, he averaged 13 points and 5.8 rebounds for the Heat in Las Vegas.
The Heat can carry as many as 20 players during training camp, which is slated to begin Sept. 28th and the first preseason game will be against Detroit on Oct. 5th. The likelihood of Randolph sticking may be harder because of all the front court depth the Heat now have.
Summer League Heating Up Potential Talent
Obviously with the Heat landing Run DLC, Miami Thrice, the Triumvirate, the Triad – whatever you call them – there are (were?) concerns about the Heat rounding out their roster. One of the most crucial parts to this puzzle is how much talent the Heat find in their summer league camp. There is talent there as Erik Spoelstra and crew are watching Shavlik Randolph, Patrick Beverly, John Scheyer, draft picks Dexter Pittman, Da’Sean Butler, and Jarvis Varnado.
But there is one guy who is standing out that may prove fortuitous to the Heat – Garrett Siler. No, not the Sylar from the show “Heroes”, although that wouldn’t be a bad thing to have on your side, but 6′11″ 300lb Siler from Augusta State. He has been putting together some solid games, getting impressive blocks and dunks along the way. Check out this block against the Pistons:
Join us in our 2010 Summer League discussion thread on MiamiHeatwave’s forum.
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.
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