Kingdom

So finally, it's over, Lebron James made his decision to join the Miami Heat, forming a mega-trifecta. In the process, the Heat are left with the big three and not much else. Michael Beasley appears ready to be shipped to Minnesota for 2nd round picks. That only leaves point guard Mario Chalmers, who has ultimately done nothing to prove himself in the league as of yet. The Heat drafted three second rounders that might be able to contribute, especially power forward Jarvis Varnado as a big time shot blocker. The other picks, center Dexter Pittman and forward Da'Sean Butler could be the end of the bench guys. Right now, we know they won't have much money, if any, to sign players. They'll depend on minimum contracts, they'll hope for veterans wanting to chase a ring and take a discount. It is possible they will have a few dollars, depending on what the 3 big guys sign for, and if the Beasley deal does happen. So what's out there? They're going to need a center and defensive presence inside. They'll need sharpshooters, all championship teams have had those at their disposal. And they need a veteran point guard, albeit not a great one, just one that can manage (keep in mind, for every Chauncy Billups, Rajon Rondo, a prime Derek Fisher or Tony Parker, we've had a broken down Derek Fisher, Avery Johnson, Jason Williams, and broken down Gary Payton be the point for title winners). They simply need a high basketball IQ guy. But these are all in high demand for any contender.


The Sharp Shooter

Let's likely rule out JJ Redick and Mike Miller, they're geared for a multi year deal from someone worth more than a league minimum. There's an outside chance they could be swayed, but it's unlikely. Kyle Korver seems to be in this boat as well as Anthony Morrow and Nate Robinson. Ultimately, there's probably not going to be a lot of options that make sense, but maybe these guys would consider signing if the Heat were interest:

PF Matt Bonner- I think he probably stays with the Spurs, they give him a good opportunity as well, but if he were interested, the Heat would get a big man who's specialty is 3 point shooting and big men with range are nice pieces to have.

SF Tim Thomas- The man follows money, because once he's overpaid, he goes into hiding. But one of the few times he wasn't overly paid, in Phoenix, he actually worked for a contract the following season. He has range, and if were to provide something for a contender, maybe he walks into more undeserving cash.

SF Devean George- He's a capable 3 point shooter when necessary, and he has a lot of experience from his days in the Laker rotation. He hasn't been a factor since those days, and this would be an opportunity for him to share his championship experience.

SF Adam Morrison- Yeah, I had to go here. Let's face it, he's just an ugly cheerleader with the lakers. The only thing he can really do is shoot, this could be a chance for him to, um, at least wear a jersey?

SF Jarvis Hayes- He was a shooter in college, he's been primarily a shooter in the pros. He should be used to limited minutes. Did you know he was a lottery pick several years ago?

SF Quentin Richardson- Once a high flyer with Darius Miles (I'm dropping draft bust names like crazy now), he turned into a gunner. This is also unlikely, as his ego will have him thinking he's worth more. And it's possible someone pays him a lot again. But if he liked being on the Heat, and playing with Wade, he'd have a golden opportunity to stay in South Beach. He's also not above pissing off the Boston Celtics.

SG Michael Finley- Sort of a sad ending to his career, as he has done nothing at the tail end but follow contenders. If he doesn't retire, he seems a likely favorite to join the Heat.

SG Luther Head- Just what Lebron's new team needs, Head. He's a gunner, that's all he really was in college for Illinois, and he was off the bench for Houston. He has disappeared a bit, but this would be an opportunity.

PG Jannero Pargo- A couple of years ago, when Chris Paul was leading the Hornets to a playoff run, this man was coming off the bench and scoring 30 some in spots. He could do the same, reel off threes left and right for the Heat.

PG Eddie House- He began his career with the Heat. His most important work came with Boston. He can be the same valuable reserve he was for the Celtics, and that's exactly what the Heat need.

PG Rafer Alston- He's crazy. He's streaky. He has And1 Streetball cred. Let's say he returns to the Heat, again, I don't think his mental instability becomes much of an issue with three huge alpha males present. He can shoot, and that's what the Heat will need.

PG Derek Fisher- I think this is even more of a stretch than the Heat luring a Redick or Korver for pennies. If the Lakers want him back, why would he consider leaving? And missing out on a 3 peat? But we can't rule it out, just yet. He'd kill two birds with one stone, veteran leader at the point as well as clutch shooter. I don't see it, but it's worth tossing about.


Next entry:
We'll look at the bigs and specialty players.