Sure, Mario Chalmers is consistently inconsistent, consistently getting yelled at by his teammates and inconsistently supported by Miami Heat fans. Yeah, Norris Cole, in some ways, has become the anti-Chalmers.
Chalmers is always the butt of a joke that would make even Chris Bosh feel sorry for him. Cole is always the solution. “Put in Cole!” Fans would say when Chalmers goes from hero to zero ball.
Either way, the Heat have won two titles with Chalmers and Cole at point guard — and it sure is a lot better than Carlos Arroyo, Eddie House or Mike Bibby — but does that mean that Pat Riley is satisfied with his point rotation?
The Heat previously looked into former Toronto Raptors point guard Sebastian Telfair, according to HOOPSWORLD. Now, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, the Heat offered Washington Wizards point guard Garrett Temple before he decided to resign in the Capital.
It’s one thing to be interested, like they were in Telfair. But to make an offer to Temple — A young point guard who would expect playing time? That would take minuted away from either Chalmers or Cole (or both). Who would be the odd man out of a point-guard three way?
Chalmers will be playing in the last year of his contract, and will become a free agent during the crowded offseason of 2014. Cole, on the other hand, barely played during the NBA Finals as Erik Spoelstra was clearly more comfortable with playing Rio.
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If the Heat is looking to add another young point guard, here is a list of who remains available:
Brandon Jennings — unlikely, because he will be looking for more money than the Heat can offer.
Jeff Teague — see Jennings.
Mo Williams – he may want to reunite with LeBron James, but he isn’t exactly young and, based on the Heat’s reported interests, they want young.
Chauncey Billups – he can shoot three’s and, like Chalmers, wouldn’t shy away from the moment. A lot of Heat fans have thrown around this name but he’s too old. It’s not going to happen.
Darren Collison – this is an interesting name. He had an up-and-down year in his one and only season with the Dallas Mavericks. But he is getting a lot of interest, and that will likely drive up the price and take Miami out of a picture they aren’t even in yet.
Devin Harris – Harris has seen some interest from the New York Knicks. The Knicks could be an issue for the Heat in adding a point guard. The Knicks, with Jason Kidd retiring, have more minutes to spare at the position and are considered a contender too. The Knicks will likely get its guy before the Heat do.
Nate Robinson – WON’T HAPPEN. The Heat don’t want a point guard that (1) can’t play defense (2) can’t pass and (3) will take shots away from, well, anyone else on the Heat.
Beno Udrih – He is 31 but hasn’t had a lot of run. However, he has reached his ceiling.
Aaron Brooks – This, this right here, is the name to watch. Brooks is young, athletic and plays well in transition. If the Heat sign anyone on this list, I would bet on Brooks.
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Another option could be to trade for a point guard in order to save money in regards to the luxury tax. July 11 is when teams can utilize there amnesty provision but, if the Heat can find a trade partner, they might be able to save more money by shipping off either Joel Anthony or Mike Miller (or both). Maybe they can get a young point guard in return? Would the Raptors be willing to take on Miller and Anthony (who could return to Canada) for Kyle Lowry?
As inconsistent as the point guard play for the Heat can be at time, it wasn’t expected to be a huge need this offseason. The Heat, however, signed some high profile (if you can say that) undrafted free agent point guards and has shown an interest in signing a young point guard to join the active roster. The Heat is hardly desperate to make an addition at the position, but it will be interesting to see how things pick up after the amnesty date.