Miami Heat

Does the system make the player?

Ira Winderman — 2009-11-21T19:10:04-05:00

The Heat can score. It has shown that often enough.

But can it score enough to win?

Erik Spoelstra's postgame vent Friday in Toronto indicated otherwise, that, at least in his view, the clearest path to success is on the defensive end.

That certainly has been the way during the Riley regime.

Yet with Udonis Haslem now cast as a reserve, with Yakhouba Diawara barely utilized, with Jermaine O'Neal seemingly more intent lately on drawing charges than serving as a defensive deterrent, it certainly puts an awful lot of pressure on the system itself.

That said, it is a good system, a system that has proven to work when all five players play in lockstep.

But can a team that starts Michael Beasley and Mario Chalmers, and is undersized at small forward, rely on stops for a jumpstart?

The composition of the roster has changed since the prime Riley years.

The Heat no longer rolls out defensive stoppers.

In fact, is there a true perimeter stopper in this rotation, someone like James Posey, who arrives Sunday with the Hornets?

A mindset certainly is a powerful thing.

But sometimes it takes parts that mesh with the system.

When the schedule was loaded with home games and lottery opponents, it was easy to walk the defensive walk.

But now the opponents will be Orlando and Boston and Denver and the Lakers.

Against that opposition, it will take more than mere mindset games.

ASK IRA: Was passing on J-Will a mistake?

Ira Winderman — 2009-11-21T12:19:06-05:00

Q: Why did we pass on J-Will? He knew where the ball needed to go and had the ability to penetrate and could shoot? It looks like Chalmers is being used to just bring the ball past halfcourt and hand it over to Wade. -- Norm.

A: That will make Wednesday's game in Orlando interesting, with Jason Williams now starting for the Magic, with Jameer Nelson out. Remember, Williams said the Heat was his first choice this past summer. The Magic game could, metaphorically, be Mario's last stand. For as much as he accomplished with his shooting Friday in Toronto, Chalmers has yet to show consistent NBA-level playmaking skills.

Q: I'd hate to lose Cook unless we get back a pure shooter who can create off the dribble. I think we'd be kicking ourselves about losing Cook more than we will about losing Beasley. What say you? -- Cherrob.

A: I say that I remain a fan of Daequan. But I also say we need to see more of his work off the dribble, beyond the rhetoric from the staff. I think he has definitive gifts for his position and more athleticism than he has shown. Still, performances such as Friday's 1 of 5 in Toronto create cause for concern.

Q: Nate Robinson and David Lee (and maybe a first-round pick) for Michael Beasley? Gives us a starting power forward and a backup point guard? -- J.P.

A: No, no, no. Lee's numbers are inflated by Mike D'Antoni's system and why would the Heat need another backup point guard, when that's seemingly all it has at the position? Plus, Robinson and Lee are free agents at season's end. With Beasley, you at least have someone on the rookie scale for two more seasons. If you give up on Michael, it has to be for something more definitive than that.

Q: Arroyo, Cook, Jones, Randolph and Anthony. Seriously? Can't Riley swing a deal for at least a mid-level piece going into next year? We can still get some help without sacrificing our chance at Bosh or LeBron. -- Eddie.

A: With the Heat using cap space next summer, it will not have a mid-level exception. You can either use space or exceptions, but not both in the same personnel period.

Q: Ira, I find myself disagreeing with 80 percent of what you say. Just out of curiosity, what's your basketball pedigree? I played junior college. Can you raise that? -- Wilford.

A: I've covered the same team for 22 years, witnessing more than 1,700 of its games, when counting regular season, playoffs, preseason and summer league. And I've interviewed everyone from Ramsay to Riley, Bird to Beasley. And I once stayed at a Holiday Inn Express.

Raptors 120, Heat 113

Ira Winderman — 2009-11-20T21:46:08-05:00

Observations from Friday's 120-113 loss to the Raptors at Air Canada Centre:

This was Michael Beasley as advertised. He was aggressive both in the scoring column and on the boards. Even more than that, he pushed through adversity after the Heat went down 23. Because of his play in the third quarter, it became a game. He finished with 21 points and 12 rebounds before fouling out with 41.5 seconds to play.
Down 69-49 at halftime, the Heat drew within 89-83 after three quarters.
Mario Chalmers displayed a spirit in the second half that this team has been waiting a while to see. This time he competed, after a miserable first half. The kids certainly were all right. Chalmers' previous scoring high this season had been 16. His career high had been 23.
Isn't Jermaine O'Neal supposed to be a shot-blocker? So why does he continue to back off plays and attempt to draw charges, bids that often end in blocking fouls?
At one point in the second quarter, Shavlik Randolph pulled Beasley aside to explain a play. Let that marinate for a while. To his credit, Beasley continued to push through his uneven start.
It took Dwyane Wade (pictured at left) until the midpoint of the first quarter for his first basket, a driving layup. He was aggressive this time, attacking the rim.
Slump? What slump? Wade is back, even if the shooting percentage still is off.
At one point in the third quarter Erik Spoelstra was all the way to midcourt, imploring his team to push the pace. For the Heat it too often slows to a crawl. To his credit, Spoelstra finally got his team on the move. Aggressive. Attacking.
Spoelstra tried to buy time in a four-point game in the fourth quarter with a iineup of Randolph, Joel Anthony, Chalmers, Carlos Arroyo and Daequan Cook. Wade re-entered with Toronto up 93-87.
Clearly the Heat wanted to keep 3-point shooting in the starting lineup, with the decision to start James Jones in place of sidelined Quentin Richardson.
Jones provided little on the defensive end. So, again, is there faith in Dorell Wright or not? Wright did enter at the start of the second quarter, but played only minimal minutes.
The Heat opened with Beasley on Andrea Bargnani, so O'Neal didn't have to chase the Raptors center to the 3-point line.
Wade again was given the opportunity to share the court in the first quarter with Anthony, Randolph, Jones and Arroyo. Wade got some relief when Cook then entered for Jones.
Randolph actually had his moments, with Udonis Haslem again out.
Why is this team so quick to abandon O'Neal in the post? The offense starts there in the first quarter, but too often drifts elsewhere.
There was no public change in the Heat's spectator status when it comes to Allen Iverson, even after the Knicks took their pass. Yet if Iverson accepts a non-guaranteed minimum and signs off on agreeing to play as a reserve, that could change rather quickly.

ASK IRA: What's up with Wade?

Ira Winderman — 2009-11-20T12:28:49-05:00

Q: Given that the Heat is now back to its typical wishy-washy style of getting to games on Cuban time and trying to win in the third and fourth, after giving up the entire first half, do you think Wade is one of those ridiculously moody players? The guy either shows up or he doesn't? -- Roberto.

A: I think Dwyane has so little in support that he essentially views whether he can win a game on his own. There do appear to be trust issues with Beasley, and perhaps now even with Chalmers. And with Jermaine so up and down, what is there really in the starting lineup? It's almost as if the energy Haslem brings awakens Dwyane. Yes, he is settling for too many jumpers. But is that because opponents are disregarding his teammates?

Q: I think what the Heat needs is an energy player that comes off the bench. Too many times when I am watching the Heat, the players are just standing around, with no energy and seem like they don't care about what is transpiring in the game. -- Moe.

A: I think management thought James Jones could/would deliver such a boost with his 3-point shooting. But among the reasons the Heat doesn't have an athlete coming off the bench is because it really doesn't have an athlete it trusts other than Wade. Actually, Haslem has been providing such a boost, but the issue now is whether the Heat needs that boost at the outset.

Q: Wow Ira, did you really not get any positive questions for Nov 19? Considering the Heat is 7-4, and will have good draft picks and a ton of cap space next offseason, I don't know how anyone could be acting like this season is a disaster. Please stop encouraging those people. -- Brian.

A: It was an honest reflection of the mail box that day. In an 82-game season, the moment can be fleeting, but it also is what drives the emotion. I'd say a 20-game sample would be a more accurate read on where this is headed.

Q: What is with the Heat's strong stance with Chalmers? He really contributes nothing to the game, the offense sputters horribly, he doesn't create, his on-ball defense is terrible. His role is to simply hand it off to anybody at the top of the key once he crosses halfcourt and that's it. So much for the Rondo comparison. -- Marc.

A: He works cheap and they see potential. I'm just not sure when the statute of limitations runs out on potential.

Q: Ira, it's sad to watch the Heat point guards unable to defend and to penetrate and dish or to create their own shot. How long must I suffer? -- Howard.

A: Until Chris Paul issues an ultimatum in New Orleans. Perhaps the Heat can consider Sunday's game a recruiting mission. (Actually, Carlos Arroyo creates his own shot, although he does go in that direction a bit too often.)

Wade: A slump or sign of the times?

Ira Winderman — 2009-11-19T19:10:48-05:00

You agree with Dwyane Wade, that this is merely a shooting slump, because it is difficult to consider the alternative.

You accept the fact that the Hawks are unique in their ability to "build a wall" around Wade, because Atlanta's unique mix of length and athleticism hardly is the rule in the NBA.

But you also have to consider the alternative. Or, to be more accurate, the alternatives.

Put yourself in the shoes of opposing coaches.

Do you really need to take measured steps in your closeouts on Quentin Richardson at the 3-point line, when he has not attempted a single foul shot all season, despite starting every game?

Do you have to cover the lane when Mario Chalmers comes off the pick-and-roll, considering how rarely he attacks in the paint?

Do you need to double-team Jermaine O'Neal, when the overwhelming majority of his attempts are fadeaway jumpers?

And for all of Michael Beasley's potential, he appears most at ease when lofting jumpers, hardly making himself a tough cover.

So why wouldn't you put an overwhelming focus on Wade, be it with zones, traps or double teams, when there isn't a single player in the Heat's starting lineup who otherwise commands extra attention?

Yes, a perfectly executed system still can get the Heat quality shots, especially against lesser opponents.

But at this stage, with Wade struggling, with the Heat having lost three of four, is it too early to reconsider this roster, the rotation, this lineup?

In some ways, Erik Spoelstra may be overachieving with what he has.

Because, otherwise, who, right now, deserves a second thought beyond Wade in the Heat's lineup?

ASK IRA: What about Monta Ellis in a Beasley deal?

Ira Winderman — 2009-11-19T11:58:04-05:00

Q: I read that Monta Ellis will soon be available. Do you think that the Heat should trade for him? He has explosive offensive skills that the Heat really needs and will definitely bolster the Heat at point guard. However, will it still leave space to sign a max-contract free agent along with Wade? -- Tony.

A: Monta's contract has four additional seasons to run, all at $11 million. And I'm not exactly sold he is a point guard (although I'm not sure that would matter alongside Wade). With any player who would eat into space, the question would be: Is it worth losing out on the possible chance to add LeBron or Bosh? Would Ellis help here? Sure. About the only way to make it work and preserve almost equivalent 2010 cap space to what is now available would be to include Beasley, Daequan Cook and James Jones in such a deal, since those three are on the books for about $11 million next season. Hmm.

Q: Our starting power forward grabbed zero rebounds in 23 minutes against the Thunder. I think Pat Riley is finally convinced to trade him now. What do you think of Rudy Gay plus filler for Michael Beasley? -- Henry.

A: I've never been a huge fan of Rudy, but word is the Heat does have a level of interest. In light of the Heat's significant lack of athleticism, I'd say you would have to at least think about it. With the lack of fourth-quarter faith in Michael, I just don't know if things are going to change here. Yes, I have been the first one to point out that Michael is only 20, but it's just not working so far.

Q: Do you feel the Heat has done a poor job of signing, drafting, keeping athletic players? There is very little pure athleticism on this team. -- Frank.

A: I think it got burned on Dorell Wright, and, perhaps, to a degree, on Beasley. While Dwyane Wade clearly is the most athletic player in the franchise's 22 seasons, it is becoming obvious how this team struggles when athleticism is added to the equation.

Q: Is it me or does it seem like Michael Beasley gets a lot of his shots blocked when going to the basket or when he's already at the rim? What is the coaching staff doing to help him change his approach? -- Ed.

A: I think there is only so much you can do. Michael is mostly a below-the-rim presence. He has to learn how to make that work. He is crafty, but not necessarily athletic.

Q: Chalmers is simply not getting it done. He's a great backup, but it's pretty clear he's not a starting point guard. -- J.P.

A: The Heat refuses to budge off that one. They desperately are trying to make it work.

Hawks 105, Heat 90

Ira Winderman — 2009-11-18T21:27:55-05:00

Observations from Wednesday's 105-90 loss to the Hawks at Philips Arena:

Once again the Heat offense stagnated early, often leaving nothing more than jumpers as options. That, in effect, had the Hawks off to the races.
The Hawks ended the first half on a 28-8 run. The Heat then opened the third quarter on a 13-2 run of its own.
Which is tougher for Dwyane Wade: Opening 4 of 14 from the field, or finding yourself running the pick and roll at the end of the third quarter with Shavlik Randolph and Joel Anthony?
It was a forgettable night for Wade, who shot 6 of 18 and saw his streak of 20-point games end at a franchise-record 23 in a row.
Erik Spoelstra again dared open the fourth quarter without Wade, with James Jones in his place. The Heat was within 79-72 at the end of the third quarter; it was 85-73 when Wade re-entered with 9:08 to play.
Without the threat of sidlelined Udonis Haslem poised to replace him, Michael Beasley made his first five shots, including a one-hand slam off a baseline dish from Mario Chalmers. And this time Beasley rebounded, too.
This time Beasley also mixed in a variety of drives with his jumpers.
Haslem missed the game with a strained left shoulder, hopeful of returning Friday in Toronto.
That left Randolph as the first power forward off the bench. Randolph entered with 1:03 to play in the opening period, his first action of the season.
Beasley and Quentin Richardson combined to score the Heat's first 17 points, with 11 coming from Beasley.
The rest of the starters opened 0 for 9, before Wade hit a short jumper. Wade shot 2 of 7 in the first quarter.
Richardson then left for good early in the third quarter with a lower-back strain.
When Jermaine O'Neal was called for his fifth foul with 8:55 to play, Spoelstra elected to allow O'Neal to play on. O'Neal's impact was minimal, even with his 12 points and seven rebounds.
There were times when Joe Johnson simply bullied Wade with his studier build, on the way to 30 points.
The difference in athleticism? Josh Smith blocks a Beasley inside attempt and then scores in transition the other way. (Beasley is pictured defending Smith.)
So what happens next? Mario Chalmers tosses away the ensuing inbounds pass after a timeout and Al Horford converts a dunk. Chalmers then gets called for his third foul while reaching for a steal and two Mike Bibby free throws extend the Hawks' run to 18-6.
A Josh Smith 3-point play made the run 21-6 and the Hawks' lead 56-39. The run would reach 28-8.
Still, in an encouraging sign, the Heat pushed back from there, with Beasley pushing back at Smith.
The Heat picked up from the line where it left off Tuesday, with O'Neal this time missing the games first two foul shots. The bigger issue Tuesday was the Heat's inability to get to the line.
After going all of Tuesday's Thunder game without a rebound, Beasley snagged one less than three minutes into the game and had another a minute later.
Jamal Crawford, of course, came in and hit his first shot, a 3-pointer from the Heat killer.
The Heat opened the second quarter with a lineup of Anthony, Randolph, Jones, Daequan Cook and Carlos Arroyo.
Jones hit his first 3-point attempt, to move to 3 of 3 from beyond the arc for the season.
To clarify a note from Tuesday: While the Heat moved upper-bowl fans down to better seats because of the small crowd Tuesday at AmericanAirlines Arena, similar relocations moved some in the lower bowl into upgraded seats, according to team executive Michael McCullough.

ASK IRA: Would the Heat look at Iverson?

Ira Winderman — 2009-11-18T13:28:05-05:00

Q: Now that Allen Iverson and the Memphis Grizzlies have parted ways, is he a possibility for the Miami Heat to sign? -- Gideon.

A: Not now. Not with the team at 7-3. And likely not after stories continue to surface about his treatment of the Grizzlies' coaching staff. For now, stability is the Heat's focus.

Q: Hey Ira, all this 'love' talk for Haslem -- his unselfishness, team dedication, etc. -- do you think he is being marketed as trade bait? -- Paul.

A: No, I think he's being valued as a contributor and believe Riley would like nothing more than to find a way to keep Udonis next summer. For now, it is undeniable that questions remain regarding Michael Beasley.

Q: What happened to Joel Anthony's newly developed offensive skills? He still looks very uncomfortable with the ball in his hands and dodges it like a grenade. -- Ananth.

A: Actually, Joel has done a decent job of catching the ball. But he never will be counted on to provide more than a basket or two during his stints.

Q: We keep talking about how bad Chalmers has been playing, but what about Cook? He over-dribbles and keeps over-dribbling and forcing shots, and he can't even pass and is turnover prone. The excuse has been that he's in a shooter's slump. But he's been in a shooter's slump since the All Star break last season. At what point do you know exactly what you're getting from him? -- Karim.

A: Because Daequan has had his moments where he has been as good as any reserve in the league, the Heat has a bit of extra patience. Yes, he likes to shoot. But when he gets on a roll, as was the case at the start of last season, he opens up the offense for the entire team. The kid has definitive NBA skills, he just has to develop greater consistency. Tuesday night was a step in the right direction.

Q: What do you think Riley thinks of Amare Stoudemire? Is he a max player? Is he a player you can win with? -- John.

A: I doubt Riley has him in his top tier. It doesn't really matter whether Amare deserves max money, since some team almost certainly will come close to that figure. Can you make the playoffs with Amare? Sure. Can you make the Finals? The Suns certainly came close.

Thunder 100, Heat 87

Ira Winderman — 2009-11-17T22:06:20-05:00

Observations from Tuesday's 100-87 loss to the Thunder at AmericanAirlines Arena:

A fracas late in the first half (pictured below) left Russell Westbrook and Jermaine O'Neal tangled, resulting in technical fouls for each. Westbrook also was called for an offensive foul on the play.
Despite being down 74-59 at the end of the third quarter, Erik Spoelstra dared this time give Dwyane Wade a few minutes off at the top of the final period.
But unlike during the games last week against the Wizards and Nets, this time there would be no comeback.
And with eight of its first 10 at home, is 7-3 really good enough?
And can anyone here make a free throw?
The Thunder hardly hid its intentions early, twice isolating Jeff Green against Michael Beasley on its initial possessions.
Beasley was shaky, opening 1 of 5, with a foul, a turnover, but no rebounds. Beasley, in fact, did not have a rebound over his 23 minutes.
Defending 6-11 Kevin Durant with 6-6 Quentin Richardson left the Thunder forward to score at will simply by shooting over the top. Durant scored 14 points in the opening period, but only two more in the second quarter.
Richardson became a non-factor, still yet to get to the foul line this season.
Mario Chalmers was back from the pinched nerve in his right shoulder that kept him out of the final three quarters of Saturday's victory over New Jersey. He did not attempt a shot in his initial nine-minute stint, with his first shot coming with 4:23 to play in the second quarter. It was his lone attempt of the first half.
O'Neal was back from the bruised hip that kept him out against the Nets. The Heat center was particularly active early against Nenad Krstic. It was the type of game that showed the value of having such a post presence.
Dorell Wright was back in the rotation after being held out Saturday against the Nets, getting his minutes before Daequan Cook was summoned.
The Heat went small in the second quarter with Wade and Cook first playing alongside Carlos Arroyo and then Chalmers. That briefly left Durant defending Wade.
The biggest positive of the night for the Heat? Daequan Cook's shooting stroke finally appears to be back. It is sorely needed.
With the deficit reaching 14 early, after a 20-1 Thunder surge, Spoelstra went 10 deep before the midpoint of the second quarter. The Heat trimmed the deficit to 45-42 at the intermission.
The first quarter ended ugly, with Wade called for a foul on a Durant 3-point attempt with seven-tenths of a seconds remaining and then whistled for a technical foul. Durant hit all four free throws for a 25-17 Thunder lead at the end of the period.
It was Wade's second technical of the season, with the previous one coming after glaring at Cleveland's Anderson Varejao after last week's dramatic dunk.
Wade tried a similar facial on Krstic in the second quarter, but missed the dunk, before being sent to the line for two free throws.
The good news is the Heat attempted 20 first-half free throws; the bad news is it converted only 12. The Thunder shot 9 of 10 from the line in the half.
The arena was so empty that an entire section in the upper deck was escorted to lower seats midway through the first quarter. Later, an upper-deck section was relocated to the lower bowl. "We're just trying to have some fun, add some energy," said team executive Michael McCullough.

ASK IRA: What's wrong with Wade carrying the load?

Ira Winderman — 2009-11-17T11:45:23-05:00

Q: I constantly hear comments of how Wade has to score a bunch of points "blah, blah blah." It's the same case with Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and so on. That's their role. That's why they get paid millions. -- Jorge.

A: But as I mentioned in Monday's paper, the difference is there is such a huge divide between Dwyane and the team's second-leading scorer. There is much more of an offensive support system for LeBron in Cleveland and Kobe in L.A. It is why Dwyane pushed so hard for Mo Williams as a free agent and why Dwyane so appreciated playing alongside Lamar Odom.

Q: I've been getting a kick out of all the dream-team scenarios for next year. If the planets aligned and we did sign LeBron, re-signed Wade, and added a third legitimate threat, would Riley "pull a Riley" and come back to coach? -- Andy.

A: I think Riley would be more inclined to light up a victory cigar, say "see ya!," and then have his mail forwarded to Malibu, from where he would go about signing six minimum-salary fill-in pieces. That, of course, would be after he has his picture taken alongside Wade, LeBron and Player X for the cover of the team's media guide.

Q: Let's say James and Wade wind up playing together. There is no way Spoelstra is coaching that team. So the question is, who's gonna dance at that party? -- Kevin.

A: Unless the Heat completely falls apart this season, I'd think Erik would be back. After all, Pat Riley would be selling any newcomer on the "culture," and Spoelstra has that part of the Riley plan down, well, pat. Of course, Byron Scott is available.

Q: If CP3 becomes available this season, should the Heat make a bid? What trade would work for both teams? -- Leo,

A: Of course it should. It would have to start with Beasley and Chalmers and likely some combination of draft picks.

Q: What is your "problem" with Beasley? Reading your posts, it seems that you don't like him and are always trying to find things to put him down. Is that because of Haslem? You prefer him better than Beasley? -- Sylvio.

A: I think if you go back and read my work in its entirety, you would come away with a more balanced view. My "problem" is Michael is a 20-year-old, one who plays like one and acts like one. His time will come. When it comes to Haslem, there is more consistency. Honestly, I would never waste time "disliking" anyone. What would be the point?