The Miami Heat are Having a Terrible Offseason

You'd think the 2006 NBA Champs would be poised to overhaul the roster this summer, especially since Miami was swept out of the 2007 playoffs by the Chicago Bulls in the first round.

Except the Heat have regressed.

First, Miami boggles minds everywhere by taking a shooting guard with their first round pick in the NBA draft, selecting upside guy Daequan Cook, a freshman from Ohio State. He plays the same position occupied by the Heat's top player, Dwyane Wade.

Next, the Heat allow their best shooter, Jason Kapano, to sign with Toronto.

Now, it appears as if Miami could be on the verge of signing overrated point guard Steve Blake since Mo Williams is looking for too much money, And the Heat's third best player, James Posey, is likely not going to return as well.

What is Pat Riley doing in South Beach?

There aren't many solutions with the free agent market quite barren, and Shaq isn't getting any younger. It's probably a good idea to pass on Blake, though, and if you're going to pass on James Posey, then perhaps a player like Travis Outlaw should be brought in to play small forward.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

7-07-2007 @ 5:55PM

Victor said...

Well to answer your question, the Heat signed Marcus Slaughter, a 6'8 223 pound SF/PF who was a defensive specialist in Europe and plays above the rim.

They also signed a shotblocking Center in Joel Anthony 6'9 240 pounds who also got defensive awards. Jeremy Richardson, a scoring guard was also signed to a contract. Riley is seeking talent that has had playing experience in other leagues and most of the summer league invitees are defensive minded players. I like what Riley's doing unlike the author of this article.

7-07-2007 @ 5:59PM

TheBigLead said...

You call those impact players? Would any of them crack the starting lineup?

7-07-2007 @ 7:55PM

Brad said...

The offseason isn't over. If they can somehow snag Gerald Green or another offense-orientated forward and a point guard that isn't horrible, the Heat will be just fine.

The Heat really need a 3rd scoring option.

7-08-2007 @ 3:11AM

dbrown0012 said...

Jason Kapono is overpaid by toronto. He'll be a disappointment like Damon Jones is with the Cavs. I pray that the Heat willnot sign steve Blake. Also,Riley does'nt like to play his young players too much.He played those old players like Payton and Eddie jones. That is another reason why the Heat was knocked out of the playoffs in the first round.

7-08-2007 @ 12:31PM

How'd you get your own Blog??? said...

The Big Lead: When Brian Grant and Eddie Jones' contracts were killing our cap, he turned it into Shaq + Jason Williams + Walker + Posey + his very first NBA Championship as a GM.

""""First, Miami boggles minds everywhere by taking a shooting guard with their first round pick in the NBA draft, selecting upside guy Daequan Cook, a freshman from Ohio State. He plays the same position occupied by the Heat's top player, Dwyane Wade."""" The last time Riley made a questionable pick in a position that was already taken, that player turned out to be Dwyane Wade.

Seriously, AOL gives you a blog and you think you are above a proven Hall of Famer...

7-08-2007 @ 1:07PM

Slaughter may very well become an impact player as for the others, they're there to create energy on the defensive end. Riley had dinner with Mo Williams last night and I still believe a trade will go down.

Marcus Slaughter highlights
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykknsM4v8UI

Joel Anthony highlights
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOCHLT5kkXk

7-09-2007 @ 4:13PM

jitesh patel said...

well so what if they are having a terrible offseason shaq promised a ring to miami and he bhrought it now all is well in miami so whats wrong??? the heat will struggle agian this up comming season cause shaq will go down with another injury wade will have to shoulder the burden hehe no pun intended wade should be 1005 healthy but they still wont come out of the east yall in miami got your rings now just dissapear cause 3 or 4 teams in the east are better then the heat

7-08-2007 @ 6:07PM

Old Skool Raidah said...

Sorry folks but I've gotta go with The Big lead on this one. If those are the best players the Heat will be able to sign,including Blake, well, the Heat are about to lose a fan.

I was not a fan of Riley's "Thug Ball" back with the "Knocks" in the 90's. That trash took my great game and league into the Dark Ages. Ugly, uninspiring, and , quite frankly, more about keeping a job as a so-called coach than actually being innovative and creative. You see, any D*** body can walk the ball up the floor, take the shot clock down to 2 seconds before shooting (I mean flinging up something towards the rim), and foul on every play knowing the refs can't call every foul (See the sorry 2007 Finals Cavs team. Whew. The stench still smells. And their so-called coach is still clueless.) I'm seeing the same thing being reincarnated with these signings.

And no Kapono was not overrated. The Heat need to keep Posey, get an athletic SF, and a PG who can shoot the 3. Anything less and I'm pulling for anyone who plays against the Riley "Thug Factor.

Peace