Miami Heat: From Turrible, to Downright Intriguing
Admittedly, I became a little nervous last night when Miami’s turn to pick a draftee came up. With everything that’s been going on with the Heat of late - the Wade trade rumors, the “secret” workouts with other top college players, etc. - you had to wonder if Pat Riley was crazy enough not to select Michael Beasley.
Thankfully for the Heat and its fans, Old Man Riles came to his senses and picked the insanely-gifted Beasley, and all of a sudden, Miami once again began to look like a force to be reckoned with.
Ignore for a moment that their starting point guard is Jason Williams (well, him or the immortal Chris Quinn), and focus on the options Miami now has: Beasley, Wade, Marion, Haslem, and Ricky Buckets. And you know what that means? Decidedly fewer empty seats at the American Airlines gym next year, and a shot at making the postseason after one of the worst seasons in frachise history.
An enormous, rollicking, standing ovation rose in the Heat’s downtown arena from some 4,000 fans at the team’s draft party when commissioner David Stern called Beasley’s name in New York as the league’s No. 2 overall selection. Heat flags waved. Streamers shot from cannons and flew to the rafters, floating down over the delirium.
That was the look and sound of relief, of escape. That was the embarrassment of a 15-67 season lifting, disappearing, replaced by the feel of fresh, real hope.
Of course, the nagging questions regarding Wade’s health won’t go away (though, his play in Beijing could put an end to all of that), and the franchise must still figure out what to do about Marion and Haslem. No matter. They have Beasley, and that means they have hope.
Now quick, someone take away his GPS so he won’t be able to locate South Beach.
115 Responses to “Miami Heat: From Turrible, to Downright Intriguing”
Jun.27 at 12:06 pm
Keith says:
First the worst..
Jun.27 at 12:06 pm
Keith says:
Second the best…
Jun.27 at 12:07 pm
Keith says:
Third the one with the hairy chest.
Jun.27 at 12:15 pm
FightingColt30 says:
Postseason baby!!
Jun.27 at 12:23 pm
riggs says:
im still hearing trade rumors (possibly including elton brand) so hmmmm
Jun.27 at 12:24 pm
blackjack says:
They’re still going to suck
Jun.27 at 12:28 pm
RolleZed says:
^I agree.
Jun.27 at 12:30 pm
Kevin says:
they should be able to make the playoffs with the current roster.. with 2 more changes + 1 free agent, they could contend (top 4) in the east.. let’s see what Riley can do with Marion..
Jun.27 at 12:36 pm
DP says:
give LA Marion. you can get LO. I enjoyed him but maybe the real Lamar will show up in MIA like the real CARON showed up in Washington. bastard.
Jun.27 at 12:37 pm
Blinguo says:
Hallelujah, Holla-Shaq
Jun.27 at 12:39 pm
Eboy says:
Mutoni, I agree they are intriguing and much better off than last season. That being said, even if they improve 20 wins, they still only get 35 wins, and are on the outside looking in from the playoffs. Another move or two could change that, but this start is a bright day after two seasons of murky sh*t.
Jun.27 at 12:39 pm
albie1kenobi says:
if wade is healthy, i don’t see why Heat can’t make the playoffs. i mean how much worse is the heat than the cavs?
Jun.27 at 12:41 pm
Myles Brown says:
I still wouldve taken OJ and gone after Elton Brand.
Jun.27 at 12:42 pm
Eboy says:
Well, at least the Wolves had for him a little while, Myles.
Jun.27 at 12:44 pm
DP says:
did the cavs even det a draft pick? worpress…
Jun.27 at 12:46 pm
DP says:
love will average 13 and 7 for his career. O.J. 23, 6, and 5. Memphis got the better trade as far as future talent.
Jun.27 at 12:50 pm
Bryan says:
I wouldn’t have liked Mayo and Wade in the same backcourt.
Jun.27 at 12:50 pm
Rasheedionics says:
I dont think Wade and OJ Mayo could play together. Both guys basically play same position and need the ball in their hands.
Jun.27 at 12:52 pm
B. Long says:
If I was a Heat fan, I would be excited about Super Mario falling to them too.
Jun.27 at 12:53 pm
Myles Brown says:
I meant Mayo, Wade and Brand. Thats a better fit for them than Beasley.
Jun.27 at 12:54 pm
H to the izzo says:
DP:If Mayo averages that for his career,I will track you down and give you everything I own.
Jun.27 at 12:54 pm
Eboy says:
If the Heat market a t-shirt with Chalmers in one of those gindaloon hats and a oversized hammer riding a CGI Yoshi, I’m buying 50 of them.
Jun.27 at 12:55 pm
Eboy says:
Co-sign izzo. Sorry. I know you hate when I agree with you.
Jun.27 at 12:56 pm
H to the izzo says:
The Heat need a quality point guard(Raymond Felton is being shopped btw),OJ is basically a lesser DWade who can shoot,he does not fit a Miami need.
Jun.27 at 12:56 pm
B. Long says:
Who is playing the 5 for the Heat at this point?
Jun.27 at 12:58 pm
Bryan says:
I can’t believe Russell Westbrook went number 4.
Jun.27 at 12:59 pm
H to the izzo says:
Bryan:Which is why some teams should never be allowed to hold workouts.
Jun.27 at 1:00 pm
Eboy says:
B, I’ve read that new coach Spoelstra is looking to run a Warriors-type lineup unless they can come up with a legit center to fill the 5. Marion 5, Haslem 4, Beasley 3, Wade & whatever point they settle on.
Jun.27 at 1:00 pm
Bryan says:
Everyone knows the clippers wanted Mayo , the Heat should have taken him and dangled Him and Marion for brand and the 7, if they wanted another combo guard they could have grabbed Bayless.
Jun.27 at 1:00 pm
Ben Osborne says:
Color me very intrigued. Beas was best player in the Draft.
Jun.27 at 1:02 pm
DP says:
Izzo, what you got to your name? Because I’m ready to collect now.
Jun.27 at 1:03 pm
DP says:
Russel Westbrook is a fake a*s Cuttino Mobley.
Jun.27 at 1:03 pm
Bryan says:
I think Mayo will have a decent career no way he averages 23 a game for its entirety though. 20 5 and 4 isn’t out of the question though.
Jun.27 at 1:04 pm
Brandon Hoffman says:
Miami made the right decision. Now they have some personnel decisions to make. Do they start Beasley or Marion at power forward? Beasley is bigger than the Matrix. But he’s also infinitely more skilled.
Jun.27 at 1:05 pm
H to the izzo says:
DP:I was thinking Fred Jones part duex.And I insist on Joe Alexander being part of the dunk contest next year.
Jun.27 at 1:06 pm
Kene says:
Chalmers just might be the perfect complement to Dwyane Wade. He can shoot (shot 47% from three last season), is quick with an underrated handle, and he can really defend too. Miami’s backcourt just got a lot better. If they keep Beasley, which they should unless they trade him for Brand, then their future is looking really good.
Jun.27 at 1:07 pm
DP says:
If he can average 20 then 23 isn’t out of the question.
Jun.27 at 1:09 pm
DP says:
Joe Alexander: David Lee with jumper and a lil handle.
Jun.27 at 1:11 pm
DP says:
Sonnie Weems is a fake a*s Gerald Green.
Jun.27 at 1:11 pm
B. Long says:
@H: Do you really wish Birdman 2.0 on the Dunk Contest? Hasn’t it suffered enough?
Jun.27 at 1:12 pm
DP says:
CDR: Fake a*s Tayshaun Prince.
Jun.27 at 1:13 pm
H to the izzo says:
B.Long:The only thing the have in commons is their whiteness.Plus the dunk contest is sh*t anyway.
Jun.27 at 1:13 pm
DP says:
That is who I was going to compare Joe to at first, B., but I forget ole dude name. anyways back to comparisions. O.J. mayo: Fake a*s Chauncey Billups.
Jun.27 at 1:13 pm
H to the izzo says:
Jesus is a fake ass Muhammad.
Jun.27 at 1:14 pm
Eboy says:
There’s a lot of fake ass dude’s coming out of this draft.
Jun.27 at 1:15 pm
DP says:
Derrick Rose: Fake a*s Jason Kidd-D-wade Hybrid.
Jun.27 at 1:17 pm
H to the izzo says:
Kevin Love is a fake ass Lard Lad.
Jun.27 at 1:17 pm
DP says:
I really don’t mean fake a*s, Eboy. Except for Westbrook because he shouldn’t have went that high. But everyone else it is just a comparision to who I believe they will play like once they get to the L.
Jun.27 at 1:19 pm
DP says:
Let’s get it…Jerryd Bayless: fake ass Gilbert Arenas.
Jun.27 at 1:20 pm
DP says:
Brandon Rush: fake ass Richard Jefferson and Kareem Rush.
Jun.27 at 1:21 pm
DP says:
Joey Dorsey: fake ass Big Ben Wallace.
Jun.27 at 1:22 pm
DP says:
Jamont Gordon: fake ass Charlie Bell. Keep it moving dog…keep it moving.
Jun.27 at 1:23 pm
DP says:
Eric Gordon: fake ass Ray Ray.
Jun.27 at 1:24 pm
Eazy-Yi says:
Yo, Joe Alexander can blow by defenders for days, David Lee is just raw energy
Jun.27 at 1:25 pm
B. Long says:
Besides the Kevin Love and Westbrook fiasco’s the first 10 picks are pretty solid. I think this draft class is gonna suprise alot of people.
Jun.27 at 1:28 pm
DP says:
Like I said Yi, he has better handle and a better shot.
Jun.27 at 1:29 pm
SMK says:
now the Heat have to sign Brian Skinner as a free agent to pair with Chalmers to have the Best. Bench. Ever.
Jun.27 at 1:29 pm
H to the izzo says:
DP:How can you even compare Lee and Alexander,they are two different positions and play nothing alike?
Jun.27 at 1:34 pm
B. Long says:
@H: They’re both white. They have to play exactly the same…or be the next Larry Bird. That’s the way it works. DUH!
Jun.27 at 1:38 pm
B. Long says:
Has Gerald Green resurfaced in the L yet. If not it’s a damn shame. He has all-star potential in the right enviroment. I’d love to see him in Nawlins next year.
Jun.27 at 1:38 pm
RV says:
I agree Alexander needs to be in the dunk contest, any guy who can do a windmill of the bounce easily under pressure and take off from the freebie starting off at an angle from halfcourt deserves an invite.
Jun.27 at 1:40 pm
RV says:
Joe Alexander doesn’t understand what being white in the NBA means, so don’t expect him to feed that stereotype.
Jun.27 at 1:42 pm
B. Long says:
@RV: That’s a good thing.
Jun.27 at 1:46 pm
DP says:
Sorry Izzo. Athletic Adam Morrison is what Joe is. how about that?
Jun.27 at 1:50 pm
H to the izzo says:
So he HAS to be compared to a white player,even if the comparison is stupid?
Jun.27 at 1:51 pm
Bryan says:
Joe Alexander + Next Larry Bird.
Jun.27 at 1:51 pm
Bryan says:
Joe Alexander = Next Larry Bird.*
Jun.27 at 1:54 pm
DP says:
No, he doesn’t Izzo. Alright who would you compare him too buddy? Julian Wright? I say this because his stock went up like hell at last year’s draft. Both are versatile and athletic and can shoot when called upon.
Jun.27 at 1:55 pm
H to the izzo says:
He’s more George Mikan than Bird.
Jun.27 at 1:56 pm
Bryan says:
Julian wright? Really?
Jun.27 at 1:56 pm
H to the izzo says:
Shawn Marion.
Jun.27 at 2:03 pm
DP says:
Shawn Marion? we will see…
Jun.27 at 2:06 pm
People's Princess says:
Shawn MArion-(range+shot blocking+rebounding)=Joe Alexander
Jun.27 at 2:15 pm
B. Long says:
He kinda reminds me of a young John Stockton, you know, skill wise and everything…
Jun.27 at 2:18 pm
RV says:
the pics on draftexpress of Alexander are scary. What his official vertical?
Jun.27 at 2:21 pm
Sparker says:
sorry, but way too small up front to contend. kendrick perkins could sit on their top 3 forwards (marion, beasley, haslem) and crush them at the same time
Jun.27 at 2:32 pm
B. Long says:
Miami should trade Marion and Mario to Denver for Melo and Nene. Both teams would improve considerbly.
Jun.27 at 2:37 pm
RV says:
and the miami herald just lost a bunch of credibility in my book, they posted a story today abotut he rockets beng one of the biggest losers after drafting Batum…you’d think they’d know he got traded, and then to call the rockets’ roster “aging” with 10 of their 15 players under 30..
Jun.27 at 4:15 pm
Jukai says:
Joe Alexander reminds me of Rick Fox, with more athletism but less… OH SORRY I meant Rick Barry. Cause, you know, Rick Fox was dark.
Jun.27 at 4:17 pm
Jukai says:
Jesus, Joe Alexander doesn’t play anything like David Lee. They actually play at polar extremes.
Jun.27 at 4:17 pm
Jukai says:
POLAR CAUSE THEY’RE WHITE
Jun.27 at 4:38 pm
The Promise says:
Eboy, your team had the best best draft in my opinion. I mean, you got the best player overall in Beasley, trade and get Mario Chalmers, who should be Miamis point guard next year, and not to mention a rebound machine and proven winner, Darnell Jackson. Id say you will be enjoying the playoffs next year man. Cause, I mean, its the east dude.
Jun.27 at 5:02 pm
Jose says:
lets get shaq back.nows that hes trained in phx.he can use that with Mia.Phx can have marion back SO THEY STOP SAYING ITS SHAQS FAULT.
Jun.27 at 5:04 pm
Jose says:
or get brand.jamal tinsley is also out there aint he.that fills both holes
marion 4 brand.
Willians And a pick for Tinsley maybe?
Jun.27 at 5:22 pm
cyanide says:
Dwayne wade
jason williams
shawn marion
udonis haslem
ricky buckets
mike beasley
mario chalmers
alonzo mourning
dorrell wright
chris quinn
Daequan Cook
Marcus Banks ill be dammned if this team wont reached the post season…
Jun.27 at 6:01 pm
Westy says:
Don’t get rid of Williams… but they will. Miami have some question marks, but they’ll be much improved.
Jun.27 at 6:31 pm
BK says:
Still terrible….very, very, very terrible.
Jun.27 at 6:36 pm
Diogo says:
Who the f*ck is Joe Alexander? He ain’t Larry nor Jesus. Larry was good and Jesus was black. F*ck the Great White Hope.
Jun.27 at 6:36 pm
tripledouble says:
They should sign Sean Marks.
Jun.27 at 6:56 pm
ciolkstar says:
Rick Fox wasn’t that dark…actually the best Joe “Vanilla sky” Alexander comparison yet.
Jun.27 at 8:26 pm
Money Bill Williams says:
u racist c*nts.if i were to say that oj and oden are alike coz there black you would have my head
Jun.27 at 9:38 pm
RV says:
comparing rick fox to joe alexander is disrespectful to alexander…fox never had a turnaround J like Alexander and he sure as hell didn’t have the hops.
Jun.27 at 9:56 pm
Ethan says:
Well the heat did really good after pretending they wanted to trade the pick, so good good job Pat. GO LAKERS
Jun.27 at 10:32 pm
Hov says:
Does anyone else think that Beazley was a clear number one? I think Chicago will regret this draft… Funny draft roundup, Bulls get a 3.5/5 and Miami gets 4.9/5. haha http://thesportcount.wordpress.com/2008/06/28/the-official-sport-count-draft-evaluation/
Jun.27 at 11:35 pm
Young Chris MP3 says:
If Posey re-ups in Boston, is J-Will Celtics bound? And Gerald Green on New Orleans is scary…
Jun.27 at 11:48 pm
TalenTed says:
All I know is Dwyane is gon come with somethin serious this season. He knows he has somethin to prove and I know he bout 2 show the world whats up. They needa put a house arrest bracelet around Beasley ankle so he cant leave Miami lol…but 4real tho.
Jun.28 at 12:25 am
TripleDouble says:
Young Chris… has N’Orleans signed Gerald Green??
Jun.28 at 5:42 am
Ohpityme says:
Raymond Feltons being shopped….WHY???
If i was in charge of the heat i would be rushing to get him.
Jun.28 at 6:28 am
smoove12 says:
Green is an unrestricted free agent.
Jun.28 at 7:00 am
TripleDouble says:
Money Bill will back me up, the Hest should sign Sean marks at the vets minimum. He’s a stand up dude, he has a ring and Beasley could do with a guy like that in the locker room. Trains hard, works hard, plays hard (if and when he plays at all).
Jun.28 at 8:33 am
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
Marks deserves that ring just as much as the mascot deserves one. Heat are playoff bound if they get a another big to the rotation. They should try to trade Marion and J-Will imo. If Zo still has some juice left they’ll make the playoffs even keeping the two aforementioned. I don’t care about his height or lack thereof Beasley was the best player in the draft - people forget he had a more impressing freshman year than Durant - Chalmers was a steal, Wade is out to prove he is top 5 in the L. If I was palEboy I would have a hard on about their chances.
Jun.28 at 8:42 am
tagz says:
TWO WORDS; TRADE E-BOY!!!!!!!!
Jun.28 at 4:53 pm
tripledouble says:
haha… Marks has ‘team’ value. he’s made a good living by being a good dude, that’s dope.
Jun.28 at 7:00 pm
RV says:
Felton is being shopped because the bobcats drafted DJ
Jun.28 at 9:12 pm
AB_40 says:
haha whatever happened to people calling shawn marion one of the top 5 players in the leauge? Him and ricky davis should be traded for a scorer. Vince carter and nenad kristic for those 2 guys. the nets need perimeter scoring badly.
Jun.29 at 3:04 am
LAN says:
cough… tanked
Jun.29 at 3:05 am
LAN says:
u look at beasleys stats then u look at roses and u wonder how the hell did he get picked abov him
Jun.29 at 3:54 pm
Earl "E.Sneed" Sneed says:
OJ Mayo will be the best pro from this draft, hands down!
Jun.29 at 9:45 pm
Kamran says:
imagine of the heat still had shaq, and the 2nd draft pick! They could either have a good trade, or have
shaq
beasley
davis
wade
williams/chalmers
That is a pretty decent team
Jun.29 at 9:52 pm
Teddy-the-Bear says:
Earl, the correct answer is actually Derrick Rose.
Jun.30 at 8:04 pm
baller says:
wadeyaaaaaa
Jun.30 at 10:30 pm
masterb says:
the heat will be much better now with beasley and chalmers but they still need a center….
Jun.30 at 11:17 pm
David says:
Good thing Riley took that extra time to scout Beas. Really paid off.
Jul.1 at 12:53 am
Dacre says:
TRADE TALK!!!
The heat got a STEAL in Mario Charmers - “Prince Charming??” He’s going to be a solid servicable PG for the heat in this league and I think he’ll make ALL ROOKIE 2nd team (if not for OJ and Rose taking the guard postions in 1ST TEAM).
Eboy must be feeling pretty great about the next season?
Jul.1 at 12:54 am
Dacre says:
The award for best hair goes to ‘SUNS PICK’!!!
RObin Lopez the new “SIDE SHOW BOB” role. Between that messy afro and Brian Skinners blonde goat we got the dinner party atmosphere sown up for 2009~