With recent news of the NBA labor negotiations slowly progressing, and hope that the 2011-2012 season could be salvaged, we look at a few players the defending eastern conference champions should take a look at based on need and price range.
1. Samuel Dalembert: For many Heat fans, the 2011 NBA finals were filled with horror and disappointment which exposed many of the team's flaws. One of the major problems not only in that series but throughout the season was the lack of quality production from the center position. Throughout the regular season and up till the eastern conference finals, Head coach Erick Spolestra continued to tinker with the rotation and starting spot. Throughout the year, players like Joel Anthony, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Jamaal Magloire, Erick Dampier, Juwan Howard had their fair chances to bring quality consistent play, but in the end all failed misriably when matched up against the likes of Dwight Howard, Pau Gasol, Joakim Noah, and in last June to Tyson Chandler. Although Samuel Dalembert is not near all star level, many believe that he can fill what the Heat need out of a center, which is someone who knows his defensive assignment, crashes the boards, blocks shots and plays off the big 3 on the offensive end. Although there are better big men in this years free agent class, Samuel Dalembert can be an upgrade based on those abilities. Dalembert, who is from Haiti could be interested in playing for the heat due to Miami's haitian population and influence as well as having the chance to compete for an NBA title. With the Heat having salary cap restraints, Dalembert could come cheap at the veterans minimum, which is all the more reason to see him down Biscayne boulevard this upcoming season.
2. Shane Battier: After helping the young Memphis Grizzlies upset the number one seed San Antonio Spurs in the first round, Battier seemingly raised his stock and will be heavily pursued by many teams. Now, many will ask if the Heat have salary cap restraints how would they be able to pursue a free agent that is popular on the market like Battier will be. The answer to that question is simple, Battier who has played on 3 different teams in his 10 year NBA career has not gotten close to winning an NBA title, at age 33 he may not get many more chances. With that being said vets like battier think of winning first and money second. To have an addition like Battier would be great for the Heat, he would be a guy that could spot up and knock down long range shots and match up against some of the premiere perimeter players in the Game like Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant and Derrick Rose. If battier is truly stern on winning, then joining the heat would be the right move.
3. Tayshaun Prince: Similar to Batter, Prince is a veteran who has been suffering on lottery bound Detroit Pistons teams in the last few seasons that should be looking for a team that can help him get back to his winning ways. Prince at 6 foot 9 inches is a tall athletic combo forward that is a defensive specialist with championship experience. Prince would fit in well as a sixth man who would close out games and bring an offensive boost with his ability to create shots off the dribble as well as knock down the three point shot. Prince who was a teammate of Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and LeBron James on the 2008 U.S. "redeem team " that won gold, could be recruited to try to win his second NBA title on the heat.
4. Michael Redd: Due to injury plagued seasons the last few years, Redd would likely accept an offer for the veteran's minimum from a championship contending team. Like Prince, Redd was also on the "Redeem team" and is friends with LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade. Adding Redd would be a low risk high reward type of player off the bench. At one point Redd was one of the most deadliest shooters in the NBA and spread defenses around the court as soon as he touched the ball. If Redd is able to be 1/4th of what he was in 2004(all star year) then the heat will have a player who could spread the floor on drives and post ups form the big 3.
After the 2011 NBA finals loss many players decided to make a mockery of the Heat due to their feeling of disrespect and hatred, the same players may have themselves competing for roster spot on the very same team.
0 comments:
Post a Comment