Round Table Discussion: NBA Trade Deadline Special
By Wes Goldberg
Welcome to another Miami Heat Round Table Discussion. On today’s agenda, we’ll be talking about the possibility of landing guys like Arron Afflalo, Goran Dragic, Amar’e Stoudemire, Jordan Crawford and Michael Beasley.
Mar 19, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Goran Dragic (1) goes up for a layup over Orlando Magic guard Arron Afflalo (4) during the first half at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
1. Word on the street is that the Nuggets want a first round pick in return for Arron Afflalo. Likewise, the Suns want a first back for Goran Dragic. Is it worth it for the Heat to send a first to those teams for either of those players?
Wes Goldberg (@wcgoldberg): Considering the Heat don’t know if they’ll have their top-10 protected pick this year or not, it’s not only difficult to trade a future pick but also not a very compelling package for the Suns or Nuggets. Miami can’t afford to keep giving up picks, even given the temptation of a quick fix.
Allana Tachauer (@ChiTownHeiress): That is definitely a tough one. And it has less to do with Aaron Afflalo or Goran Dragic, and more with the fact that taking a chance on any draft class is a gamble. On the one hand, even as rookies, some players are stars right off the bat. Derrick Rose, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony…you get the picture. In that case, it would be in the Miami Heat’s best interest to wait for a fresh face. But with Afflalo and Dragic, you already know what to expect. You know their strengths and weaknesses, what exact set of skills they could bring to the team, etc. I guess you have to take a risk every once in a while though, right? Bring on the newbie.
Chris Posada (@CpoTweetsStuff) Only for Dragic. The Heat are in desperate need of a point guard that can break down defenses, shoot well, and distribute the basketball. Dragic does all three of those things. Bad news is that the Heat’s first round pick isn’t assured until 2017 or 2018 at the earliest, depending on what happens with this year’s pick. Miami just doesn’t have any other assets to put together a compelling package unless they can involve other teams.
Feb 9, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; New York Knicks center Amar
2. If the Knicks buy out Amar’e Stoudemire, should the Heat consider signing him?
Goldberg: I’m actually not against this. Stoudemire can do some stuff with the ball in ISO situations, which is something that fits in Miami’s scheme (for better or worse). He’s no good playing defense, but for a few minutes a game it could help. Especially in place of Udonis Haslem or Shawne Williams.
Tachauer: Meh. Somehow over the last few years, Stoudemire’s value has gotten lost in translation. His numbers are not necessarily bad, but he has been…lackluster as of late. That is, when he has even played. While I still absolutely respect him, and his size adds a kind of presence to any team, right now, I think I will pass.
Posada: Sure, the Heat need more guys who breakdown at a moment’s notice. In all seriousness, because they need something resembling basketball players coming over the bench, why not roll the dice on Amar’e? Problem is he’ll probably want to go to a team with a better chance at doing something in the playoffs, which means he’ll probably end up in Dallas, or to Phoenix, if he wants to go back to where it started.
Dec 23, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Mario Chalmers (left) talks with Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (right) during the first half against Philadelphia 76ers at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
3. Who of Miami’s current crop of guards do you want to see starting alongside Dywane Wade in the backcourt when he returns?
Goldberg: I would like to see Dwyane Wade take over the point guard duties and move Mario Chalmers to shooting guard. Even if it’s a Suns-type situations where both guys get PG duties, Rio has been the most consistent of the point guards and deserves the start.
Tachauer: Can we pretend this question does not say “current,” and steer the conversation back to Mo Williams? No? Okay, fine. Listen, I still want Norris Cole to succeed. I want him to wake up tomorrow and be the player he was in 2010, scoring an average of 21.7 points and 5.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists at Cleveland State. But, if we are being realistic, I say give Shabazz Napier a chance. Yes, he has been inconsistent so far but that is something you get with Mario Chalmers anyways. Sometimes change is good.
Posada: Ugh. Can I pass? (Editor’s Note: NO.) Gun to my head, it would have to be Chalmers. Since Wade is the ball-handler, Chalmers would be better suited to play off of him, as he can score (at times) and wouldn’t allow him to distribute as much.
Mar 22, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Miami Heat forward Michael Beasley (8) drives past New Orleans Pelicans guard Anthony Morrow (3) during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Heat 105-95. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
4. Take your pick: Jordan Crawford or Michael Beasley.
Goldberg: As tempting as bringing Beasley and his instant offense back may be, Crawford plays a major position of need. As a backup for Wade, he could help prevent those dreadful point guard pairings that has tripped up the Heat’s offense.
Tachauer: B-Easy! Michael Beasley has certainly had an interesting professional career but had he stayed out of trouble (and put down the green), he could have been quite an asset; his offensive talent is there without a doubt. At least he seems to be doing well in China?
Posada: Crawford. Been there, done that with Beasley. Heat can use a guard that can score, and that’s Crawford. Is he an upgrade over what they currently have? Not in the slightest. But desperate times call for desperate measures.