Season Preview: Miami Heat

In continuation of everything that's been happening so far.

Miami Heat

Starting 5
PG- Marcus Banks
SG- Dwayne Wade
SF- Michael Beasley
PF- Shawn Marion
C- Mark Blount

Off the Bench
Guards: Chris Quinn, Mario Chalmers, Daequan Cook
Forwards: Dorell Wright, Udonis Haslem, James Jones, Yakhouba Diawara
Centers: Jamaal Magloire, Joel Anthony

There could be a number of shifts in the starting 5, most people feel that Marion is not likely to be in the future of the Heat, though many would like it to be. A possible move would be a trade to Memphis for added depth. However, that's a side note, as things stand now, I see the lineup going something like this. I'm sure that most people are pretty disappointed that Udonis Haslem could not crack the starting rotation somehow, but with both Beasley and Marion, then there isn't much space for Haslem there thusfar. People, including head coach Eric Spolestra have speculated at the possibility of playing Haslem as an undersized center for a smaller lineup. The Rookie Transition Program indiscretion aside, Beasley and Chalmers look to become impact players. Beasley has the talent and hopefully a Riley-run system can discpline him to have the mindset to be a winner.

Chalmers from all appearances is ready to make an impact, however, if he isn't, look for Chris Quinn, who showed hints of being able to play last season. Marcus Banks the veteran of the PG crew with the departure, and subsequent retirement of Jason Williams, I think will step it up and retain the starting spot unless usurped by Chalmers who proves to be something of a rookie phenom. Should Chalmers ultimately prove to deserve the starting spot I would slide him there without hesitation. He lit it up at Orlando Summer League, which of course we have to take with a grain of salt, that grain being, that it was Orlando Summer League. Developing with players like Wade though, I see him becoming a very effective point guard in the future, at the very least. Beasley is something of an interesting phenom, he's got talent and no one doubts he will be something of an immediate impact player as soon as he gets the first couple weeks of adjustment to the league. One blogger (Graydon) likens Beasley to Lamar Odom, only fully realized. We'll see if that's the case, attitude will always be something of an issue, and one can only hope that he takes to heart the hard work ethic of someone like Udonis Haslem.

Blount wins a starting spot because he's better than Joel Anthony, however, with Wade returning healthy and the Heat actually trying to win this season, tacked on with the fruit of their last season's poor performance (Beasley), Blount won't be asked to do much other than rebound. Actually, I'd be pretty leery of holding onto him if that were all he were asked to do, but Jamall Magloire and Joel Anthony aren't really improvements either. Again, I can feasibly see Marion traded for better options or Haslem seeing time as the big man. Wade's explosiveness and rebirth during the Olympics have made believers of everyone, he'll again be asked to carry the onus of leadership on the team, but this team looks a lot better than the one he struggled with in his previous injury laden season.

There is still a period of feeling out each other since last season was so atrocious, but I say a good 43-44 wins, slipping into the playoffs. East is finally beginning to look semi-legit.