If you think this offseason will be filled with rounds of golf and beach resorts for Heat President Pat Riley, you are sadly mistaken. Riley will have his work cut out for him for the second straight offseason. In fact, this offseason might be even more important than last years. After a loss in the NBA Finals this year, there will be even more pressure for the Heat to win the title next year. With many players on the roster either retiring or entering free agency, Riley will once again have to fill out the rest of the roster with role players willing to take less money to win a championship.
Mario Chalmers is going to be a restricted free agent this offseason and will most likely try to be retained by the Heat. Chalmers has really grown up a lot this year, benefitting greatly from playing with 2 of the best playmakers in the game. He shot the three at an average 36% during the regular season, but improved during the postseason, raising it to 38%. If he can further improve his three point shooting this offseason and continue to play great defense, the Heat will able to live with some of the bonehead plays he makes. Mike Bibby is as good as gone so finding a backup point guard will be one of the Heats top priorities.
On the way out with Bibby could be the majority of the Heats' big men on the roster including Centers Eric Dampier, Jamaal Magloire, and Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Forward Juwan Howard. The Heat are hoping last years second round draft pick, Dexter Pittman, can fill one of the vacancies at the Center position. Standing at 6'10" and weighing 290 pounds, Pittman can give the Heat what they needed this year: a wide body in the paint who is effective on both offense and defense. Joel Anthony has proved that he can be dominant on the defensive side of the ball, but he is a major liability on offense. When Anthony was on the court, the opposing team had the ability to double team anyone trying the drive the lane, putting immense pressure LeBron and D-Wade. Pittman can relieve some of that pressure and could see some decent minutes as the backup center next season.
If the Heat want a ring, they need Mike Miller healthy and confident. LeBron, D-Wade, Bosh, and Udonis Haslem all took pay cuts so Riley could sign Miller, so next season will be a make or break year for him. I expect Miller to embrace the expectations that people have of him and work very hard to get back to his days in Memphis. Miller dealt with two sprained thumbs all season and those injuries really affected the most valuable aspect of his game, his three point stroke. Look for Miller to assert himself in the discussion of best 6th man in the league next year and for years to come.
So let's say the Heat fill out the roster with a different crew of role players this offseason... chemistry will have to be something Coach Erik Spoelstra has to stress. When the Heat got off to that rough 9-8 start last season, they looked lost as a team, and most importantly, LeBron did not look comfortable in his new jersey. With a year in Miami under his belt, LeBron should come out much more confident and should embrace the role of the vocal leader on the team.
If all the dots are connected this offseason, the Miami Heat should be hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy next year.
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Mario Chalmers is going to be a restricted free agent this offseason and will most likely try to be retained by the Heat. Chalmers has really grown up a lot this year, benefitting greatly from playing with 2 of the best playmakers in the game. He shot the three at an average 36% during the regular season, but improved during the postseason, raising it to 38%. If he can further improve his three point shooting this offseason and continue to play great defense, the Heat will able to live with some of the bonehead plays he makes. Mike Bibby is as good as gone so finding a backup point guard will be one of the Heats top priorities.
On the way out with Bibby could be the majority of the Heats' big men on the roster including Centers Eric Dampier, Jamaal Magloire, and Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Forward Juwan Howard. The Heat are hoping last years second round draft pick, Dexter Pittman, can fill one of the vacancies at the Center position. Standing at 6'10" and weighing 290 pounds, Pittman can give the Heat what they needed this year: a wide body in the paint who is effective on both offense and defense. Joel Anthony has proved that he can be dominant on the defensive side of the ball, but he is a major liability on offense. When Anthony was on the court, the opposing team had the ability to double team anyone trying the drive the lane, putting immense pressure LeBron and D-Wade. Pittman can relieve some of that pressure and could see some decent minutes as the backup center next season.
If the Heat want a ring, they need Mike Miller healthy and confident. LeBron, D-Wade, Bosh, and Udonis Haslem all took pay cuts so Riley could sign Miller, so next season will be a make or break year for him. I expect Miller to embrace the expectations that people have of him and work very hard to get back to his days in Memphis. Miller dealt with two sprained thumbs all season and those injuries really affected the most valuable aspect of his game, his three point stroke. Look for Miller to assert himself in the discussion of best 6th man in the league next year and for years to come.
So let's say the Heat fill out the roster with a different crew of role players this offseason... chemistry will have to be something Coach Erik Spoelstra has to stress. When the Heat got off to that rough 9-8 start last season, they looked lost as a team, and most importantly, LeBron did not look comfortable in his new jersey. With a year in Miami under his belt, LeBron should come out much more confident and should embrace the role of the vocal leader on the team.
If all the dots are connected this offseason, the Miami Heat should be hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy next year.
COMMENT HERE