Center Point: New Spark, Missing Flames
In his first two games with the Miami Heat, Shawn Marion has proved that no matter where he goes, he will always be “The Matrix”. Putting up 15 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and 3 blocks the first game, and 23 points and 18 rebounds the next, Marion has made all the personnel in Miami very relieved about making the decision to trade one of the NBA’s greatest centers of all time and Top 50 player, Shaquille O’Neal. Despite losing both games, he was outstanding, as expected, and also allowed his teammates to get their shots and improve their numbers. Dorell Wright played well in both games, as did Mark Blount, and, of course… D. Wade is D. Wade.
But it wasn’t and won’t be enough. If the Heat decide to keep Marion, and I think they should, they will need to continue revamping and improve the roster; especially at the Center and Point guard positions. Blount has held his own offensively, and has provided Miami with a good finisher for the penetrate and kick, but, as I’m sure you already know, he is notorious for being the worst rebounding big man probably ever since James Naismith invented the great game. They either need to trade him, or find a better big man that will grab boards and block shots, and let him come in off the bench. At the quarterback, aka the point guard, the Heat desperately need a level-headed, pass-first, veteran to run their offense. Although I’m a big White Chocolate (Jason Williams) fan, I don’t believe he has what it takes to warm up Miami and restore them as a championship calibur team. Trading him and Ricky Davis would be another gigantic step towards their improvement.
I do expect the Heat to start winning more games just by having a healthy Shawn Marion instead of an injured Shaq, but until they make some more roster changes they won’t pose as a threat to the top teams in the East. When Udonis Haslem returns from injury it will give them a better idea of where they stand, and what changes should be made for next season.
Here are some of the top Centers and Point Guards who will be free agents after this season. (restricted and unrestricted)
Centers
Emeka Okafor, Desagana Diop, Andris Biedrins, Jermaine O’Neal, Elton Brand, Nenad Krstic, Francisco Elson, and Kurt Thomas.
Point Guards
Tony Allen, Earl Boykins, Chris Duhon, Daniel Gibson, Jose Juan Barea, Monta Ellis, Baron Davis, Shaun Livingston, Sam Cassell, Juan Carlos Navarro, Sebastian Telfair, Jannero Pargo, Stephon Marbury, Carlos Arroyo, Louis Williams, Beno Udrih, Delonte West, Jose Calderon, Roger Mason, and Gilbert Arenas.
Who would you like to see in a Heat jersey? Who do you think gives them the best chance at being a contender?
Sources/Stats provided by Yahoo! Sports and NBA.com
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