In our continuing series HOOPSWORLD takes a look at the Miami HEAT as they kick off training camp 2010 with six things you should know about this team.
1) Miami has support depth, but not replacement depth.
What does that mean? It means as long as the starters stay healthy the HEAT will be just fine when it comes to bench performance. The veterans on their team – Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Jamaal Magloire, Carlos Arroyo, Eddie House, Juwan Howard, and James Jones – will do just fine in the limited minutes they will be given.
2) The idea there will be chemistry problems should be put to bed right now.
The most common critique of the HEAT – besides the overblown brouhaha about superstars joining forces – is there won’t be enough shots to go around. As the argument goes, each of Bosh, James, and Wade are used to being the final word in shots and will have trouble adjusting to not each getting 20 or more shots a game.
3) Expect the HEAT to win the Southeast Division.
Wait, you may ask, why should we expect that? What, the Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks won’t put up a fight? That’s not the point. Without a doubt the Magic and the Hawks will also have a goal of winning the Southeast Division title and earning the higher seed that comes along with that. However, the Magic has been there and done that, and they know winning the division isn’t what the season is all about. They are a veteran team who plays well together and understands the need to preserve a little something for a postseason run. The Hawks may not have the firepower.
4) There is pressure on Mario Chalmers.
Last season, as a sophomore, Chalmers took a step backwards from his solid rookie season. His numbers dropped across the board along with his minutes, and after starting all 82 games as a rookie he found himself coming off the bench and platooning with Carlos Arroyo.
This year, the starting point guard position could be his to lose, despite the continued presence of Arroyo. (Arroyo did start the first preseason game on Tuesday.)
5) Joel Anthony is a solid center.
When the HEAT gave restricted free agent center Joel Anthony a five-year, $18 million contract this past summer it drew some attention. This is the player who is going to anchor the post defense for three perennial All-Stars?
Yes, yes he is, and it’s a very good decision.
6) Whose team is this, Wade’s or LeBron’s?
Full story: Six Things To Know About The HEAT – Basketball News & NBA Rumors
