Miami Heat Draft Strategy

Ira Winderman, in his blog, was waxing philosophically - that is, about the Heat's draft philosophy.

Yes, much of it will depend on what kind of mood Pat Riley wakes up in that day, but for the most part the Heat have to focus on winning now and they will have to do that by getting younger and more athletic. Of great importance is the Heat's need for perimeter players and in today's NBA, the game favors perimeter players much more than they arguably ever had.

The Heat have a strong need at point guard, as Jason Williams is an unknown factor due to his health issues while Gary Payton has all but retired. Chris Quinn is a solid prospect, but not exactly what Miami is looking for - or can't replace.

There is speculation that maybe Wade should shift over to PG and let the Heat go out and find a SG replacement.

Really, it doesn't matter.

Essentially, the Heat have two guards and both must be able to handle the ball and set up the offense. In today's NBA, with the defender being restricted in how they can defend, the perimeter player with an ability to drive will excel. Point guards are now being asked to score more and actually distribute less.

"With the game being dominated by ballhandlers, I think your point guard has to give you 10 to 15 every night," Trail Blazers scout John Gabriel said. "When they're your best players, you don't want them passing the ball. You want them scoring the ball."

Think about it, if your best scorer spends his energy passing the ball and limiting his scoring opportunities, but instead defers to a weaker scorer, what is the sense in that?

Wade, as the Heat's best player probably ever, is going to run the offense and pick his spots and create efficient scoring opportunities. He can set up his teammates and be a playmaker, but he will thrive first on his ability to score and threaten the opposing team's defense. Wade's ferocious drives to the basket often result in highlights or free throw attempts - and everyone knows I swear by FTAs.

This is also why the Suns have been more successful, why the Warriors made a big noise this postseason, and why Tony Parker had such a huge impact in the Finals.

The Heat don't have to really worry about drafting or acquiring a "true" point guard, that much Winderman is right about. But they also don't have to worry about moving Wade to point guard - as that is a move made in name only anyway.

The main problem here is limited thinking. Gone are the days when you need to have 5 positions on the floor - with the new NBA rules forcing more responsibility on perimeter players anyway, there is also the need for players to be more versatile.

Not to mention, Wade is not nearly as effective waiting for his shot - he needs to have the ball in his hands to force the defense to collapse on him. Any scheme teams try to throw out Wade gets shredded, but he needs to have the ball in his hands to do that. Especially in crunch time.

Drafting a point guard to handle the ball forces Wade to play off of him and also cuts down his effectiveness. The Heat would actually be limiting the potential of their best player.

So, in essence, the Heat actually could afford to draft a "tweener", a guard that is capable of playing both positions, and at the same time the Heat wouldn't have to be reliant upon the newly drafted player as much. This is due to Wade's abilities.

Although Randy Pfund denied the report that the Heat guaranteed Pruitt would be drafted at the 20 spot if available, as ESPN claimed, the Trojan point guard could fit this precise mold we are laying out here.

Besides, if the Heat want to acquire a pass-first PG with a good shot, they could draft Taurean Green or even Zabian Dowdell in the second round with their 39th pick. Or they could just sign Steven Blake and bring the guy back to his hometown.

As for the draft, expect the Heat to do what they typically do - draft the best talent available.

Speaking of, it is time to unleash Dorell Wright. And with both Posey and Kapono on their way out, Riley needs to focus on drafting a guard and giving PT to Wright. I agree with Ira on that final point - playing Dorell Wright.