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.