Jazzfan1971 and FloppyMoose's Season Preview - The Heat

[jazzfan1971]

Miami Heat

Projected Roster
-------------------------------

PG - Mario Chalmers, Norris Cole, Shabazz Napier
SG - Dwyane Wade, Shannon Brown, Reggie Williams
SF - Loul Deng, Danny Granger, James Ennis
PF - Josh McRoberts, Udonis Haslem, Shawne Williams
C - Chris Bosh, Chris Anderson, Justin Hamilton

Trading Block: I don't see much on the block. My only thought was maybe moving Bosh to rebuild, but, then the addition of Deng makes no sense, so that's out.

Position Battle: I think Chalmers is going to have to work hard to defend his starting role. Both Cole and Napier are gunning for him.

Mystery Man: I'd say Danny Granger. Does he have ANYTHING left to offer a team these days? If he does he could really give the heat some much needed punch off the bench.

Floppymusings: Trends in the predictions: good teams that lose marquis players are still good (Heat, Wolves, and to some degree Pacers). My instincts tell me these teams should be worse but HAL 9000 tells me "I'm sorry, Dave. I'm afraid I can't do that." So here we are. Of course with Deng and McBob it's not like the Heat have stood still. 48 wins says the model.

Jazzfanramblings: I've never read an autobiography. Never really wanted to. I suppose unauthorized biographies are better, you'd at least expect to get both sides to a person's story. One day I hope an unauthorized account of Pat Riley comes out. I'm going to be first in line at Barnes and Noble that day.

I'd love to read about his strategies circumventing the salary cap, making backroom deals, and twisting arms. But, mostly I'd like to read about what is was like when he went toe to toe with Lebron James this last summer in an attempt to force him to stay in Miami.

In my mind it went something like this:

Riles: You aren't going anywhere. You do and I'll drag your name through the mud. I'll reveal these compromising photos, I'll air your dirty laundry, I'll TMZ your azz.

James: You go ahead and do that Riles. Everyone will know where it came from and then they'll know what kind of man you really are. My reputation can take the hit, can yours?

Riles: --- Speachless ---

But, I can only imagine the truth was so much better. We only get sideways glimpses of the man Riley is. Hints. Shadows. Hunches. He is just way too good at playing the game to give us a Kevin McHale-esque smoking gun. And the sad truth is, there probably never will be that biography that reveals all his misadventures.

Sad though, because that would be a tremendous book.

As bad as losing James was, Miami recovered as well as anyone could ask. Deng and McRoberts were two very nice signings and will greatly soften the loss. I think Miami will still be a very good team, maybe even good enough to get to the ECF again if Wade can be healthy during the playoffs.

And those Miami/Cavs games should be good TV.

Projected record - 48/34

[Yuri Vaultin]

I personally think James Ennis will have a pretty decent sized role on the team. The kid can ball.

[tayottt]

I personally think James Ennis will have a pretty decent sized role on the team. The kid can ball.

I agree that James Ennis will be useful for this team. I think he will be a very serviceable player for years to come with his mix of athleticism, length, and skill. I don't really agree with this prediction of 48 wins. I just have a hard time convincing myself that you can subtract Lebron and still win 48 games. I think 44 wins will be a good accomplishment for this team. In terms of defense and rebounding they haven't really improved, and their offense is going to take a significant hit without Lebron.

[Left Side Drive]

The team is definitely going to take a hit from losing LeBron. Whatever system they have now is going to be different with a huge emphasis on Wade and Bosh to show up. Deng is a great third option to have on any team though. I see more so around 45 wins but I doubt they win the division. Either Charlotte or Washington will claim that title. Wonder if the Hawks will give everyone a run for their money too.