Final thoughts on the Heat from the Orlando Pro Summer League
... Michael Beasley, who averaged 19.6 points and 7.4 rebounds in five games, won't have any trouble scoring in the NBA. As a lefty, he's crafty enough to get to the basket, and skilled enough to finish - even against bigger, more athletic players.
Yes, New Jersey second-year forward Sean Williams gave Beasley fits. But Beasley also seemed reluctant to shoot, at times, when open in that game. And he almost forgot he had a post-up game, too. And one thing coaches and scouts pointed out frequently was that it'd be nice if Beasley was a bit more explosive. Or, at least showed it more. I saw him in warm-ups throwing down highlight dunks. But I can't remember one time when he dunked during a game this week.
... Mario Chalmers, barring a Heat trade for a veteran, will be the starting point guard by Christmas. He sees the floor. He can get into the lane whenever he wants and he attacks the rim - against anybody, regardless of size. Don't discount what he did this week against summer league competition 
(15.8 ppg., 5.4 apg., 2.0 spg). He held his own against Derrick Rose and Russell Westbrook. Either one of those guys would start on majority of the league's teams.
Chalmers showed all the reasons why the Heat invested $4 million (the $2 million it paid to trade for him in the draft and the $2 million on his three-year contact) and two future draft picks to get him.
... Keith Askins took his assignment seriously. Coaching the summer league entry wasn't just a ho-hum mission for Askins, who is just a few weeks removed from knee surgery. He often emerged from the postgame locker room with more ice taped to his body than his players. But Askins has the ability to relate to the players. He has the vocabulary to command their attention and maintain their respect.
It's only natural for there to be some disappointment that he lost out to Erik Spoelstra for the head job. Spoelstra was rightfully in line and seen as Pat Riley's successor for the past few seasons. But it would be nice to see Askins get a shot somewhere down the line - or at least a promotion from the second row of the bench during the season. And it would have been just as good to see Bob McAdoo get his due years ago.
Quick hits on other notables from the summer roster
Kasib Powell - Picked up where he left off late last season as one of the few bright spots. Averaged 13.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and shot 54 percent from the field. Last season's D-League MVP should have a role somewhere on this team - even if it requires wearing a suit most nights on the inactive list.
Stephane Lasme - His shot-blocking (tied for 3rd in summer league with 8) and athleticism are NBA-worthy. But his lack of size and outside shot make it difficult to find him a position. Still, the Heat sure could use his heart and hustle.
David Padgett - Had a real opportunity to impress at the team's biggest position of need. But never showed the shooting touch, ball skills and defensive grit many thought he had coming out of Louisville. He will need to have a monster offseason to make the most of that non-guaranteed contract he signed just last week. His minutes eventually went to former Hurricane Anthony King. Then, it appeared the Heat eventually phased out the center position all together by the end of the week.
Jason Richards - The NCAA's assist king last season was a bit over-matched against the crop of PGs he saw in Orlando. The Cinderella karma he experienced at Davidson wasn't quite there this week. Like Padgett, he still has plenty of work ahead to prove he's deserving of that non-guaranteed contract.
Anthony Morrow - The former Georgia Tech swingman might have been the biggest surprise on the roster among the lesser-known prospects. If nothing else, Morrow's stroke from distance this week (.550 from 3-pt. range) might have earned him a contract from one of the dozens of foreign scouts who seemed to be thoroughly impressed with his game.
Marco Killingsworth - Bruising forward's best position might be defensive end. He eventually became the center of choice by default by week's end. Killingsworth showed a nice post game when given steady playing time. But he probably won't stick around - unless Beasley needs a sparring partner in the paint.
Pat Calathes, Josh Duncan, Anthony King, Dion Dowell, Antonio Graves - Thanks for coming out. Nice hustle. Appreciate the effort. The checks are in the mail. Will be in touch.
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