Chalmers Continues Strong Summer League As Heat Lose

I think the question deserves to be asked, albeit at this extremely early stage of their NBA careers - was Mario Chalmers, not Michael Beasley, the real gem of the 2008 Draft?

The reason I ask is because, in Wednesday's loss to Indiana in the Orlando Pro Summer League, the Heat's Chalmers showed why he is a legitimate contender for the team's starting point guard job. He did have 7 turnovers, but this was a vast departure from his comparatively error-free Monday and Tuesday efforts. Super Mario finished with 23 points and 6 assist in the 95-84 loss to the Pacers. What has impressed (and surprised) is Chalmers emerging point guard talent - he drives to the basket hard (he finished 17 of 17 from the foul line in yesterday's game), he creates opportunities for other people (averaging 7 assists a game in summer league is pretty remarkable for someone who wasn't considered a true point guard coming out of college), and he's a shut-down defender. His stat line for the tournament reads thus far: 17.7 points, 7 assists, and 2.7 steals per game. He already outplayed Rose (and it wasn't even close). Thursday, he gets the chance to face fourth overall pick Russell Westbrook as the Heat take on Oklahoma City.

For Beasley's part, he posted 17 points and 8 rebounds, but hardly made a significant dent in the game. This is a positive development if we're looking at silver linings - when you score 17 points and grab 8 boards in an "off" night, you're probably an exceedingly special talent. Beasley was virtuoso on Monday, and quite pedestrian on Tuesday and Wednesday. Chalmers has been masterful in many different ways in all three games. Advantage Chalmers for now, advantage Heat in the long run for nabbing two players with such glaring promise.

Round 1 Goes to Beasley AND Chalmers

Michael Beasley had 28 points and 9 rebounds, while Mario Chalmers finished with 11 points, 6 assists (to just 1 turnover), and 6 steals in comparison to Derrick Rose's 10 points, 5 assists, and 5 turnover, as the Miami Heat steamrolled past the Chicago Bulls 94-70 on the first day of the Orlando summer league. The Heat's 2008 draft dazzled, and schooled the Bulls' last 3 drafts. Not only did Chalmers outplay Rose, but Beasley looked dominant against NBA regulars Joakim Noah and Tyrus Thomas. He was driving aggressively to the basket, hitting baseline jumpers, and even connected on a 3 pointer. Chalmers, meanwhile, showed stifling defensive acumen, suffocating Bulls guards including Rose.

It is just one game. It is a summer league game. But against NBA competition (Noah, Thomas, and Rose), both Beasley and Chalmers dazzled. As far as the Beasley vs. Rose comparison, there was none - in the end, they both played to their college numbers, and that is a winning proposition for the Heat every time. So smile, Miami - the Heat aren't back, but they're closer than ever with these two competitors waiting in the wings.

Early July Heat Tidbits

* It wasn't quite that big a scare after all. After being accidentally elbowed in the chest during his first Heat practice, Michael Beasley received a diagnosis of a fractured sternum, but doctors say that he will be able to play all of the summer league games this week in Orlando, the first spotlighting a matchup of #1 (Derrick Rose) and #2 (Beasley) as the Bulls take on the Heat on Monday. Beasley will wear a protective vest underneath his Heat summer league jersey and said, with characteristic bravado, "I'm going to play until my chest caves in." I like him already.

* Everyone is eagerly awaiting 2010, not because there's a temporary moratorium on estate taxes (well, maybe for some tax law geeks and the soon-to-inherit), but because that's when Dwyane Wade, Lebron James, and a host of other gems become available free agents. The Heat appears to be saving for that year as well - they obviously want to be in a position to retain Flash. So as far as the Heat's free agent options are concerned, then, they're just looking to use as much of the $6 million mid-level exception as they can.

* Some names being thrown out as options - Portland forward James Jones (former Miami Hurricane sharp-shooter and shot-blocker extraordinaire), Pacers center David Harrison, former #1 pick and current bust Kwame Brown, Nets center Nenad Kristic, and Golden State center Patrick O'Bryant. Color me unimpressed with the viable options.

* One intriguing option is Golden State guard Monta Ellis. Ellis appears interested in becoming a member of the Heat, and the Heat seem to be reciprocating. Two problems with that scenario, however: (1) the Warriors are desperate to keep Ellis, especially after Baron Davis departed so unceremoniously to the Clippers and (2) Ellis comes with a price tag, and he isn't even a true point guard, the real "need" position for the Heat.

* Summer league notes: St. Joe's rookie forward Pat Calathes has had a few strong days of scrimmaging, and there's speculation he may make the Heat regular season roster as a 3-point specialist; former Miami Hurricane center Anthony King (projected to be a power forward at the next level) has earned himself a place among the Heat summer leaguers in Orlando. King is an extreme longshot to make the Heat roster, given the logjam at power forward and his limited offensive skill set.

Beasley to Face Rose on Monday

Can't wait to see Michael Beasley in a Heat uniform? Can't wait to see Beasley prove who got the better of the deal between Miami and Chicago on draft night? Well, truth is, you don't have to wait. The Heat open summer league play on Monday in Orlando against the most anticipated of rivals - Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls. Beasley is on record as saying that one of his goals as a professional is to go down in history as the best player to emerge from the 2008 Draft. The first step of that ambitious journey takes place on Monday.

The Heat, who will be coached this summer by assistant and Heat legend Keith Askins (Erik Spoelstra used to have this role, but he has bigger fish to fry now), will feature a lineup including second round pick Mario Chalmers, returning players Daequan Cook, Stephane Lasme, and Kasib Powell, as well as undrafted free agents Pat Calathes (the St. Joseph's forward whose brother, Nick, plays for the Florida Gators), Louisville center David Padgett, and Davidson point guard Jason Richards.

For those that suffer from post-football, post-basketball July funk, this is always an exciting time. I count August in that annual ennui as well, but this year we have the Beijing Olympics to relish! September rolls around and college football is in full swing again. In the dog days of summer, it's always nice to have some highlights to look forward to.

One final note: Greg Cote argued for the Heat to hotly pursue Clippers star Elton Brand in yesterday's Herald. While I would love for this to happen, it seems incredibly unlikely - Brand has expressed a strong desire to remain a Clipper, and L.A.'s probable signing of Baron Davis will likely reinforce Brand's preference to build a contender in the city of angels.

What Will the Heat Do?

I don't know. Seriously, I don't know, and apparently neither does anyone outside of Pat Riley. The prevailing report today is (and this comes from several papers) that...nobody knows what Riley will do!

So let's step inside Riley's head for a moment. He's relishing all the attention, and he sees this as an opportunity to make gold out of what previously appeared a dismal situation.

I think he REALLY wants Elton Brand, but I'm guessing against the deal happening. Will he pass on Beasley and take O.J. Mayo? I say no. When all is said and done, I suspect the Heat will follow form and take Michael Beasley (unless Derrick Rose is available, of course).

NOTE: The Heat are not done if they take Beasley. In fact, they would probably take him and trade him if a trade is to be done, so don't flip off the television.

Rose or Beasley? Hmmm.

I've given this more and more thought over the last few days, and I've come to only one conclusion:

They're both about even. How's that for taking a stand! I know somewhere in our readership, an AP English teacher is thinking: "When you make a persuasive argument, pick a side!" Yes, yes, I know. And yet, I'm hopelessly straddling the fence. They have a number of pros and cons, and it just seems to break out evenly right now. Before the draft takes place, though, I promise to endorse one.

I should add, however, that in their evenness, they both dwarf O.J. Mayo in my estimation. I don't want the Heat to trade the pick, and I certainly don't want them taking Mayo. There, that's a stand!

Rose Does, In Fact, Work Out for Heat

There had been some speculation that Derrick Rose was so determined to be the Bulls' #1 pick that he wouldn't bother working out for the Heat. While his loyalties may be leaning heavily towards Chicago, he finally made an appearance for Miami.

As ESPN reports here, the session took place NOT in Miami but in Santa Monica, CA. Here's a good excerpt:

"Armstrong said there was no intent to slight the Heat but the tight scheduling window of wanting to wait until after the Bulls scheduled workout prevented Rose from going to Miami this weekend. Rose will be in New York late Monday night for the draft and they didn't want Rose having to crisscross the country multiple times back to his L.A. base where he has been working out during the draft process."

While I'm hardly impressed with Rose's dedication, I don't think we should come down too hard on the guy. You can't blame him for wanting to play in his home town, and I'd wager he'd be especially motivated to beat the Bulls if they pass on him. Either way, Rose should be fine.

"I Hope The Bulls Pick Me," Says Rose

You heard it from the Memphis point guard himself. He and his brother say they will not visit Miami before the Draft. There is no need. Their minds are made up already. Rose has hired former Bulls guard B.J. Armstrong as his agent. I can't say that I'm stunned. Derrick Rose is from Chicago. The prestige of being the #1 overall selection would be quite alluring to anyone. And the Bulls, like it or not, are closer to a championship than the Heat.

That said, the future is still bright for Miami if they decide to select Kansas State forward Michael Beasley and be done with it. Remember that for most of the college basketball season, this guy was it. It isn't his fault that the fickle winds of sports opinion have swung wildly in favor of Rose recently. Beasley's amazing talents have not faded in recent months. He has not suffered serious injury. He is still universally projected to be an NBA all star by all reputable draft experts.

Drafting Beasley means the Heat will have a superfluity of power forwards. One of them needs to be let go to make room for the man-child. The Heat still need a point guard - badly. The Bulls now could use a power forward. If I were Riles, I'd propose a Udonis Haslem for Kirk Hinrich trade (maybe throw in a little Marcus Banks for them, since he's useless). We could have Hinrich and Chris Quinn at point guard (yes, I know Shaq would disagree with me here, but Quinn proved very suitable in last year's NBDL lineup we fielded). I'm not too unhappy with a starting lineup of Hinrich, Wade, Marion, Beasley, and Zo.

OJ Mayo? Really Pat?

On May 20th, I sat in front of my television sweating like a pig, shaking, like I had just witnessed a murder. The truth is, I was watching some guy called Adam Silver pull out NBA team logos from an envelope. As the announcement of the top 3 picks arrived, I began praying to any higher power: Jehova, Jesus, Allah, Dwyane Wade, etc. When Silver announced that the Timberwolves were to pick 3rd in the NBA draft, it was finally over. Months of stressing ended in a final sigh of relief for me, we finally had it, the #2 pick.

At one point, this was the ultimate gift for the Miami Heat. It was easy, there were no worries about "Rose vs Beasley," one of them was going to fall to us. Let Chicago carry the burden of picking the ultimate superstar, and embrace the other. First we heard that the Bulls are going to choose Beasley, they already have a solid Point Guard, and Rose was going to be ours. Then we heard that they would pick Rose, we would end up with Beasley. A 19 year old who averaged 26/12 in his freshman year, cool, I can deal with that. So for days I basked in the beauty that were these rumors, until the inevitable turning point came.

Suddenly Chad Ford, an ESPN NBA "expert," began to throw "O.J. Mayo to the Heat" talk at us. Great, exactly what we need, an easily disgruntled, problem filled, shooting guard. Let me remind you Heat fans who tried to forget that Miami had a basketball team after last year's disaster. Dwyane Wade, remember him? Yeah, he's also a shooting guard. Anyways, Ford insisted that it is now a 3 man race between: Mayo, Beasley and Rose. Did I miss something, or did O.J. Mayo have some amazing preformance that boosted him in front of Beasley? Suddenly, questions arose regarding Beasley, as I sat in my chair with the urge to run to Bristol, Connecticut and introduce Chad Ford to the inside of my hand.

Then the reports began to come in "that O.J. and Dwyane Wade have been talking a lot and going out to dinner." As these rumors moved along, it has become more apparent that our star, Dwyane Wade, wants O.J. Mayo. If anybody can talk Pat Riley into making a decision, its the guy who has kept him relevant, "Flash" himself. All of these stories have come with those of "Rose to the Bulls." Now, could the heart of our team, D-Wade, be worried that with the addition of Beasley, his number of touches will decline? Is Dwyane that selfish? Let's hope not.
To be honest, I am too weak to handle all of this talk. I have begun fighting with myself.

-"Hey, when has Riley ever given away inside information on any of his decisions?"
-"Wait, isn't this the guy that wanted Chris Kaman over Dwyane Wade?"

So all we can do now is wait. Feverishly, uncomfortably wait. Why do I put myself through all this?

Heat Draft Choices Don't Measure Up

It's a well-known fact that basketball players tend to overstate their height. There are a number of ways to justify this phenomenon, but it's somewhere in between innocence and the more unseemly trend of baseball players understating their age.

Well, eventually the truth comes out. As Michael Wallace of the Miami Herald reports, there is a major height inconsistency with one of the Heat's potential draftees. Let's see which one.

1. Derrick Rose: Listed at 6'3. 6'1 1/2 without shoes, 6'2 1/2 with shoes. Not that bad at all.

2. Michael Beasley: Listed at 6'10. 6'7 without shoes, 6'8 1/4 with shoes. WHAT??? That's not even close!

I'm beginning to lose hope in the idea of the Bulls taking Beasley over Rose. Beasley just seems to keep developing negatives, while Rose is soaring. Do the Heat want a 6'7 Beasley at PF? I'm not sure, but I'd still take him over OJ Mayo in a heartbeat.

Beasley to the Bulls a Decoy?

It seems pretty evident that everyone here at The South Florida Fan (TSFF) wants the Bulls to take Michael Beasley so the Heat can claim Derrick Rose. Both EJ and I had heard reports that the Bulls were seriously leaning Beasley, which would pave the way for our dream come true.

Since we expounded on that speculation, it would only be fair to present the counterpoint. According to the well-versed Steve Alexander of rotoworld.com, we shouldn't be jumping to conclusions:

"Oh, and as for Joey Dorsey's claim that he knows the Bulls and John Paxson will take Michael Beasley with the first pick. Um, no Joey, incorrect. I guarantee you Paxson hasn't even had time to focus on that draft pick, as he's still trying to shuffle things together and find a frickin' coach! Once he does that (um, Mike D'Antoni is no longer available, Jerry Reinsdorf), then Pax and his mystery coach can get together and talk about whether it's Beasley or Derrick Rose (I say Rose - Duh). But out of all the stories I've heard, I believe Paxson. No way he has even given serious consideration to his draft choice at this point. He still needs to find a head coach, who will also have a say in the matter. And as for Reinsdorf still being in charge in Chicago? Turn the page."

Well, Doug Collins was just named the coach. I'm assuming he has considerable sway in this decision, so let's pray he likes Beasley.

Oh, and it may not be the worst thing if the media quiets down on Beasley to the Bulls...we wouldn't want them psyching Chicago into rethinking (if it is indeed true).

NBA Insight and More

Is it just me or are the NBA rumors more interesting than the games? Since the Heat aren't going from worst to first, lets look at reality. A healthy Wade (if not all future entries with be discontinued and I'll be watching Bill Murphy in Groundhog day), Marion (so what if it's 17m plus) and Beasley (I love lefties) as your top three. Haslem, Wright, Banks, and Mourning as your 5 to 8. Basically we need to find a number 4 to be a playoff team and beat an aging Detriot,and a not really that good Boston. Nobody scares me and the Portland State grad will suprise with his coaching.

Breezing thoughts: Quit telling me to go see the Marlins after 13 years of garbage. I'll take the Heat title for this season's record, but baseball's about hope and mine looks like it's moving to Cuba. Do they have hockey down here? Orlando would be better. Can't wait until the NBA draft hoping for a rose to bloom.

Good News For Those Who Want Rose For Heat

Although Bulls GM John Paxson says that Chicago has yet to decide who it will take in next month's draft, a credible inside source with the Bulls says that they have decided to take Kansas State forward Michael Beasley.

Today, in an Orlando, FL draft camp, Memphis forward Joey Dorsey, Derrick Rose's college teammate, says the exact same thing.

I'm a sports pessimist by nature, but my nostrils are starting to smell Rose(s) in Miami.

Should the Heat Go For Elton Brand?

We've talked about the possibilities for Heat trades. They have a very moveable big-salaried chip in Shawn Marion, along with the trusty #2 pick. Elton Brand's name is being thrown around in a number of places, so I'm curious to know what you all think.

Is Brand over the hill, or can he be the dominant inside punch to another Wade-led championship team? If the Heat could get him without dealing the pick and also manage to bring in Ron Artest, wouldn't this be exciting?

PG Derrick Rose
SG Dwyane Wade
SF Ron Artest
PF Udonis Haslem
PF/C Elton Brand/Zo/FA

That would be a whole lot of athleticism on the floor. Possible? Good?

Be Satisfied with the #2 Pick

Heat fans, you should be very satisfied with the #2 pick. Going into last night, this should have been the mindset:

- 3 or 4, bad
- 2 good
- 1 great

The key thing was to avoid the 4th pick, which had some pretty high odds (we demonstrated that). There are two premier players in this draft (Rose and Beasley), so the Heat are assured one of them.

EJ and I both think the Heat would be better off with Rose, and early indications are that the Bulls covet Beasley. Imagine if the Heat got their guy and paid less!

Another possibility is trading the pick, which still has tremendous value at #2. The Heat could try and package the pick with Shawn Marion for a better superstar or fill a few holes with complementary players. A number of good trading partners come to mind, including Portland (Kevin Pritchard is always trying to swing a deal, and they have copious assets), Sacramento (Ron Artest and a package), Dallas, Charlotte, Indiana, Memphis...the list goes on. The Knicks would love to acquire it, but I'm not sure what the Heat would take in return (David Lee wouldn't be enough, and I seriously hope Eddy Curry isn't being considered). Lots of possibilities regardless.

It's time to put the past behind us and focus on a bright future. The Heat are in good shape.

Heat Fails To Get #1 Pick, But Have To Be Smiling

There are three ways to feel about the Chicago Bulls this morning - frustrated, annoyed, and livid. The team with the 1.7% chance of landing the first selection in next month's NBA Draft got that advantageous bounce of the lottery ball on Tuesday night before Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Insert favorite complaint about the system here.

For the Heat, although I am genuinely disappointed that they do not get to pick from whomever they like among the collegiate ranks, I console myself with the thought that #2 is a no-lose situation, and that it could have been a lot worse. Look, the consensus among Heat fans is that Derrick Rose would be the better fit. I think Rose would be the better fit. But if the Bulls make the smart choice and draft the Chris Paul-like talent, the Heat would in no intelligible sense be "settling" for Kansas State beast Michael Beasley (how's "Michael Beastley" for an early moniker?). A freshman averaging 26 points and 12 rebounds in the Big XII is a surreal talent. The last time a Big XII freshman put up those numbers? Kevin Durant. Tell me you wouldn't be smiling if the NBA Rookie of the Year put on a Heat uniform as a matter of course.

So take your hands off the panic button. While it is true that NBA point guards (Paul, Deron Williams, Tony Parker, etc.) are prized commodities nowadays, so are NBA power forwards (Durant, KG, Gasol, 'Sheed, etc.). You don't pass up amazing talents, no matter what position they play. Period.

Lottery Details, Expectations

After reviewing the ins and outs of the NBA lottery process, it seems to make as much sense as another game involving ping pong balls: beer pong. Of course, nothing really registers when you play beer pong, so maybe that's a step up.

Let me make it simple for you. Here are the Heat's probabilities:

1st pick: 25%
2nd pick: 21.46%
3rd pick: 17.72%
4th pick: 35.82%

So yes, you read that correctly. Despite having the worst record, the Heat have (yes, I insist on plural) the highest probability of getting the 4th pick.

According to custom, they'll reveal each team's picks going down from 14 to 1. Here's your trusty pick-to-pick guide for how to react:

4th pick:
A. Miami is called. Go throw your champagne bottle at the wall, then clean it up next week.
B. Another team. Take a big sigh of relief. The probabilities shift to: 1st pick 38.95%; 2nd pick 33.44%; 3rd pick 27.61%

3rd pick:
A. Miami is called. Utter some profanities at the TV, then put your champagne back on the rocks.
B. Another team. Jump up and down! New probabilities: 1st pick 53.81%; 2nd pick 46.19%

2nd pick:
A. Miami is called. Pop open the champagne and sip it lightly. One of Derrick Rose or Michael Beasley will be coming to Miami, unless the Heat get something better in a trade.
B. Another team. Blow off that cork and party like it's June, 2006! Ugh...that seems so long ago.

So there you have it. Now go find that lucky Keith Askins jersey.

NBA Draft Lottery Approaching

Perhaps the most uniquely satisfying aspect of the NBA offseason is the NBA Draft Lottery. No other sport hosts such an event, where the fates of entire franchises come down to the random bounce of ping pong balls (unless you're a conspiracy theorist).

Well, the Heat may have stunk up the joint last year, but they've "earned" a 25% chance of getting the first pick (highest probability of all teams). That's what a disgusting 15 wins will do for you.

Much of the talk has focused on whether the Heat should draft Michael Beasley or Derrick Rose, but the Heat may not even be in that position. There's a very good chance they don't have either of the first two picks, so let's not get ahead of ourselves.

The lottery will take place on Tuesday May 20th, with the actual draft slated for June 26th. We'll have lots more coverage leading up to Tuesday.

Heat Should Draft Derrick Rose

Kansas State's Michael Beasley averaged 26 points and 12 rebounds a game. Reading that line over again, as a Heat fan, brings out my inner drooler. He is that rare "can't-miss" prospect who is #1 on most NBA teams' draft boards. So why in the name of Abe Vigoda would I possibly prefer Memphis Tigers point guard Derrick Rose?

Because college stats don't matter much to me, and "it factor" does. A brief list of big men who were stat monsters in college - Derrick Coleman, Danny Manning, and Kurt Thomas. I don't have to tell you that none of them will be sniffing the pro basketball hall of fame in this lifetime. Maybe Beasley turns out to be a star. I am not saying he won't. But as I was watching Rose lead his team through the Final Four (Memphis doesn't dream of the Elite Eight in Rose's absence), I saw what the Miami Herald's Israel Gutierrez accurately described as "the point-guard version of (Dwyane) Wade" (Anybody remember Marquette's run to the Final Four in 2003?).

Rose is everything the Heat needs more of - youth, explosiveness, scoring ability, a dazzling passing game, and leadership. Truth is, the Heat needs a point guard and it does not need a power forward. Udonis Haslem, when he was healthy, was one of the bright spots of the 2007-2008 season. We don't need to replace Haslem, we need to supplement him.

Think of this tantalizing thought - Chris Paul on the Heat. That is the type of upside potential Derrick Rose has. Conjure for a minute a lineup of Derrick Rose, Dwyane Wade, Shawn Marion, Udonis Haslem, and Random Decent Center. Tell me that is not a fantastically dynamic core of stars and semi-stars oozing championship potential for the next several years.