Ranking the Heat Rookies

In the midst doing a guest spot on 790 The Ticket's morning show earlier today, I was hit with a rather intriguing question regarding the Heat's performance this season.

The query was simple. Finding an answer, for me, was not.

The question: Which Heat rookie has had the best season, and which has had the worst. It was difficult enough to break down when I assumed the only logical answers were Michael Beasley or Mario Chalmers. But then came the twist.

First-year coach Erik Spoelstra was also thrown into the mix.

In my haste to avoid dead air, the cardinal sin of radio, my answer was that Mario had the best season and that Beasley slightly edged out Spoelstra as the one having the worst.

You could shuffle the order in any fashion and make a logical argument in this case. So I decided to bring the debate to you and get your feedback.

First, I'll defend my choices, in order.

1. Mario Chalmers - Despite some inconsistent moments recently, the second-round pick has delivered first-round value for the Heat. Chalmers is the only rookie point guard - and maybe only rookie overall - to start every game for his team this season. That alone qualifies him for first in the three-man race. 

Add in the fact that he ranks among the league's leaders in steals (1.9) and averages 10 points, 4.8 assists and 2.8 rebounds to boot, and the choice was easy. If there's a criticism of Chalmers, it's that he needs to bring a high level of focus and intensity to every game and not just the ones when he's facing someone drafted ahead of him last summer. He welcomes the challenge of facing big-name guards, but too frequently gets picked apart against the more marginal opponents.

2. Erik Spoelstra - I place Spoelstra here, knowing full well that there will be disagreement out there with this choice. But facts are facts. Yes, a healthy Dwyane Wade deserves all the credit for the Heat posting the biggest single-season turnaround in franchise history after last year's 15-67 debacle. But Spoelstra is ultimately responsible for what happens on the bench in games - unless Pat Riley is texting Spo with some undetected device from his court-side seats. Spoelstra has brought some innovation and energy to the head coach's seat. One of the first things he did to get his players to buy in was to pass out those fancy iPod Touch gadgets in training camp, already loaded with the team's playbook and film.

He also opened the door of communication with all of the players and has had several heart-to-hearts with them along the way. And the preference to play Tupac's jams during light practice sessions go a long way with this group. On the flip side, Spoelstra's management of timeouts and his playing rotation has left plenty to be desired. Several of his players have privately questioned their roles and expressed displeasure with the ever-changing pecking order off the bench. But nothing unhealthy appears to be brewing like a potential mutiny or anything. There's also a need to get others involved and expand beyond the five or so sets that seemed designed to get Wade the ball.

3. Michael Beasley - It's easy to pick on the second overall pick and suggest that he has struggled to live up to expectations. Beasley is here, perhaps, for reasons that are often beyond his own fault. Derrick Rose, the No. 1 pick, was handed a starting job and the keys to the franchise, D-Wade-style, right off the bat. O.J. Mayo, the third overall pick, was given the green light - or perhaps sped through plenty of yellow lights - for a disastrous Grizzlies team. And Russell Wesbrook, Kevin Love and Brook Lopez, among others, have shown drastic improvement over the course of the season.

Beasley, in many ways, remains an enigma - an explosive talent capable of kissing the rim with his athleticism and scoring 28 one game and kissing plenty of pine and offer up three points and three rebounds in 13 minutes on other nights. Beasley has been the biggest victim, by far, of Spoelstra's fluidly unpredictable playing rotation. His defense has been an issue all season. Case in point came last night. Spoelstra inserted Beasley and specifically told him "no air space" in reference to not allowing Rashard Lewis any breathing room out to the three-point line. So what happens? Beasley bites for a ball fake and rushes into the lane to help on Dwight Howard. The skip pass goes over to Lewis on the perimeter, and he calmly knocks down the go-ahead three in Orlando's 101-95 win. It's times like those when Spoelstra sort of justifies his handling of Beasley's minutes. He's got to earn them.

All in all, this has been a season of significant development for each of the Heat's rookies. 

But now is no longer the time for growing pains. It's all about winning games.

You rank the rookies.

(For live news, notes and updates on the Heat, follow me on Twitter @ twitter.com/wallacesports) 

  

Comments

[K-Man]

I agree, good case.

[jpejeff]

How bout using PER on all rookies and
announcing the order.

[Dave]

Beasley's PER is 16.01 and Rio's is 13.25. Spo does not have a PER obviously, so there you go.

[redbaby]

I don't know which one of you like Beas less...I'll flip a coin. Where do I start. Let's see...how about scoring? Beasley wins hands down there, block shots, rebounds yep there too, and all by playing about 30% less than MC (who was great this year). Factor in the PER and Beasley is probably the first or second most productive rookie in the draft. I take umbrage with the cheap shot (about covering Lewis--and no pun intended) you took at Beasley's expense. I've seen plenty of great defenders get burned by the corner three (Bowen, Hamilton, Battier, Fish, Heinrich--there's no end to the list) I mean really "no air between" who says that type of B.S. I recall clearly Beas was close and had a hand up in Lewis's face when the shot left his hand. I suppose if he had fouled him, you would have called him out on that one for being a defensive "embarrassment". There's nothing like the playoffs to demonstrate who will be the better player. I hope that both of them shine, but I have my money on Beasley. Finally, if Spo starts Beasley next year, I'm on record now that he will be a 20 PTS+/7R/3A and 1+block guy.

[Patrick]

Beas is never allowed to play and so Spo is number 3 for me

[Patrick]

Its quite obvious now and no one is able to overlook it anymore as eveidenced by the chatter about it online and everywhere. The coaching of the Heat is way past terrible, its pathetic. Every play is designed for Wade to shoot and it handicaps everyone else to the point where they dont know what to do when Wade takes a breather.

[Patrick]

What I want to know is when will someone ask Spo about his bad coaching in the post game interview? Its there for the blind to see and Pat wont do anything about it as he would be too embarassed to fire the guy.

[Greg Gembe]

Riley made another great deal in acquiring Chalmers. For me his energy and effort cover alot of the rookie mistakes. Reminds me a bit of Derek Harper, who had a super NBA career. I'm OK with Spo's job so far also. Players that whine about inconsistant time, only do when they think they should be getting more. When Big Cat gets some minutes after sitting for 3 or 4 games, he's probably not upset, (and I like what Big Cat brings). Beasley? First, go hide the PER ranking, or whatever that is. Yeah, he can hit standing jumpers, and finishes well around the rim, but he plays defense straight up, and doesn't seem to have any sense of urgency, more like a sense of entitlement...that he hasn't earned from his coach, and THAT is who he has to impress, not the other tatted-up sleepy-eyed bloggers who are in love with the next media darling. Would love to have Danny Granger or Shane Battier instead of Be-too-easy! How about offensive players that play defense TOO!

[p martin]

beasley is not given the minutes; this was an unfair ranking; if given 40 minutes from the start of the season until now; beasley would be rookie of the year; beasley development is being hurt by the lack of minutes; wade got the minutes as a rookie and wade improved as the year went on; beasley should be given the same chance; miami is not treating him fairly; why draft him to sit him on the bench ????

[Greg Gembe]

You draft him because of his potential. If we would have given him minutes, just because he was the second draft pick, we probably wouldn't be sitting as high as 5th seed right now. Wade played unbelievably well his rookie season (especially post-season) but had many more veterans around him at the time. The Heat are a young team that already is playing young 'hungry' players, who earn their minutes in practice. I don't want to sacrifice team results for one rookies PPG average! Beasley's development is being hurt by lack of effort (defensive), NOT lack of game minutes. If he played with defensive pride like Posey/Haslem/Eddie Jones/Zo he would be on the court.

[z martin]

look at footage of wade playing d during his rookie year; not much d pride there; the diff. is spo can't coach and destroys the confidence of a 19 -20 yearold rookie; compared to stan van gundy who can coach a rookie and helped to build wade's confidence; if i was beasley i would ask for a trade and get a trade; miami and coach spo call their offense : give the ball to wade and everyone else get out of the way; ask shawn marion; and, marion is no where the offensive talent as beasley.

[Greg Gembe]

I'll agree with you that Wade didn't play great defense his rookie year. I don't see the lack of confidence in our rookie Chalmers, brought on by Spo's coaching style. What other team in the playoff hunt are playing 2 rookies major time? ...I couldn't think of any either. As a Heat fan, I'ld love to see Beasley traded for Granger or Battier. Marion is a much better open court offensive player, Beasley is better in the half court sets. And I'm not sure how Miami's offense with Wade, who drops 7-8 dimes a game, probably in the top 15 in the league in assists, can be tagged with "give the ball to wade and everyone else get out of the way"...care to make those ends meet for me.

[LonePanther]

Beasley for Battier? You have to be out of your mind. Beasley will get better while Battier is only getting older. You would rather sacrifice a year or two of shane battier over a decade of beasley?

Jermaine O'Neal sat out most of his career out in Portland, he did pretty good for himself afterwards.

Marion? Who? Who actually misses him? We got a better and younger version of Marion in Moon. I would've done the Marion trade all over again just for Moon, JO was a bonus.

[cruicruise]

Spo is obviously my number 2.. on the crapper.

PLAY BEAZ!!

[thejuandiggler]

Shane Battier????? That is ludacris !
Spo wont be hear next year...that will be the proof of your ranking system.
The turn around is all about a healthy Wade , not the constant line-up shuffle-Ipod boy.
Anyone could see that Beas would be more effective given the playing time.
Chalmers has been clearly the best though.

[Greg Gembe]

LonePanther, I've got to agree with you on the Marion for Moon deal...love Moon's game. As far a JO being a bonus, I'll give you on the offensive side, but just like when ZO backed up Shaq, our defense gets much better when the 2nd team player (Big Cat) is playing. JO looks a bit soft on defense. And I don't remember him dominating Brian Grant when the Heat and Pacers matched up during Wade/Haslem's rookie year.
As far as Battier, he's what mid 20's, hardly over the hill. What about Danny Granger? Is he young enough for you? Hell, I bet Beasley has a younger brother floatin' around in middle school somewhere that hasn't signed with anyone yet.
We want to win now! Not many teams stay together for more than about 5 years, and I'm sure Battier has that much left in him. Beasley wants all the hip hop glory, without doing the damn work. Let him go back home to DC, put up big stats for the Wizards, and we'll take Caron Butler back!

[Dave]

How you can put Beasley at 3? It is beyond all logic and comprehension. Beas's development or lack of is a reflection on the coach, Spo sucks. Any team knows that if Wade has an off night or they shut him down then the Heat lose. Simple as that. Spo lives and dies based on how well D. Wade plays. I hate the coaching on the Heat. My vote is to bring in Avery Johnson to be the next Heat Head Coach.

[pjs918]

Beasley is too inconsistent on offense, we don't even have to mention his defense. I have all the faith in his ability and believe that he will be a force as soon as someone lights a fire under his a$$. He plays too calmly and disappears way too easily on the offensive side. Chalmers has to develop a consistent jumper and will average 14-15 ppg. His sense of urgency on defense brings all the intangibles you could ask for out of a 1 guard.

As for a trade for Granger, I would get rid of Beasly in a heart beat, no matter what upside Beasly has. Battier is a very good player right now but is will be on the decline and has lingering injuries.

I look forward to Beasley stepping up his intensity next season because if not he will continue to hand his minutes over to the likes of James Jones(a.k.a. soft).

[Dr. Mabel Poe Phifer]

It was Miike Beasley's bad luck draw that he had to play his rookie year at the Miami Heat. Anywhere else would have been better for growing a young talented player. This was the wrong place, wrong time for him. Because of his talent,ability, attitude
and youth he will survive all of the bad experiences of this year - poor coaching, lack of playing time, anti-MB
media, under-utilized talent, sucking-up, etc. He has been over-coached and under-played.
Michael Beasley will do well because "he" is
committed to being a great player!

[dsky0921]

Shane Battier is 30 years old...that would be a terrible trade...those Duke days are a long time ago.

[dsky0921]

Also, Danny Granger is 25 and would be awesome to bring in but Indiana would never make that trade. Granger is their flagship player.

[cruicruise]

It was Miike Beasley's bad luck draw that he had to play his rookie year at the Miami Heat. Anywhere else would have been better for growing a young talented player. This was the wrong place, wrong time for him. Because of his talent,ability, attitude
and youth he will survive all of the bad experiences of this year - poor coaching, lack of playing time, anti-MB
media, under-utilized talent, sucking-up, etc. He has been over-coached and under-played.
Michael Beasley will do well because "he" is
committed to being a great player!

============================

+100

[Greg Gembe]

Yep, just ole' rottin' luck Beasley got picked up by the 5th seeded Heat. He could be with any number of teams that will be headed for vacation in about 2 weeks. So very reflective of today's society, "I'm on a up-and-coming team, with one of the best players in the game today, but I ain't gettin' mines. Wish I was the stud in Sacramento/Washington/New Jerse, at least I'ld be gettin' more chances to chuck up shots, and we'ld be losin' so nobody would care if I developed a winning attitude or defensive presence". Poor multi-million dollar salary Mikey, boo-freakin'-hoo. Grow up, this ain't the JV league (NCAA). You have to play like a man, prepare like a man, and battle like a man. I'm sure everybody on the Heat coaching staff is doing what they can to win games/championships. Face it, Beasley just isn't proving that he's ready for an increased role.

[pjs918]

Beasley's game has not improved since his KSU days. I am not saying his game has gotten worse, but the opposing talent is a whole lot different than the Big 12. Even when he was the best in college, his game seemed to come effortlessly. This is a blessing and a curse unfortunately because he has to mature mentally and realize that he can't just take that open jumper. He has shown flashes of greatness like in the Magic game on Mon. when he took it to the rim, switched hands and finished with his right in traffic.

I am not riding him too hard because the guy is 20 yrs old! Let him get a full offseason, let Keith Askins coach his "d" up and let him realize that if he wants to be an elite player, then he has to man up and say to himself: no one is going to deny that basket when i touch the ball! I have no issues with how many minutes Beasley is getting cuz this is the NBA and you have to earn those minutes. Granted I would much rather have Beasley out there than James Jones, but that is not the case. Beasley needs to wake up those droopy eyes and realize that he has a chance of a lifetime to play alongside one of the games elite players.

[Greg Gembe]

pjs918 -- Excellent post.

[redbaby]

Are Gembe and pjs918 the same person? Separated at birth, but later joined at the hip with the same flawed logic.

[DOm]

in fairness to dwade, he played with eddie jones, brian grant,lamar odom, and caron, so he had much more experience around him than beas. Beas does have haslem in front of him, where as wade played PG his rookie yr since we had no PG. THAT Wade rookie team only won 42 games by the way. and we were a losing team most of the year until that final 14-4 run I believe. HOWEVER, We have no other O when wades not scoring. I believe we need to put beas at the 4 now, and have haslem coming off the bench. We need another scorer on the floor, it will open JO up more, and haslem can still come in and get 30mpg by playing 15 min at the 4 and 15 min at the 5, and taking 15 off JO and BEAS, that gives them 33 mpg. We have to tighten the playoff rotation, and beas needs to be in the game. I know haslem is our captain, but having a scorer like beas on the floor with the starters really opens up wade and JO. We made a huge switch with posey/walker before the 06 playoffs, and now i say we need to mix it up with the beas at the 4

[DOm]

It was Miike Beasley's bad luck draw that he had to play his rookie year at the Miami Heat. Anywhere else would have been better for growing a young talented player. This was the wrong place, wrong time for him. Because of his talent,ability, attitude
and youth he will survive all of the bad experiences of this year - poor coaching, lack of playing time, anti-MB
media, under-utilized talent, sucking-up, etc. He has been over-coached and under-played.
Michael Beasley will do well because "he" is
committed to being a great player!

============================

+100

Posted by: cruicruise | April 01, 2009 at 02:39 PM

I do agree however that beas is being taught the right way. Look at Durant, they are letting him run wild in OKC, yet they won 17 last yr, and with 2 other lotto picks in OKC, they have only won 21 this year. Beas could have went to a scrub team, but he might turn out to be a TMAC(all he cares about his getting his and not wins),. TMAC could have came here in 01, but chose orlando(a stripped down crappy team) cause he wanted to be the man when the heat was coming off 4 straight Division titles. Beas will learn the right way.

[Dr. Mabel Poe Phifer]

Greg Gembe. Did you forget that when Beasley
was selected by the Heat they were at the
bottom of the heap, and were not in 5th or even 8th place! Mike's numbers, with limited minutes this year, helped the team get to #5 (as of today).
When the Heat won in 2006 they had Shaq and ZO. These are player capable of teaching
rookies,(and old one who need as much help).

[redbaby]

Oh, here is the latest...Rookie #2, Spo, doesn't have the sense to call time out with seconds remaining and get the ball in Wade's hand. Rookie #1, Chalmers goes racing down the court; doesn't pass the ball to Wade and plows right into Howard for a charge. GAME OVER. Still believe Beasley is #3? There are 7 games left--hopefully the Heat will play as a TEAM and nail 5 of them. There going to need it.

[LonePanther]

Battier is 30 years old!!! Mid - 20's? Where did you get that idea?

Like I said, one or two more good years left, that's all. Not worth a player like Beasley, hell, I wouldn't even give up Joel Anthony for Battier.

As someone said previously, what is the point of letting Beasley go out there and score 30 points a night? He is obviously capable of that, no one here would deny he has great offensive talent. But he needs to learn to put more effort into defense and that advice needs to come from the top.

Correct me if I'm mistaken guys, but Dwyane came off the bench during his rookie season as well. Dwyane didn't have any defense his rookie year either. In fact, its not until last year that Dwyane showed some defensive intensity when he began working on his defense with Kobe Bryant in the off-season. Also keep in mind that Wade began his career at 22. Beasley began his at 19, to make comparisons to Wade's development vs. Beasley's is inaccurate at best and utterly ridiculous at worst.

[Arnold]

It's easy to criticize the number 2 over all pick for not being all world a.s.a.p. But let's look at the facts, first year coach trying to show that the rookie will have to earn his minutes, the kid was 19 years old...what were you doing when you were 19? Maybe if he would have started and given a scoring role he would have progressed and this team might have been better..however here we are at the end of the season and we do not have a reliable or any type of scorer other than Wade. He want to turn a scorer in to an all world defender! Something this kid may never be. Let him figure out the NBA game then teach to play some D! Look at what happened with Cook, when he struggled he sat him down and cut his minutes, another young player that needs to work his way out of a funk. Instead of confusing the roles of these guys, what he needs to do is live with the up's and down's of the young players' game. Similar to Stan Van Gundy did with Wade when he was a rookie. Maybe this team would be sprinting to the finish rather than barely hangign on to a playoff spot.

[fred smilek]

The heat have the best rookie class in the NBA. If they play B-easy then it would be a no brainer. Our rookies have gotten us to the playoffs I don't know any other rookies that are taking their teams to the playoffs. Saving Endangered Animals is Fred Smilek cause in life. http://www.fredjsmilek.com