DJ leaves but there is still hope

So, DJ left Miami with a $16M/4 year paycheck. Good. He has worked hard to get himself into this position and now should be the starting point guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

And that is something he definetly wouldn't have seen in Miami - another starting role.

After the Heat landed Jason Williams in a trade, the best DJ could hope for would have been a backup role. And in truth, I was not thrilled at that prospect.

Most of Jones' abilities were reliant on Shaq's presence in the paint and his ability to draw defenders to him. Dwyane Wade also helped enhance DJ's game, too, but it all started with Shaq. On this year's Heat team, DJ may not have seen much time on the floor with his good friend O'neal since he wouldn't have started. So, his complementary role was noted, but not renewed.

Not to mention, DJ offered a slower attack for this current Heat team. With Walker in the 2nd unit, as expected, the bench will be looking to push the ball, too. Walker is already going to be launching threes and with Zo's presence inside, it just may work. But having two players hanging around the perimeter may have clogged things and slowed it all down dramatically.

But a departing point guard seems all too familiar to Heat fans who watched Keyon Dooling depart earlier in the offseason to Orlando, getting that big paycheck and a chance to start. But this also seems familiar too - a young or virtually unknown point guard comes to Miami and makes himself known. This should also give hope to Heat fans who may start to panic at the loss of DJ. Rest assured, the Heat have options that could actually be better. There is still restricted free agent Steven Blake and even oft-traveled vetern Howard Eisely. The athletic Anthony Goldwire, long a Riley target, is also hovering out there as are some other intriguing young talents like DaJuan Wagner, Jannero Pargo and even Jay Williams.

So, wish DJ well. It was fun while it lasted. But there is still plenty left for Miami to choose from and move forward on their hopes of reaching the ultimate goal - a championship.