It’s a Wrap! Miami Heat’s Position Preview
By Wes Goldberg
This past week at All U Can Heat, the writers put together the most comprehensive position preview that has been done on the Miami Heat. Every player got his own post, with the writers answering all the key questions.
First, we looked at how that player performed last season. Then, since LeBron James is gone, we looked at how his departure effects said player and his role on the team. Finally we gave you some rough projections of how that player might perform this season.
Then a different writer took a stab at why we are excited to watch that player this season.
It was a fun project, and below you can find all the previews in one spot along with a bit of analysis of our analysis.
Point Guard
Mario Chalmers is obviously on top of the depth chart going into the season, but if he can’t perform then expect Norris Cole and Shabazz Napier to take bigger bites out of his minutes.
Of all of the point guards, Napier has the most upside and Cole has the most to lose. Cole is the middle man, and if he doesn’t show progress this season than Napier could leap him. If all else fails for Chalmers, at least he can play shooting guard.
However, in a league where you either need an elite point guard or a point guard who can defend elite point guards, I like Cole the most out of this group.
Mario Chalmers
Norris Cole
Shabazz Napier
Shooting Guard
The key issue facing Miami’s shooting guards is health. Dwyane Wade will like to play at least 75 games, and Danny Granger (though listed with the small forwards) should get plently of playing time.
Then you have Shannon Brown and Tyler Johnson. Both are very athletic, but will have to prove themselves. Brown could become a key player in Miami’s rotation.
Shannon Brown
Tyler Johnson
Reggie Williams” href=”https://allucanheat.com/2014/09/23/miami-heat-shooting-guard-preview-reggie-williams/”>Reggie Williams
Small Forward
Miami faces the biggest drop off here, with LeBron James taking off to Cleveland. But they also have some exciting new players. Luol Deng is finally on our side, and the Prince of Perth comes over from Land of the Kangaroos.
Granger is listed as a small forward but will play anywhere from 2-4, and will be among the Heat’s most versatile players. Finally, don’t be surprised if Shawne Williams contributes this season.
Power Forward
The one spot in which the Heat have upgraded this offseason is at power forward. Josh McRoberts gives the Heat a true stretch-4 and is a major improvement from last season of The Walking Dead (Sorry Shane Battier and Rashard Lewis, love you guys).
Udonis Haslem will have his time to shine at some point this season, and rookie Khem Birch gives Miami a project who could contribute this season.
Center
Note: This preview was done before the Heat signed Chris Johnson. Johnson should compete for a roster spot, but the journeyman isn’t promised anything.
The Heat have Chris Bosh and Chris Andersen as locks to make the roster, not to mention they can use McRoberts or Haslem at center in certain situations. Justin Hamilton will also compete for a spot, and has experience with the Heat.