Many fans have speculated on who would get the boot, and some fans were adamant they didn’t want one of them to be Da’Sean Butler because of his potential. They’ve made the claim he would have been a certain lottery pick in this past year’s NBA Draft if not for being injured during the middle of the year.

This is probably true, but is irrelevant in my view. Yes, if the Heat had kept him on the roster, they almost assuredly could have gotten by without any production from his spot until he was ready, but there’s a chance such a move might have cost Miami a game or two during the regular season; no one knows. (more…)

There’s no doubt about the status of many players, but there are a few who should be sweating bullets about whether they’ll be with the team come the beginning of the season.

The Heat’s starters have nothing to fear if you ask me, with Mario Chalmers, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Joel Anthony penciled into those slots. I know some may believe Chalmers and Anthony’s place on the team isn’t certain, but I would wholeheartedly disagree.

Likewise, among the backups I don’t believe there’s any doubt Udonis Haslem, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Eddie House, and Jamaal Magloire will be on the opening-day roster. Magloire not so much for his talent but simply because he’s an experienced big body and the Heat need that. (more…)