Smush Out; Jackson Debut

Heat look like they are going to lose this game to the Wiz, which is unfortunate because they are a better team without Gilbert. They just had to rely on an injury to him in order to discover what pretty much any half wit watching basketball knew. Its true because I have noticed this too!

That said, there were some bright spots. Quinn looks a bit more confident and seems to start to believe he can play at this level. He was bombing away from the three point line, being really the only consistent offensive threat at the end of the game.

Luke Jackson played some extensive minutes at the end of the game, and looked ready to fit in. He is athletic and seems to be able to find open spots on the floor - if only Miami can find him. Then again, their offense just looked dreadful in comparison to how well they played on the road.

7 losses out of 9 at home. Riley warned that the Heat come out sluggish and it showed.

Speaking of slugs, where is Smush you might be wondering? Legal problems have basically ended his tenure in Miami. He is being shopped and it is looking like Miami might be targeting a PG from Seattle, either Luke Ridnour, Luke Jackson's teammate at Oregon, or Earl Watson. Now, it is probably not likely that Smush would be enough to net something like that in return, but who knows? Smush is also the reason why Jackson was added as the Heat need more offense and can't afford to wait for Penny to get his shot back.

Heat miss out on a way to kick things back into high gear, but that is the Heat for you. They underdeliver and overpromise it seems.

Fat Lady Hasn't Sung Yet for Miami Heat Offseason

That's right, there is no Rosie O'Donnell mike check just yet. There are still plenty of options for the Miami Heat going forward in the offseason.

Free agents

Jannero Pargo is a worthwhile target, but it is surprising that he hasn't been signed yet while other point guards have been taken. It will only play to undermine his salary demands and the Heat could get him on the cheap.

Brevin Knight would have to grade a bit lower as concerns about his health would be a definite issue, and with Jason Williams' past health issues, it wouldn't give the Heat a consistent option but it seems that Knight wants to prove the Bobcats wrong for releasing him.

Trade possibilities

Juan Carlos Navarro is being dangled by the Wizards, but it will come down to what it will cost the Heat and if it would be worth it. Playing off the Steve Francis possibility, Miami was more able to command a better stance in the deal. With that option gone, however, it will demand that Riley be as cunning as ever to get the best deal - the Wizards apparently are attaching Navarro's rights to a bloated contract; either Etan Thomas, Brendan Haywood or Antonio Daniels.

Mike Bibby could return as a target for the Heat. They have always been after him, according to reports, and his contract is pretty sizeable - 13M and 14M over the next two seasons.

Luke Ridnour's time in Seattle might be up. With Earl Watson and Delonte West on the roster, the Sonics may be choosing between Watson and Ridnour. Given Ridnour's contract is slightly more (6.5M for next three seasons) the Sonics may be looking to trade him for a more valued asset.

These are options still left on the table for point guard. Don't even get me started on the other possibilities at other positions as there are still plenty. Ime Udoka, Jumaine Jones, Dahntay Jones, Eddie Jones, Ruben Patterson, Brian Skinner, Lawrence Roberts, Alexander Johnson and Melvin Ely to name a few.

Don't Lose Hope: Heat Offseason Still Has Options

Steven Blake, gone.

Chucky Atkins, gone.

Mo Williams?

Who cares. He is, and we have been saying this all along, playing the system to squeeze out the most money. His interest in playing in Miami and winning was not definite but one thing is clear, it has helped him pinch the Bucks for more money.

Still in the background is how Yi Jianlian's future will affect all of this and if Mo is serious about playing time, he would ask for more definite answers in that regard. As it seems, he is really only interested in getting paid and considering that the Blazers brought back Blake at around the full MLE, Williams should net more.

Nothing wrong with that.

Yet, as the Heat continue to put their eggs in one basket, options dry up - yet still one remains that could prove to be more lucrative than any option, Juan Carlos Navarro.

Europe's best PG and arguably one of the world's best, is free from Barcelona but just has to pay for his buyout from the team. That is considered a formality as both Navarro and his Barcelona club have agreed to allow Navarro to explore his dream of playing in the NBA. The real obstacle is going to be brokering a deal with the Washington Wizards, who hold his rights.

The climate has turned for Navarro. He is highly regarded by the Wizards but their focus is on re-signing Deshawn Stevenson which is close to happening. After that happens, the Wiz won't have enough money under the luxury cap to sign Navarro without splashing into the penalty - something they prefer not to do.

The Heat, however, would. They have been after JCN for some time now. And considering the way the market has broken down, this might be their only real option of making a splash this offseason.

In fact, a Barcelona paper is reporting that Pat Riley is going to visit with Navarro in Spain. This is getting serious.

Another option still is Mike Bibby. The Kings want to deal him and rightfully so - he is shooting 44% and is owed 13.5M next season and 14.5M the season after that. Perhaps Antoine Walker for Bibby could be viewed as favorable? The Kings want to slash payroll and Walker is not making anything close to that quite yet and has a team option after 2008-2009.

There are plenty of other options as well, but would have to come via a trade, too. Seattle's Luke Ridnour would be an excellent acquisition as his skill set would complement the Heat's game plan with his ball handling and ability to shoot outside.

Jarret Jack could be an option too. With Blake signing on in Portland, Jack could be on his way out. He might be a pretty good alternative to Mo Williams - he can penetrate, can shoot, is very athletic.

Free agent wise there is always Travis Diener, another MiamiHeatwave favorite.

Even if Mo Williams take mo' money to stay in Milwaukee, all is not lost. There are several pretty big options out there that just might happen for the Heat.