Riley planning to be unorthodox?

[Apollo]

Disclaimer: Longer article of the options Battier brings to the Heat rather than amnestying Miller to sign a MLE center. If it is too long for you don't read it; otherwise, let me hear what you think about Riley's decision to bring in more versatility rather than find a traditional 5.

The asking price for a quality starting center such as Nene, Chandler, or Dalembert has gone far past Miami's cap induced spending limit. With a hole at center and only a limited amount of money to fill it Pat Riley has done the exact opposite of what many fans believe the Heat need. He is using the money they do have for players who do not play the center position. Is Riley making a bad move or is he using the money the Heat do have to create the best possible team the Heat can field this year? I'd put my bets on the latter.

The often injured Mike Miller's name has been thrown around left and right as the Heat's amnesty target. However, how much benefit is there to Pat Riley in amnestying one of the players he envisioned as the Heat's core last year? The truth may be about an extra $2 million in cap space to sign a player. This may seem like a lot of cash to most fans, but when $5 mil will seemingly get you nearly the same quality centers that minimum contracts will is it worth losing Miller? MLE will not land you a quality starting center this free agency period when big men are at a high price. The difference in cap space gives you the option between Kwame Brown for full MLE and the lose of Miller and signing Battier with mini MLE and a minimum center or two. Although Kwame had his best year so far in the league in the prior season he still can't make a free throw, has a history of folding under pressure, and offers only a marginal boost in points and rebounds per game over some of the committee centers available.

Instead of losing his bench in favor of a mediocre center Riley has decided to bolster the bench and give his hand-picked successor Coach Spoelstra the opportunity to fill any gaps the team still has with versatility. The brings me to the 5 reasons you should like the Shane Battier signing:

1) Lebron and Wade get a lighter load during the regular season:
In a shortened season starters will be playing high minutes at a frenzied pace. Shane can not only back up both Lebron or Wade at the 2 and 3, but he is known for his tenacious and smart defense. Battier is capable of logging meaningful minutes guarding opposing teams top swingman giving Lebron and Wade that much more energy to focus on what they do best.

2) A Second Chance for Mike Miller:
Many people view Battier and Miller as redundant players when they are on the same team. Rather having both players on your team can give you peace of mind that one injury won't wipe out your three point threat as a team especially if you do not resign James Jones. It also gives Miami the chance reevaluate Miller once he is healthy and if they do decide to move on, then possibly get something in return from a trade rather than losing him to amnesty and giving the Knicks or Bulls a free shooter.

3) The Ability to Cover Up Holes at the 1 and 5:
The Heat still won't have a quality starting center, but they do have the ability to cover the position by committee better than they did last year. With a bit more bulk on Bosh and a healthy Haslem the Heat can slide either player to the five at times and allow Lebron to attack slower power fowards while Bosh or Haslem spread the bigs out with their ability to hit the mid range shot. Similarly the Heat can swing Lebron to a pseudo PG position and bring in Battier or Miller to give him three point threats without losing a defensive presence at the 3 position. Even with two bum thumbs Miller proved he can still rebound effectively and Battier is known for his defense. The rest of the minutes can be filled by the high energy defender Anthony and another vet center.

4) A Zone Buster Line-Up:
Even in the NBA a good zone can throw teams in a loop if they don't have the ability to spread it out. Non of the big three are three point shooters if you want to win a big game, not to say they shouldn't take the occasional open three to keep their defender honest. However, Lebron and Wade are at their best when they can drive which is what zones take away the most. With Miller and Battier's size you can play both with the Big Three without hurting your own defense. Having two knock down shooters sitting on the wings is enough to make any zone crumble after Lebron, Wade, or even Bosh cause it to collapse or give up the drive.

5) A Good Person on Top of a Good Player:
Throughout his entire basketball career Shane has been an ambassador for the sport. He works hard and present himself well. He has been around the league for ten years and just played on a Cinderella Memphis team that shook up the Western Conference. Battier brings a positive presence and security to Miami's locker room.

We will have to wait an see if Riley's plans for more options pays off. The Heat were hurt by having too little presence at the 5 position last year, but they essentially add 3 players this year with Battier and the recoveries of Haslem and Miller which I believe makes them capable of winning two more postseason games.

[HEATVols865]

I think he will keep Miller if he can't get a C via trade this year...
Then next year he'll amnesty him and get the full MLE (if we have it next year) and give it to a PG like Billups or Nash.

[EscapoTHB]

I think he will keep Miller if he can't get a C via trade this year...
Then next year he'll amnesty him and get the full MLE (if we have it next year) and give it to a PG like Billups or Nash.

I think they you are right. Of course if Miller comes back to the guy we thought we signed, then we'll be glad we kept him, and we can make it fit with him and Shane by playing some quick and creative lineups.

[Apollo]

I think he will keep Miller if he can't get a C via trade this year...
Then next year he'll amnesty him and get the full MLE (if we have it next year) and give it to a PG like Billups or Nash.

I'm not a cap expert, but remember that the Big Three's contracts increase each year taking up more cap meaning this might be our last chance at a full MLE. The Heat sit at about $66 mil in contracts for the 2012/2013 season without including any contract given to Battier, Cole, Pittman, or any other vet that we may give 2 years plus the minimum cap holds. However, that does include Miller's 5 mil so it may still be an option.

I just don't know if there is a center out there that is worth full MLE meaning no Battier or Miller which is a big hit to your bench with minor improvements at center.

[Apollo]

I think they you are right. Of course if Miller comes back to the guy we thought we signed, then we'll be glad we kept him, and we can make it fit with him and Shane by playing some quick and creative lineups.

Exactly Miller's hands were brutalized during the playoffs limiting his ability and confidence to shoot. He was still able to grab up to 10 rebounds and will hustle for you every play which ironically puts him at more risk to injury. Having two solid shooters cannot be understated.

[shanedude]

That was a nice post.

[Vertical Limit]

Hopefully Norris Cole's development turns out as well as I think it can and we won't need to go after a point guard.

And hopefully Pittman is ready to step up big for us and grab some rebounds and hit guys around the court.