Seems To Be Heat Nit-Pickin' Time

It's simple math. So let's just face it, accept it, embrace it and move on to the more favorable matchups. 

The Heat will lose most battles this season at point guard and center. Hold up. Scratch that. Let me rephrase this. Unless Dwyane Wade plays a more prominent role at point guard, the Heat will lose most battles this season at point guard and center.

Granted. The debate should start - and end - there. And that's no disrespect to the Heat's candidates at point guard and center. Most are hard-working, respectable, established veterans at varying stages of their careers.

But it doesn't matter if the starter at the point is Mario Chalmers, Carlos Arroyo, Eddie House, Kenny Hasbrouck or Pat Beverly. Nine times out of 10, you're going to prefer the opposing team's starting point guard over Miami's when you break down that matchup going into games.

The same can be said at the center spot, regardless as to whether it's Big Z, Jamaal Magloire, Joel Anthony, Shavlik Randolph or rookie Dexter Pittman. So what do you do if you're the Miami Heat?

You play to your strengths.

And what do you do if you're a Miami Heat fan worried about some of the criticism from the national media, who have labeled Miami as "soft" or "inadequate" in the middle? You turn the channel/station or you change the subject.

Because the plain truth is simple. The Heat won't ask its point guards and centers to do much other than limit mistakes, pass the ball, rebound, block shots, defend, and knock down the easy looks.

So even if Miami doesn't stack up at center and point guard with the likes of Boston, Orlando, Chicago and the Los Angeles Lakers, those teams have to answer for the areas where the Heat will dominate on most nights. And that's shooting guard, small forward and power forward. That's Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh.

Make no mistake. This is nit-picking time. And there will be plenty of pundits out there who will take pride in nit-picking the Heat's areas of weakness. But it's silly to point out those shortcomings and not take into account the clear areas of strength on this roster.

When taking into account the starting five, there isn't a 2-3-4 trio in the league I'd pick over the Heat's. And that includes Boston (Allen, Pierce, Garnett), Orlando (Carter, Richardson, Lewis) or L.A. (Kobe, Artest, Gasol). The question is chemistry, and how quickly the Heat can build it this season.

But all three of those teams - Boston, Orlando and L.A. - have a clear advantage at point guard and center. On paper, if the Heat plays to its strengths, it should come out one spot ahead most nights in the battle of the starting fives. And whatever shortcomings Miami has with that first group must be made up for by its bench.

But there's no need to panic in nit-picking time, although this subject was a key topic in this week's Heat live chat. Here's a sample of Thursday's Q&A session.

Most Recently Answered Questions

Questions 1 - 15 of 1315 (Page 1 of 45)

Submitted by marlon from miami sweet water

Q: Are we going to have any issue with the center position because boston and L.A. now that boston has shaq.

Answered 09/02/10 14:02:01 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: There very well could be some major problems at center for the Heat. Boston, the Lakers and Orlando will dominate that position. But as I mentioned earlier - and often - the Heat has to compensate for some shortcomings by dominating at shooting guard, small forward and power forward. The bench also has to step up. This won't be a cakewalk. Point guard and center are major question marks.

Submitted by daryl from San Jose, CA

Q: Hey Mike, So who is James Posey of our Heat? Every great champions needs someone that do what he does. Can you name someone who you would like the Heat to get? Do you think these names will be good fit? (Carney, Damien Wilkins,Mardy Collins,Dev. George,Willie Green,Bobby Simmons,J.Hayes)?

Answered 09/02/10 14:00:31 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: Some of those names would be great fits. I like Damien Wilkins. Always have, for what he can give you on both ends of the court. Not sure how hard the Heat is looking for outside help at this point. Pat might stand pat with what he has right now, with 18 players on the roster heading into training camp.

Submitted by ebag from portland

Q: hey mike, love your blogs. there are a lot of regular bloggers who comment everyday. we had a little community going during the doldrums of the j.o & q-rich season, and it would be nice to get some love. how about scanning the comments section and doing some q & a with your regulars next time?

Answered 09/02/10 13:58:23 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: Will do. I'm not afraid to jump on there in the comments section and throw a few blows. Once I get back after Labor Day, it's on. Thanks for the support.

Submitted by Jeff Pinkul from New port Richey Florida

Q: Why is Pat Riley so greedy, and why does the HEAT HAVE TO BUY A cHAMPIONSHIP THEIR NOT GOING TO WIN? The Chicago Bulls are going to win it all, they got Class!!!!!!!

Answered 09/02/10 13:56:58 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: We'll see. Pat played his cards right this summer.

Submitted by Joel from Miami, FL

Q: There is plenty of talk (from haters) about the Heat's weaknesses. No defensive stopper, no point, no center. Most of it seems irrelevant when you look at the talent at our 2,3,4. I consider D Wade and LBJ "stoppers" especially when not carrying the full load of the offense and considering Spo will not deviate from his(actually Riley's)defense first mentality. What would do you think our biggest weakness/weaknesses will be? Also, how do you feel about Bosh's defense?

Answered 09/02/10 13:56:16 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: Wade can erase one of those weaknesses if he decides to take on a prominent role at point guard. Besides that, the only other apparent hole on the roster is at center, where the Heat has four bodies there, but no one who capable of filling every need. Big Z is a shooter and big body. Jamaal Magloire is a rebounder and banger. Joel is a shot-blocker. None is a true post-up presence at this stage on the offensive end. Bosh has the athleticism and skill to be a very good defender. He won't have to wear himself out on the offensive end every night, because he has two other very capable scorers in Wade and LeBron. That should make him a more committed defender.

Submitted by Jack Luft from Sanibel, Fl.

Q: You say the Heat need an athletic swingman who can defend. I know Miller can rebound and pass as well as shoot but how about his defense? Statistically the Heat were a very good defensive team last year. Why shouldn't LeBron in place of Richardson, Bosh in place of Beasley and Miller in place of Arroyo (with Wade at point) be an even better defensive team? Thanks.

Answered 09/02/10 13:53:02 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: Mike Miller is known more for his varying hairstyles than his defense. And he'll tell you that as well. But the Heat will ask him to be a solid system defender, meaning that he must be in the right place at the right time and guide his opposing player into help situations. The Heat swore up and down that Jason Kapono was a great system defender and three-point shooter. This team has the potential to be very special on the defensive end, for no other reason than Wade, LeBron and Bosh won't be asked to all score 35 a night for the team to win games.

Submitted by miami631WJB from orlando,fl

Q: Hey Mike Just wanted your take of Jim Jones. I thought we had him on our roster, how come no one talks about him. Is he gonna be part of the rotation or not? Thanx

Answered 09/02/10 13:49:19 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: I'm confused. Are we talking Jim Jones, the rapper? Or James Jones, the shooter? James is on the roster. He re-signed this summer. But he hasn't been much of a factor since the Heat landed him a few seasons ago. Perhaps this will be his season to shine, considering the open looks that will be available playing alongside Dwyane, Bosh and LeBron. James hasn't had much of a chance to stick in the rotation.

Submitted by CURTYBIRD from MIAMI

Q: SUP MIKE! I DON'T HAVE A QUESTION, I JUST WANTED TO TELL YOU HOW MUCH I RESPECTED THE WAY YOU HANDLED THE QUESTION THAT I ASKED YOU EARLIER IN THE WEEK ABOUT THE RADIO INTERVIEW YOU DID, I ASKED YOU NOT TO BE A COWARD AND YOU DIDN'T LET ME DOWN MAN, I STILL DON'T AGREE WITH YOU BUT I RESPECT YOUR OPINION, KEEP IT REAL HOMIE!

Answered 09/02/10 13:47:11 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: I certainly try to. Thanks. But what's up with the caps, dude? You getting your Dan Gilbert on or something?

Submitted by tarell from linden n.j

Q: Has da'sean butler healed from his knee surgery?

Answered 09/02/10 13:45:36 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: No. He still has a significant way to go. But the hope is that he will be available to do something during the preseason, whether it's on-court conditioning and practice or even play limited minutes in a few games. But ACL surgeries take a year. And his just happened less than six months ago.

Submitted by Michael from Miramar, FL

Q: Hi Michael: What's good? Big fan. Let's talk x's and o's. Besides besides wanting to push the ball and playing great D, how will their half court offense look like? Is it going to be that same boring hi pick n' roll or will Spo take turns running plays for the Big 3? I personally think this team would be more effective running some sort of motion offense, (eg. Princeton, triangle)so that everyone touches the ball. What would you think they should do and what will they do? Thanks and keep up the good work.

Answered 09/02/10 13:43:58 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: I've gone on record before, saying that this team needs to get out and run. There's too many athletes, shooters and playmakers in this group to slow it down every trip down the court. Riley has been a genius at adapting style to the talent he has available. But this Heat team should be more like the Lakers of the 1980s than the Knicks or Heat of the 1990s and 2000s. If half-court play is a must, I'm sure there will be sets to exploit mismatches and force teams to either double on Wade or LeBron. You can't double them both. That's why I've always said that Chris Bosh will be the most critical player on this team. He will certainly benefit from the attention you must pay to LeBron and Dwyane, no matter what style Miami plays.

Submitted by Marden from Miami, FL

Q: in your opinion how do the Heat stack up against the Lakers as we are right now and also, besides the Magic and the Celtics, what other teams in the east can cause problems for us. finally what kind of record do you think the Heat will have by seasons end?

Answered 09/02/10 13:39:57 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: Orlando, Boston and the Lakers are the only teams out there, on paper, in the Heat's class. Denver, when its on its game, has the firepower to give Miami some issues and Atlanta and Chicago could be interesting in terms of matchups. But those teams aren't in the same class as the Heat, Lakers, Celtics and Magic. Barring a crazy rash of injuries, this Heat team should win at least 63 games. But more important than the regular-season record will be the postseason performance. And anything short of trips to the conference and NBA Finals would be a major problem.

Submitted by lamar from brunswick

Q: i think Hasbrouck is better then chalmers and arroyo do you think there any chance he would be the starting Pg for the heat this season?

Answered 09/02/10 13:36:29 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: Nope. Kenny is a good kid and hard-working player. But he's more likely to get cut than he is to make the team, let alone hit the jackpot and start at PG. Then again, this Heat team has been pretty good this summer at hitting the jackpot.

Submitted by Vin Vargo from Fort Laudedale

Q: Why is your page so full of old stuff? No fresh stuff to read like the SunSentinel. Your paper needs new writers who will furnish interesting reading. Miami is going to be the #1 team to read about. If you can't stand the Heat then get out of the kitchen.

Answered 09/02/10 13:34:33 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: Thanks for your thoughts. Forgive me for taking a vacation, getting away from it a bit during a slow period and trying to spend some rare down time with family. Perhaps that's a foreign concept to some. Training camp opens later this month. The coverage will pick up again, just as it did when we traversed the country during the season and the most thrilling July free agency period in NBA history.

Submitted by Willy P from broward

Q: Hey Mike, why do ESPN's Chris BrouFraud keep saying that Miami's front court is "soft". I understand that Haslem and Anthony are undersized, but I didn't know they were "soft"?! Do you think the Heat can hold up against Boston, LA, Magic...?

Answered 09/02/10 13:30:12 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: Pound for pound? No. But the Heat would win matchups at shooting guard, small forward and power forward on just about every night during the season. Miami certainly has the talent to overcome whatever weaknesses the critics point to.

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/qna/forum/heat_chat/index.html#ixzz0yOf363d2

(For live news, notes and updates on the Heat, follow me on Twitter @ twitter.com/WallaceNBAHeat. To post a question or join our live Heat chat each Thursday from 1-2 p.m., click here.)