Heat Scouting Getting Early Start?

With Miami's 9-44 record, there could be one interesting side effect - an early start on scouting for the draft.

Tonight, ESPN will be showing the Texas/Kansas State game at 8pm. Why is this important for Heat fans? Because it will feature one of the highest rated college players in the country, Michael Beasley.

Beasley is putting up excellent numbers for Bob Higgins at K-State. The 6'9"235lb freshman is turning heads with his game which offers quite a diverse set of skills ranging from drop steps to jump hooks to fadeaways. His range is quite good, hitting routinely from 25" and in. He might be a bit raw, but his game looks very advanced and mature for his age. His skill levels, on both ends of the floor, project to off the charts.

So, with the Heat's abysmal record, and Riley's stubborn coaching (almost on purpose?), the possibility of landing a talent like Beasley is becoming more and more a reality. So take heart, with each loss comes another ping pong ball. Let's hope it doesn't end up like Boston for us - in terms of the draft luck (but maybe in terms of landing a KG type?).

Yet with each loss, the Heat's scouting department is getting more and more entrenched on their objective - to find a young player that can help turn the Heat franchise around and support Wade's game. This draft will show the Heat to be overly prepared; and they will have their work cut out for them because teams like Portland seem to own the draft.

Riley Almost Pulled off a Big Deal

This is coming from the Horshoes and Handgrenades file. Because almost doesn't count.

Maybe it is his defense facing criticism, which is well-deserved, over failing to pull off a trade with expiring assets at the trade deadline. Nevertheless, Riley mentioned what sounds like a very good trade that should illustrate two things - both good and bad - about the Heat.

1. Riley is making an identity change and shifting this team into a future with a more diverse, up-tempo, perimeter based offense
2. The Heat don't have a whole lot of attractive assets to make a deal to help themselves out

Don't even get me started on the financial deadend they are at thanks to the NBA salary structure.

Riley almost pulled off a trade for Mike Miller with the Memphis Grizzlies. It was even rumored that Kyle Lowry was going to be included in that deal or even Brian Cardinal. So was Jason Collins. In the end, Riley said the Heat would have been taking on too much salary to make that deal happen, which to me seems almost redundant because you would be acquiring players that could give you a stable core for the future. You could always find a way to jettison the bad contracts later.

With Jason Williams and Ricky Davis, you have expiring assets. Their value is now practically zero because they do not produce very well on the court and their value was tied to their expiring contracts. And if Riley thinks he can pull off a sign and trade with those players this offseason, all one has to do is point back to this past offseason where Riley failed to do that with either James Posey and Jason Kapono, two players the Heat desperately miss. Which means, they actually had perceived value while Jason Williams and Ricky Davis do not.

So, Riley saying he couldn't get the Grizzlies to reveal their dream deal really sounds like he wasn't getting his dream deal. Perhaps Riley protest too much. But if he had pulled off a deal for Mike Miller and even Kyle Lowry, it would have set up the Heat to get back into the playoffs for next season.

It also illustrates just how far away Miami is from getting back to the postseason.

The Open J: Wade and the Art of War

Dwyane Wade must be feeling philosophical these days. Maybe it is the copy of Sun Tzu's Art of War that Riley gave him to read.

The Heat are on a 10 game losing streak - trying to replicate their 17 game losing streak obviously. That means they are 1 for their last 28. Nice. And how is Miami all of a sudden going to turn it around? Look:

"I thought Coach really came in and made a statement of no matter what our record is we're going to continue to do what we do, and do it better," guard Dwyane Wade said.

So, the Heat are going to play spotty, confused defense, shoot inefficient and ill-timed shots, while at the same time taking a long time to set up their offense despite having no low post scoring threat. Not only that, but they are going to do it better than they had before! Wow! What a brilliant revelation!

Now of course, I love D-Wade and everything he brings to the team. And yes, I am taking this statement out of context - probably. But this only exemplifies how lost this team is.

Riley pulls a schizo trade off by dealing Shaq for Marion - good. Then proceeds to sit on the rest of the plan which should have been:

• dealing expiring contracts for talented players of similar paygrade that could help the team form its new offensive philosophy
• and possibly deal Haslem and Smush Parker in the process to help the Heat upgrade their talent pool

Yet here we are - basically the same team that got us here to 9-43 and how is that going to change? By doing the same - but better!

That is like the U.S. foreign policy these days - we are going to fix things by doing the same but better! Katrina victims, fret not. FEMA has learned their lesson. Next time we will do the same - but better!

I mean it works for movies: Rambo, the same ol'tired storyline - but better! Ishtar - the same great movie - but better!

Really, if Miami wants to improve, it has to change the horse in this race. Riley couldn't afford to stand Pat on the trade deadline - this team needs an overhaul and by not pulling the trigger on something for Smush Parker or the expiring contracts of Jason Williams and Ricky Davis he set the Heat back. Or at least made his work that much harder.

Miami can't play defense against a JV girls team right now. And Wade is the biggest culprit. He couldn't guard some slob coming onto the court from one of those fancy seats next to the team's bench, let alone any NBAer coming off the actual team bench. But that is only symptomatic of the entire Heat team - save Marion and Banks because they are coming from a team, gasp, that actually plays better defense (that is pretty hard to imagine though: PHX plays better defense than Miami?).

Read closer Wade. Ask Riley to reiterate his point - because Sun Tzu would never have said to conquer one's enemy one just has to keep doing what he always did - but better! That mentality will never force a breakthrough of change, which this franchise desperately needs. They just sold out their biggest chances at contending for a title every season in the near future. They got back a very nice player in return, but don't have enough to fix things, let alone get back to the playoffs. Monumental changes are needed and frankly to read Wade's quote is laughable.

But hey, at least they aren't quitting. They are going to do the same thing - but better!

Meanwhile, young players like Daequan Cook are sitting on the bench while the rest of us wonder if they even have any future here. Riley needs to find out and stop playing guys who don't have a future here.

Nothing to Report

Miami didn't make a move at the deadline.

That is nothing to report - yet, we find ourselves reporting something.

Riley didn't pull off any more trades but instead stood Pat. I am not getting this.

Miami has very little financial flexibility even with Jason Williams and Ricky Davis coming off the books this summer because they are way over the cap. That is why dealing for Marion was a good thing in the sense that it allows Miami to be free of that contract that Shaq was holding over the Heat for another 2 more seasons.

Still, this has to be an illustration of how bad the NBA's financial situation is. They have money - they generate lots of money. But to have your salary cap at a paltry $58M (after this season) is ridiculous. You can't even afford gas at that cost.

I think the Heat missed out on an opportunity to really overhaul and reload. Sure, they will most likely get a good pick in this summer's draft but they won't have much else to work with in terms of improving the roster.

Eddy Curry Not on Heat Radar

There is a hot rumor that Riley is pulling the trigger on a three team deal that will send Eddy Curry to the Heat, Jason Williams and Ricky Davis to New Jersey and Vince Carter to the Knicks.

There are also reports that Riley is refusing any interest in Eddy Curry. Or even a wish that the Heat deal Williams straight up for Curry.



I think Curry would give the Heat a foundation for a half court attack - which anyone in the Association worth a damn will tell you a team needs in order to win a championship. And let's face it, to keep Wade the Heat have to compete for titles.

Marion and Wade could be the focus of the new, up-tempo offense. But they are going to have to find ways to score in half court sets, too. Curry, interestingly, gives the Heat the kind of numbers they got from Shaq (.549 FG%, 9.56 FTAs per 48 mins) but at half the price.

Curry is scheduled to make:

8.9 this season
9.7 next season
10.5 and 11.2 the following 2 seasons - but those are both player options.

Hey, he's only 26 and a change of scenery would do him some good. But a deal straight up for Jason Williams would make big sense for Miami. Still, the Heat have options to play with - but I still contend it begins with trading Haslem and with Kurt Thomas being traded to the Spurs, Haslem may have just got a bit more attractive to Orlando.

Discuss with us.

Trading Udonis Haslem a Good Idea

His quiet demeanor and his cornrows are a contrast.

So his where Udonis Haslem came from and where he is now.

Just like his photos from his Gator days and his current Heat days.

The guy has changed so much and turned things around in a big way - all of it with hard work and dedication. Which is why, now more than ever, the Heat would not want to trade Udonis Haslem. But it is also why he is needed elsewhere.

Haslem makes a good salary with the Heat, but is not going to fit in with this team. Much like in 2003-2004 when the Heat had a young, run-and-gun core, there won't be much of a role for UD. Sure, his yeoman brand of basketball is refreshing, often drawing comparisons to Heat great Grant Long, but with the Heat's new offense heading in the direction it is - despite Riley's warnings - Udonis Haslem won't be able to help much.

The Heat need speed. They need players who are able to make quick decisions and score from anywhere on the floor. Haslem has the ability to hit an open jumper with regularity, but his offense is also limited to being in the right spot for someone to kick the ball to him. Other than that, he has to score on cleanups and hustle plays - the kinds of situations where Haslem will find less frequent without a giant center to dictate the orbit of everyone in the paint. With Shaq gone, Haslem's game will be exposed - he is undersized, lacks length and as the main rebounding threat for the Heat he could be easily neutralized.

Orlando, however, is looking for a power forward and this seems to make sense for both teams. Stan Van Gundy coached UD when he was coming up in the Heat's house and is familiar with his game and work ethic. He knows his game and as a result, SVG could be pushing for Haslem as a target. The Magic are poised to make a big step forward - they just need a missing ingredient to tie it all together and it is precisely the kind of thing Udonis could bring to the Magic. He is a champion and a hard worker. He will sacrifice for the good of his team and teammates and could be a quiet clubhouse leader on a team where he will be able to forge his own identity. Also, his game would compliment Dwight Howard's much the same way as it did Shaq's.

For the Heat, they could target Carlos Arroyo, JJ Redick, or even Pat Garrity. Arroyo and Garrity have contracts that expire after this season - which gives the Heat even more financial flexibility (to go out and sign...say, an Elton Brand?). Plus, they could even audition Arroyo, an FIU grad and Miami resident, for their future PG needs. Garrity would offer an expiring contract - nothing more.

Redick would be an interesting target and could offer the Heat a young and cheap shooter with big upside. Of course, Otis Smith, GM for the Magic, is saying he is not dealing Redick - but we've heard that kind of talk before. Redick would offer the Heat another young, brash shooter to go along with Daequan Cook.

Trading Udonis would be bitter sweet but necessary. These days, the entire city of Miami seems to be dealing with losing their fan favorites, but it is a sign of change. It is inevitable, although not an enviable situation. If Miami is able to trade Udonis Haslem for some expiring contracts, they could free up another $6M+ in salary that could be spent this summer. It just makes sense. Or cents.

By the way, add Ira Winderman to the growing list of people in support of dealing Haslem.

Tell us what you think.

Wade Drops 14 in All Star Game; Heat Need to Deal

With his tired old body, at age 26, Wade reached down and found a way to run with the youngins. Shooting 7/12 on the night, Wade had 14 points and a huge block that was one of the night's highlights.

"D-Wade had the unbelievable block," said Lebron James, who now has the highest All-Star Game scoring average of 24.7 per game, with Oscar Roberston second at 20.5. Which brings me to another point - 22 shots? What is with the ball hogging, Lebron? No one likes that aspect of the game. He played 30 minutes and jacked up 22 shots. Thank God he hit 12 of them because otherwise it looked like a Kobe performance - just trying to manipulate the stats for self-serving ends.

In the end, the East got the win over the West. They avenged last season's whoopin' where the West devastated the East 153-132 in Las Vegas.

Heat Need to Deal

Thursday's trade deadline is quickly approaching - but will it involve another Heat deal? It seems that it the Heat are going to make the most out of their expiring contracts, they better do it now. Jason Williams and Ricky Davis are clearly not going to be in the picture for the future of this franchise. And for Riley not to get anything in return for their expiring contracts would be a mistake.

The situation has to be right. The Heat have to get back a player they think they could develop or who just needs the right situation. Usually this means taking on a bloated contract. The Bibby deal to Atlanta was at one time something the Heat were aiming to do; must mean Riley didn't feel right about it as it is doubtful the Hawks put together a better package.

This means that Udonis Haslem or even Mark Blount could be brought into the equation also. Both players have digestable contracts, and could provide valuable depth to teams looking to get over the hump in the playoffs. Haslem, with Marion in house, is not going to be a necessary part of the equation for Miami's turnaround.

If Shaq Plays, Is He a Liar?

Let's face it, it has been on all of our minds.

I remember when we first traded for Shaq, members were joining our boards and screaming Shaq is a cancer and he will destroy our franchise. They were obviously siding with Kobe and whether or not it was self delusion - to deal with losing the most dominant center of his era (if not all time) - remains to be seen. Still, we were not inclined to believe them just because we gave up a lovable, young nucleus in Lamar Odom, Caron Butler and Brian Grant just for the chance at winning a title with Shaq.

So we win the title, everyone is excited and calling for a repeat. "Uno mas" was more than just a chant to get Zo to stick with it and play another season. Yet, everything quickly fell apart. Some attribute it to a team with too many injuries - the championship starting unit did not play but a handful of games together after that magical 2005-2006 season and it was shut down at the start of this season when it was apparent a change was needed.

But was Shaq really the problem all along?

I have contended in the past that the trade for Shaq may have been too high - it cost us a very good group of young players but it also cost us the coaching talent of Stan Van Gundy, who basically resigned because Shaq was tuning him out and undermining his authority as coach (Gary Payton, too).

I am glad to see that I am not the only one thinking this way. In fact, some even want to use this as a way to call out Shaq. Our friends over at Sportech started talking about this recently pointing out Bill Walton's rant on Shaq.



Basically, is Shaq's injury for real or conveniently timed? Regardless, paying a guy $20M a season and having him play basically every other game is not helping matters. The Heat, out of necessity, had to deal Shaq and move on. The guy has missed 115 games over the past three seasons! And without major surgery.

It is intriguing though to consider, if Shaq all of a sudden is playing for the Suns and scoring 20 a game and putting in effort on both ends of the floor, what should the Heat and its fans think? In Shaq's defense, the Heat didn't have enough consistent scorers around him (outside of Wade) to really warrant taking the punishment each night. He definitely is going to be rejuventated playing with Steve Nash and his haircut, the jet-like Leandro Barbosa and a tough guy like Raja Bell. Not to mention he has Amare Stoudamire at his back.

Why wouldn't Shaq change his tune? Could we really blame him?

Tell us how you feel. Burn us.

Jermaine O'neal Next?

The Heat, in all likelihood, are not done dealing.

There are rumors for Mike Miller of the Grizzlies. There are still valuable pieces like Jason Williams and Ricky Davis out there to be taken (their expiring contracts would get a team off the hook of a big contract).

Then there is another option: Jermaine O'neal.

Tons of speculation has been passed around the internet as to where O'neal's next destination would be - as he currently rehabs his left knee. An apparent deal with the Nets (who are dealing everyone these days) is being left for dead due to concerns over O'neal's knee and his $44.3M contract owed him over the next 2 seasons.

Ira Winderman of the Sun-Sentinel has tossed out the idea of the Heat trading for Jermaine O'neal, but there doesn't seem to be much likelihood of that considering the Heat's financial situation - they have some flexibility, but why would they deal for a $44M contract when they just shed a $40M deal owed to another of the O'neal clan?

Join in the discussion.

Dorell Wright: Next Generation Power Forward?

Five straight games with double digit scoring.

Five straight games with 30 minutes or more.

Four of those five straight games he is shooting over 50%.

Sporting his baby mohawk, looking more like a dorsal fin, Dorell Wright is averaging 16 points and 8.3 rebounds on 53% shooting and 100% FTs. He is even 3/4 from three point range over his last two games - which coincides with the arrival of Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks.

There is no doubt that Dorell Wright's game is expanding. He has a solid handle, he can pass the ball and he is starting to develop a more consistent outside shot. If he can add a three point shot to his arsenal, he might be the most dynamic Heat player since Lamar Odom.

What is interesting to note is how the trade seems to be affecting Wright. One would think that Shawn Marion's arrival would dry up his playing time but instead it has helped to expand it. Some of that has to do with Udonis Haslem being injured, but also because of the injury Miami might actually start thinking about going and doing something more unconventional - and maybe moving Dorell Wright over to power forward.

Wright has been spending time on the floor with Marion and the Heat have been going with Mark Blount at center. Some would contend that Wright is not big enough to play power forward but he is 6'9" and 210lbs while Udonis Haslem is 6'8" and 235lbs. Udonis used to have a weight problem, Dorell Wright is the opposite. Very straw like.

Yet look at a guy like Chris Bosh. He is 6'10" 230 lbs and although only a year older, is putting up pretty good numbers. Dorell Wright is still growing. He shot up a few inches this past year and is still growing into his body - he hasn't reached his full adult growth potential yet. I know, sounds kind of weird, but at 22 the kid is still growing - like his game.

Wright has the wingspan to matchup with players taller than himself, but he also has the athleticism to chase after players much smaller too. He can also handle the ball a bit and Riley has toyed with the idea of using him as a point guard at times in the past. More importantly, Wright seems to be benefiting from playing with Marion and the offense is more suitable now to his style of game and development. When Haslem comes back, which may not be until well after the all star break, there may be a bit of a squeeze for playing time for Wright, but Riley could also deal Haslem. That, of course, would be an indication of the way Riley envisions things from now on.

But let's get back to the idea of Wright at power forward. Currently, he is playing small forward while Marion is at power forward but what difference would it make when Haslem returns? Wright could still slide in at either position to keep getting him playing time. The other thing to consider is, the Heat are high on Alexander Johnson and he could be used as a conventional power forward if the Heat actually did deal Haslem.

What makes the Heat really roll the dice and give them increased flexibility will be determined by Riley's daring in conceiving Wright at PF. If he can do that, then maybe the Heat will not only score more cap space, but they might even be able to increase depth in an area of need they desperately need it - point guard.

Essential Reading:

Wright Finally Settles In

Shawn Marion Promises Bright Future

Ray Bans? Panama Jacks? Blu Blockers?

Look, the future is so bright, I just might grab me a pair. Kim Jong Il has some, much be watching Heat games.

Why has the Heat's future been resurrected from one of a dilapidating old sorry site to a sleek, new, hip one? They traded Shaq away and got Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks. And so far, it has paid immediate dividends.

Banks has already started to turn things. He called the Heat slow. Old man Heat need to get young buck quick and they are doing so by getting rid of the old diesel engine for a high-octane variety.

"It feels like we're pacing ourselves for something," Banks said. "If we get out there and just lay it on the line, we can shock a couple of teams and get a different outcome."

But Banks isn't the only one feeling prophetic these days. Shawn Marion believes in the future of this team too.



You heard the man. "I'm happy to be a part of this Heat organization and we're trying to build for the future." We all are.

The Heat got back not only an legit all star at a position they were iffy on, small forward, but they also added a potential starter for another position they are desperately thin at - point guard. Both Marion and Banks will take what they learned in Phoenix and help the Heat overhaul their offense and tweak it up to a faster paced model. The fans here in Miami are talking about it more, and seem to be rejuvenated.

Tonight is just another point in case. The Heat lost, sure, 114-113. But it was to the Denver Nuggets who had to rely on a career night from JR Smith to survive. Smith's 8 three pointers propelled him to 28 points on the night, with which the Heat may have won this game and may have done so convincingly.

Shawn Marion did poor in another productive night with 23 points and 18 rebounds. Dwyane Wade, all of a sudden, is looking more like the play maker he was in the 2006 playoffs - having 10 assists and only 2 turnovers.

Not to mention the Heat, averaging around 77 shots a game, put up 100 shots tonight.

In fact, after a dunk from Marion, who was on the receiving end of a bounce pass from Marcus Banks, took a 42-28 lead at home against the Nuggets.

Overall, the team is performing better. Blount had 18 points, Wright dropped 19 and is showing himself to be not just an athlete that can score, but that can contribute with rebounds (8) and in other ways (4 assists, 2 steals, 1 block).

Remember, Udonis Haslem and Alonzo Mourning are currently injured and in street clothes. They were both at the game cheering on the team and getting very excited. Could this mean Zo might lean towards returning? Regardless, the excitement was visible and could be a barometer of what is going on within the organization.

This team may or may not win a lot of games to close out the year, but the future is actually going to be brighter as a result. They not only will have salary cap space to play around with (expect another trade before the deadline so the Heat can get a player they want without having to play the numbers game - possibly Mike Miller) but with their continued losing efforts they are actually stepping closer to getting one of the top picks in this year's draft.

So Enter the Matrix and watch as the Heat, with their true architect Pat Riley, turn this thing around very quickly.

The Debut of Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks

Well, I missed the debut of the two new Heatsters, Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks, on ABC today because I was at the game.



And hey, what can I say but WELCOME!

The way this Heat team is shaping up in the rebuild here is actually more exciting than any Heat team since...the 2003-2004 team.

Pat Riley has noted that he did coach a team, if anyone can recall, for 9 years that didn't grind it out from the halfcourt. They were known as the "Showtime" Lakers, and practically refined the run-and-gun offense to an art form. Some might say, it hasn't been duplicated since.

Well, Pat, you have a chance to revisit those days again. And it does start with Marion and Banks.

All Marion did in his debut was drop 15 on the Lakers on 6/13 shooting, grabbed 14 rebounds, had three blocks and 3 steals. Two of those 15 points came on this transaction from Dwyane Wade:



Notice the nice foul Kobe put on Wade. Wow, look at that, another high sticking from the poster child for passive aggressive NBA players.

But Marion provides that spring, that electricity that until now only Wade could provide. And what makes Marion such a God-send is that he can actually play defense, can help defend and - get THIS - can rebound! When was the last time Shaq had 14 rebounds? Heck, when was the last time he had three blocks? How about putting those numbers together in a game!

Now, the Heat will miss Shaq's interior presence on the offensive side of the ball, but considering that this team does not have shooters (yet, I still contend that Cook will be an assassin from outside...), adding Marion's unorthodox shot and defense will help in two areas of weakness for Miami.

Even more interesting is to watch Dorell Wright. He seemed to be playing more power forward today, and really pushing the matchup in the Heat's favor. His length and ability to move with the ball in his hands are tangible assets, but his money will be made once he can figure out how to consistently stick that outside jumper and get a little more physical defensively. He is progressing and watching him today work with Marion and Wade can make for a potentially exciting game to watch.

The defense has gotten so bad in Miami over the course of this season, that when the PA yells for the fans to scream DE-FENSE, even the fans have forgotten how. Today, however, against a tough Lakers team, the Heat did not looked outmatched on either end of the floor. Well, except for forgetting about Sasha Vujacic. Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks both looked comfortable pushing the offense into a higher gear and playing strong, man defense.

Banks, by the way, had 7 points on 3/6 shooting and 4 assists in 14 minutes. I expect we'll see those minutes increase as he gains familiarity with Riley's (new?) system. Banks' long arms, by the way, give him more upside defensively as he is strong enough to guard taller players on the wings as well.

The Heat looked better today and seemed to have fresh legs. I still don't know why Riley is averse to playing Cook, Daequan cannot be any worse than Ricky Davis and in playing him now, he gets valuable experience.

The Matrix Comes to Miami

In a much more subdued press conference than the over the top PR move the Heat had when they acquired Shaq, Shawn Marion, along with new Heatian Marcus Banks, was introduced with a simple "Hello everyone.".

Marion's broad smile seemed appropriate considering the aftermath of the Shaq trade. Bitter words have been spun about regarding Shaq's departure and his relationship with Pat Riley. To get a quite smile in the middle of this is almost as bold and as loud as when Shaq rolled into town with a semi-truck and water guns.

"The sky's the limit," Marion said. "Can't get any worse. We can only get better now."

And like that, the Heat's season is summed up as well is the trade. Shaq was not fitting in with this team and that fact became painfully obvious once the Heat lost Kapono and Posey and failed to replace their shooting abilities. (Most will not realize, however, that Kapono's game thrived when Shaq was injured last season and that he actually played better with Wade - but that is another discussion.) Shaq became too crowded and like a bull in a china shoppe. And at $20M a season, the Heat need better numbers from him - 17 and 8 is not enough for a player who is eating up about 34% of the payroll.

With Marion, they get a quiet personality who does his talking on the court. His explosive athleticism allows him to create posterizing dunks and game changing blocks. He can defend any position on the floor and he also has an outside shot with very good range - despite his disturbing, unorthodox shot.

There are some who are not high on this trade and see this as a salary dump. Shaq's low numbers and inability to stay healthy is what the Heat were looking to drop. They could have added by subtraction - the Heat have played 115 games without Shaq over the last three seasons. That is practically the inverse of buy one get one free. Considering the Heat's record over these last three seasons, and how dramatically things have taken a turn for the worse, this move had to be made.

"The Matrix" is exactly what the Heat need. Shawn Marion can rebound, can score, can defend, can help defend, and has a track record of staying healthy. And he was doing it before Steve Nash showed up, and he will do it while playing in Miami without Nash.

For those of you who are cynical, let's look at the numbers. Before Nash arrived in Phoenix, in 2004-2005, Marion was averaging 19 PPG, 9.3 RBs, 2.7 ASTs, 2.0 TOs, 2.1 STLs and 1.3 BLKs. He shot 44% from the field, 34% from three point range, and 85% from the charity stripe. Once Nash arrived, Marion saw his FGAs go down (from 17.0 per game to 15.9 per game), his FG% go up slightly (44% to 47.6%) and his scoring rise marginally (19.0 to 19.4). In other words, Marion became slightly more efficient. In fact, the only real strong improvement was in rebounds where he went from 9.3 to 11.3 a game with Nash - perhaps due to increased possessions and shots taken there were more opportunities to rebound.

How about with the Heat? With Dwyane Wade, we could expect a more dynamic offense as Wade has the ability to penetrate into the paint almost at will but he also has the ability to set up his teammates - a role he seems more comfortable in. Wade can penetrate and kick, much like Nash does and that is something Marion knows how to play off of.

On the defensive side of the ball, Marion's great wingspan allows him to be a very strong help defender - something the Heat have been lacking since Zo went down: a consistent shot blocking presence to keep defenses honest.

He is a hard worker, an ideal member of the community, and can help this team win now. Which actually, might not be a good thing considering the Heat are in an ideal situation for drafting one of the top 2 picks in the draft. Considering the Heat still have very little financial flexibility going forward - assuming Marion stays - getting a franchise player in the draft would put the Heat back into serious contention almost immediately. Now we will have to sort out who is going to coach this thing...Spoelstra?

Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks Arrive in Miami

Today the Heat held a press conference introducing the two newest members of the Miami Heat, Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks.

The deal became official on Wednesday at 5:40pm, but the players were not scheduled to be in Miami until today. Watch the press conference here.

As for the rest of the coverage with this story, there is a lot to chew on. Just take a peak at all of the following:



Pat Riley's spin on the trade:



Dwyane Wade's vision of playing with Marion:



And Tricky gives his analysis:



What a season it has been.

It's Wade's Team Now

What is interesting now is how the Heat will play out the rest of the season without Shaq. If the loss to Detroit is any indication, it might show the Heat to be a tougher team than at any other time this season.

So the Heat enter the P.S. phase - post Shaq - and move forward. Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks will join the team tonight or Friday and be ready to move. The Heat will continue to evaluate their team, but it sounds like Marion is not a short term plan.

One thing is obvious - the Heat are hitching it all to Wade.

"We simply looked at the big picture, where we are today, and we need to build around Dwyane," Riley said. "And everything we do now, moving forward is about building around Dwyane."

That will include Marion's and Banks' futures as well as the rest of the Heat's players. Any player considered to have a future must start with their ability to mesh with Wade's game. One of the biggest question marks right now has to be Dorrel Wright's future. Where will he play with Marion coming in to man the SF spot on the roster? I think his future actually is playing PF in a Chris Bosh-like role. The kid is still growing, has a very long wingspan and has the flexibility to take it outside on occasion and put it on the floor and take it to the hoop. He is athletic and can guard almost any position on the floor. He will need to bulk up some, but that is a part of him growing still. He is a very good friend to Wade, so if there is anyone with pull on this team, Wright is in with the right people.

But is Wade the right person for the rebuilding process? Should the Heat build around his game? By that, some have observed that Wade is not going to be a consistent big time scorer - he will have his 40 point games, but 50 points? 60? He lives off creating contact and bringing it strong to the hoop each night. Yet his style will get him into a higher likelihood for injury, and with a team building around his game is this a wise thought? Not to mention, Wade's defense is among the worst at the position - he has the ability, but he just doesn't bring it himself.

There is no question that the Wade we all saw in the 2005-2006 playoffs was the one to build around. Can we see that Wade again? He demonstrated himself to be really one of the only players in the modern NBA right now that could win games on his will alone. That, if anything, is the one elusive trait players must have to compare to Jordan. Some said Kobe was it. Some wanted to say Lebron. But Wade is the only player to really put it together - and it was in Shaq's shadow.

Now, can Wade raise the Heat again - this time on his own? Riley seems to think so. We'll find out.

Shaq Deal Done

So it is a done deal.

Shaq is gone. Apparently, pending a physical, the relationship between Riley and Shaq has strained so much that a deal was needed. That and the Heat would be wise to part ways with that $20 million white elephant contract.

Let's not get into whether or not this deal makes sense for Phoenix. As a Heat fan, who cares? This deal makes a ton of sense for Miami.

Shawn Marion is in the final year of his contract - he has a player option on the table for next season at $17M. Maybe he doesn't like playing in Miami and opts out. Maybe he does and keeps it. The Heat, however, drop Shaq's $20M albatross off the books which was scheduled for two more seasons after this one. Regardless of how Marion performs, this deal helps the Heat financially. Tremendous.

Marcus Banks is on the books for three more seasons around $13M total (4.2, 4.5, 4.7 respectively). If he can push this into a starting role, then it could be a valuable signing for the Heat. Well, trade, I mean.

Shaq's game has diminished. Or has it? If he passes the physical, then he is in playing shape. If he suits up immediately for the Suns, then it would be fair to say he shut it down for the Heat. Which his "people" have leaked he should do. Seems like Shaq was doing just that.


At the heart of this matter is the feud that may not be publicized. There has been observations that there is a feud between the two and this latest deal might be validation. Shaq was untradeable previously - then again, so was Marion. But given the rumors of feuds between Shaq and Riley - Riley telling Shaq to get off the court during a practice - this hurts the Heat franchise in another way.

It cost us Stan Van Gundy.

It cost us Lamar Odom, Caron Butler, and Brian Grant.

That 2003-2004 team, coached by Stan Van Gundy, may have had enough talent to win a championship. And they would still be talented enough to challenge for it today. They all liked playing in Miami. Caron Butler even named his daughter "Mia" after MIAmi.

Dwyane Wade, working in concert with Lamar Odom, Caron Butler and even Rafer Alston, may have been something to fear. We paid for that with the Shaq trade, which instantly put the Heat on the NBA map among the best franchises. A championship banner hangs atop of the AAA.

And here it is. Shaq leaves, with things busted in his wake. The warnings came from fans in LA. They said we would live to regret this deal, and although regret is still a far emotion away, Heat fans should not like the way the tenure of the Diesel fell apart.

And now the feud will be made public because the trade is going to go through. If not, then we got an even bigger mess to clean up.

Good bye Shaq. Hello Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks. Now, will we improve too much to not grab the top spot in the draft?

Shaq Traded?

Given the cost of fuel these days, it is no wonder that the Heat are trading away their main fuel source. After all, there isn't any heat being generated and it has a lot to do with their Diesel drying up.

In what is shaping up to be a trade deadline blockbuster deal, Miami could be sending Shaq to Phoenix to help the Suns get past the Spurs. The Miami Herald is reporting that the Heat would be getting back Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks, a point guard that Riley had his eyes on a few seasons ago.

If the rumors are true, Miami just turned things around financially. This would be a tremendous lift for the franchise. Shawn Marion can opt out of his contract after this season, saving the Heat $17.1M and paving the way for the Heat to sign whatever marquee free agent they wanted. Couple that with what is looking like one of the top picks in this year's draft, and the Heat could face an immediate turnaround.

Until this deal is finalized, if there is a deal in place, we at MiamiHeatwave.com do not wish to speculate. So, stay tuned...