Miami Heat: NBA Draft

Miami Heat: 2009 NBA Draft

Matthew Ryter — Wed, 06 May 2009 07:19:17 -0700

2009 NBA DRAFT: NBA Team Needs/Capsules - NBA Mock Draft - Top 100 Prospects

- We’ll update our Team Capsules with more specific info once the lottery is complete.

Miami Heat

2008-09 Record: 43-39; 3^rd Southeast

Draft Picks: No first round picks; second round only

Key Free Agents:

F/C Jermaine O’Neal (Player Option)

G/F Jamario Moon (Restricted)
C Jamaal Magloire

C Mark Blount

G Luther Head

G Chris Quinn (Restricted)

How They Got Here:

First year head coach Eric Spoelstra and the Miami Heat improved by 28 games and reached the playoffs a year after posting just 15 wins in their 2007-08 campaign. The key to their success this year was that they had a healthy Dwyane Wade. He returned from knee problems to become the first player in NBA history to register 2,000 points, 500 assists, 100 steals, and 100 blocks in one season. (Feel free to re-read that last sentence over and over again…Are you kidding me with those numbers?) Their most influential move came in February when they traded Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks to the Raptors for Jermaine O’Neal and Jamario Moon.

What They Need:

We just learned that Wade can only take this current Heat team so far. They need to build around him. They are pretty much set at SG and PF. They could use help at the other three spots. Do they try Beasley at the 3? What is his height? We aren’t dealing with Miguel Tejada’s age, let’s get the tape out and measure him. He had trouble guarding bigger power forwards and could run into problems at the 3, but it may be worth a shot. I think they let Chalmers develop at PG. Chalmers may suit their system best because D-Wade brings the ball up from time to time. They still could use some help backing him up at the point. Although he played relatively well in the playoffs, Jermaine O’Neal always seems to be battling injuries and isn’t getting any younger. Joel Anthony got some big minutes during their last two playoff games and could see more action next year. Adding another spot up shooter could be beneficial for when Wade draws double-teams. Basically it comes down to depth.

Who They’ll Take:

Minnesota has Miami’s first round pick from the Ricky Davis trade in 2007. Their first pick will be in the middle of the second round. Who will still be available and what are their possible options? If they are to draft a guard I think they go with a change of pace guy like Tyrese Rice or AJ Price. I think either of the two would be an upgrade to Quinn. Both of them handle the ball exceptionally well and can hit open shots consistently. They will also take a look at what big guys are still left on the board. Memphis big man Robert Dozier will most likely be available as well as Gonzaga’s Josh Heytvelt.

Miami Heat Draft History (since 2000)

2008: Michael Beasley (2), Darnell Jackson (52)

2007: Jason Smith (20), Stanko Barac (39)

2006: No Picks

2005: Wayne Simien (29)

2004: Dorell Wright (19), Pape Sow (48), Matt Freije (54)

2003: Dwyane Wade (5), Jerome Beasley (33)

2002: Caron Butler (10), Rasual Butler (53)

2001: Ken Johnson (49)

2000: Eddie House (37), Ernest Brown (52)

2009 NBA DRAFT: NBA Team Needs/Capsules - NBA Mock Draft - Top 100 Prospects

Top Prospects

Stephen Curry - PG/SG - Davidson

Tyreke Evans - PG/SG - Memphis

Blake Griffin - PF - Oklahoma

James Harden - SG - Arizona State

Jordan Hill - PF - Arizona

Ty Lawson - PG - UNC

BJ Mullens - C - Ohio State

Ricky Rubio - PG - DKV Joventut

Brandon Jennings - PG - Arizona

Hasheem Thabeet - C - UCONN

NBA: Top Preseason Rookies

Hoopsworld — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 09:11:30 -0700

By: Travis Heath

Preseason is what it is. Win and losses really do not matter. However, preseason games do give the masses a chance to see the first glance of the stars of tomorrow. Here's a look at some of the rookies who have performed well thus far during the league's version of a dress rehearsal.

Greg Oden, Portland Trail Blazers

It took a year longer than most fans had hoped, but Oden has finally taken the NBA hardwood. The big-man from Ohio State hasn't disappointed, either. His physical size alone has made him a factor. This much is clear so far: If my man gets near the rim, he's going to try and rip it off. Defensively, he's also going to block a heck of a lot of shots this season, too. Just think what Oden will be capable of when he gets into "game shape." He will be a factor for the Blazers this season. When he gets a fully refined offensive game a couple of years down the road, he may evolve into the best big-man in the game.

Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls

Yes, Rose looked nervous early during his first action in his hometown of Chicago last week and turned the ball over a few too many times. Of course, it would have helped if his teammates had caught a pass or two. This kid is a big, strong point guard who will be able to get into the lane whenever he wants to. He looks a lot like Deron Williams out on the floor but with better springs. Chicago won't regret taking Rose. This kid has a chance to be a factor for the Bulls for the next decade-plus.

Michael Beasley, Miami HEAT

Everyone knew the Beazer could play, and he's done just that during the preseason. His ability to score inside and out will help him be effective right out of the gate. He's the kind of kid who can score 20 points without even trying. When he's focused, he's shown the ability to be very good on the boards, as well. Miami has been bringing Beasley off the bench so far this preseason, but it will be hard to keep him out of the starting lineup if he continues to score the basketball like he has been. If he commits to defending and keeps his head right, Beasley has the chance to be special.

O.J. Mayo, Memphis Grizzlies

There's something about this kid that just screams professional. He's already started taking on a leadership role and is fiercely competitive. His outside jumper has been questioned by some, but given his work-ethic one would have to believe it's only a matter of time until he becomes a legitimate deep threat from behind the NBA three-point line. And just for the record, Mayo hit six three-point shots in a game on Monday night and is shooting over 36% from beyond the arc in the preseason. At just 6-foot-4, there will be nights where Mayo will get taken advantage of on the defensive end by some of the league's bigger shooting guards. However, he'll become a more crafty defender over time as he gains more experience. Mayo no doubt has All-Star potential.

Kevin Love, Minnesota Timberwolves

No, Love hasn't been the most athletic or physically talented rookie this preseason. However, he has been solid and smart. There will be moments this season like the one in last Friday's preseason game in Denver where he gets embarrassed by athletic veterans like Kenyon Martin. There will also be moments where he throws a great pass from the high-post down to Jefferson in the low-post or where he stretches the defense with his outside shooting ability that leave Wolves' fans optimistic about what the future might hold. His ability to position rebound and throw quick pinpoint outlet passes might not make the highlight reel, but these skills will certainly benefit his team.

Robin Lopez, Phoenix Suns

This is probably not the Lopez many readers were expecting to see on this list, but his defense and hustle have raised eyebrows in the preseason. His brother Brook may have a more refined offensive game, but Robin's energy has been hard to ignore. He's relentless on the offensive glass and a deceptive shot-blocker on the other end. He likely won't ever be a superstar, but he'll be just the kind of hard-nosed energy player every championship-caliber team has to have.

Rudy Fernandez, Portland Trail Blazers

Okay, so Fernandez got injured early in the preseason. But what we saw left us yearning for more. The first thing fans are likely going to do when watching this kid play is check to make sure they didn't accidentally hit the fast-forward button on their Tivo remote; dude is in a perpetual state of motion on the court. His high basketball IQ combined with his flare for the dramatic will make him an instant fan favorite in the Rose City. This guy has a chance to be the next major international superstar in the Association.

Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder

Westbrook was a somewhat risky pick by GM Sam Presti. Like Rose, Westbrook has had his ups and downs this preseason. Such is life in the NBA as a rookie point guard. However, his physical prowess and defensive effort and instincts have to excite the Oklahoma City faithful. And don't take it from your friendly neighborhood columnist, either. Check out what former UCLA teammate Kevin Love told HOOPSWORLD about Westbrook after getting a chance to compete against him in the preseason. "He looked great the other night. I'm not just saying that because that's my boy, either. His change of direction, how fast he was, the way he can run the point and how he passed the other day... he looked great. The one question-mark about him has been his shooting, but I've seen him shoot at practice. If he can shoot when the lights come on as well as he does in practice, he's going to be a star player."

NBA: Weekend Wrapup

Hoopsworld — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 08:02:02 -0700

By: Steve Kyler

The Dead Deal : As the publisher of HOOPSWORLD, I am often faced with a quandary, do you report something you know to be dead or run it because its juicy? This becomes relevant because our friends at Yahoo!, who have been doing a great job behind some quality reporting from Adrian Wojnarowski, ran a piece about a possible Bulls trade with Miami. Now mind you the Chicago Bulls have been as careful as anyone in the league about what information was allowed out, and were extremely careful about how trade rumors would affect the team this year. Basically learning their lesson from last year, when Kobe Bryant rmors, compounded with botched contract talks destroyed the Bulls locker room. Now with just 13 days until NBA raining camps open the Bulls are again surrounded with trade rumors involving Ben Gordon, Joakim Noah and Larry Hughes. There is little doubt the Bulls would love to move Larry Hughes, and he is likely a player dealt before the February trade deadline if the Bulls can find a taker on Larry's deal. Moving Noah or Ben Gordon for that matter is not on the table, and has not been for some time, according to Bulls' sources reached yesterday. The HEAT have let everyone with a pen know that trading Shawn Marion is not on the table, and the rumored deal with Chicago revolved around talks in late July that died a quick death. So while there is always a need to put out the news, when does putting out the news on something dead become more harmful than helpful? If you ask teams heading into camp in two weeks, its stuff like this that makes them want to stop allowing press in the building.

Laying Off The Gym : Reports out of Cleveland suggest the Cavaliers have urged Lebron James to stay out of the gym since the Olympics, urging him to get some rest. Several teams have asked their Olympians to take it light, but informed sources near a few of them say the positive vibe they got from winning the gold in China has motivated them to get in the gym early. Orlando star Dwight Howard was a driving force behind getting all of the Orlando Magic players in town a full three weeks early. The Magic are reportedly working hard every day, even going as far as saying they have started working on the offense and defense, a bit more structured that some heated pickup games. While the risk of injury is greater for those that played in China, it will also be interesting to see how quickly those guys and their teams get out of the gate, especially teams like Cleveland and Orlando that need all the help they can get in the much improved Eastern Conference.

AJ Signs Overseas: Former HEAT player Alexander Johnson has signed a deal to play in Europe. AJ signed with Brose Baskets of Germany, and will play the Euroleague season abroad. AJ was cut early by the HEAT after a marginal season in Miami. A bruising four spot player, AJ is a favorite of HOOPSWORLD who got a raw deal by the HEAT who cut him while injured. AJ is expected to play summer league next summer and try to get back into the NBA.

The Beazer Not Feeling The Love : Reports are surfacing that Michael Beasley has fired his agent Joel Bell, with reports citing lack of "marquee endorsements" as the root cause. Beasley, like most athletes was steered to Joel Bell by a long-time family friend and AAU coach Curtis Malone . Beasley is now shopping for a new agents and it seems he's down to Aaron Goodwin and Andy Miller. Goodwin seems like the front runner due to his relationship with Kevin Durant, one of Beasley's closest friends in the NBA. It's not a surprise to see The Beaser switching agents, before it's all said and done, I think Big Mike going to fire everyone in the business, he seems like a tough client to keep happy.

Summer League Player Grades: Top Ten Picks

Hoopsworld — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 07:34:27 -0700

By: Yannis Koutroupis

Now the Las Vegas has come to a close we have gotten our first look at the top ten picks of the 2008 draft against other NBA players. Some disappointed, some excelled, and some did as we expected. Summer league success/failure has never been a true indicator of pro success, but it does give us an idea of what the player's strengths and weaknesses are. With just one player on this list still actively playing in the summer, here are the grades for how the top ten picks played in their respective summer leagues:

Derrick Rose – Chicago Bulls
Noteworthy Performance: Nine points, eight assists against the Indiana Pacers
Grade: D
Review: Rose's performance in Orlando was not exactly the start he wanted to his Bull career. At times Rose looked out of control and despite having some legitimate weapons he never found his comfort zone running the team. Towards the end of the Orlando Summer League news broke that he had a mild case of right knee tendinitis holding him back. If Rose didn't just get done dominating at Memphis a few months ago there would be reason to be concerned in Chicago, but he did and it's just two summer league games. Don't expect to see the same Derrick Rose come the start of the regular season that you did in Orlando.

Michael Beasley – Miami HEAT
Noteworthy Performance: 25 points, eight rebounds against the Orlando Magic.
Grade: B
Review: In his few games at Orlando Beasley showed the exact same things he did at Kansas State last year: the ability to create his own shot, a wide offensive arsenal, and solid rebounding skills. The biggest issue that Beasley had at Orlando was efficiency. Beasley shot 38% from the field largely due to poor shot selection. Beasley had the freedom to do as he pleased offensively at the camp, but that won't be the case once the regular season starts. Beasley did show some very encouraging signs and with Shawn Marion on the block the HEAT have to feel pretty content with what they got with the number two pick.

O.J. Mayo – Memphis Grizzlies
Noteworthy Performance: 26 points, five rebounds against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Grade: B-
Review: Like Michael Beasley, you came away saying the same things about Mayo after summer league that you did after his freshman year. Mayo is adept at scoring the basketball, but his shot selection is questionable, and he turns the ball over at an extremely high rate. Considering that he spent a lot of time playing with a true point guard in the backcourt with him you would have hoped Mayo shot the ball better and turned it over less. Still, his overall talent was on full display and Mayo made people's jaws drop with plays like the 69-footer he nailed, or the vicious dunk he had over Hilton Armstrong. Mayo knows what areas he needs to work on, but it's obvious Memphis got a player.

Kevin Love – Minnesota Timberwolves
Noteworthy Performance: 18 points, 17 rebounds, two blocks against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Grade: A
Review: Reports that Kevin Love got in the best shape of his life leading up to the NBA Draft were definitely not false. The hard work that Love put in after the end of his college season continued to pay off as he was one of the best player at Las Vegas. Love treated every rebound like it was his and would let nothing get in his way. Offensively he was extremely impressive as well, but it will be his work on the glass that is really important alongside Al Jefferson. Jefferson can provide the points, but what the Wolves really need is consistent rebounding, and it appears they got it in Kevin Love.

Russell Westbrook – Oklahoma City Thunder
Noteworthy Performance: 18 points, five rebounds, four assists against the Indiana Pacers
Grade: B-
Review: There were some questions about how well Westbrook would play since this was his first time playing at the point guard position exclusively. He looked like a seasoned point guard though alongside Jeff Green and Kevin Durant. Westbrook handled the point extremely well and looks ready to play the position full-time. The only issue in Orlando was Westbrook's jump shot mechanics, which need some work. Other than that Westbrook play really impressed the Sonics, until they saw Jerryd Bayless earn MVP honors in Las Vegas. As good as Westbrook may be, Bayless should have been the pick.

Danilo Gallinari – New York Knicks
Noteworthy Performance: 14 points, six rebounds, two assists against the Cleveland Cavaliers
Grade: B
Review: Due to lower back pain Gallinari played in just one game at Las Vegas. In that one game it took him a half to get a feel for the style, but after that he looked really good. He showcased an impressive touch on his jumper and some very nice ball-handling skills. It would have been really nice to see him go against the better players in Vegas, but we'll just have to wait another couple of months to get another glimpse of the Italian sensation.

Eric Gordon – Los Angeles Clippers
Noteworthy Performance: 23 points, seven rebounds, two assists against the Dallas Mavericks.
Grade: B+
Review: Gordon played in just two games at Las Vegas due to a strained hamstring, but that was all Clippers fans needed to see. Gordon looked ready to contribute offensively right away. His jump shot wasn't falling like it typically does, but Gordon can score in a bunch of other ways. In the open court he was great, and he also got to the line 10 times a game. Defensively he struggled to stay in front of the quicker players. Gordon didn't just focus on offense either; he rebounded, made plays for others, and caused turnovers on the other side of the court. With Baron Davis as his mentor, sky is the limit for Gordon.

Joe Alexander – Milwaukee Bucks
Noteworthy Performance: 10 points, seven rebounds, three blocks against the Denver Nuggets.
Grade: C-
Review: Alexander's play in Milwaukee was not stellar to say the least. If anything he made the Bucks really happy that they pulled off the Richard Jefferson trade, because he does not appear to be ready. Alexander looked timid at times throughout Vegas and didn't assert himself like he should have. Alexander looks a year away from being able to handle the speed, physicality, and athleticism of the NBA game. His rookie year looks like it will mainly be a learning opportunity. Make to mistake about it though, he has the ability to play this game and play it well - just not right now.

D.J. Augustin – Charlotte Bobcats
Noteworthy Performance: 30 points, six rebounds against the Golden State Warriors.
Grade: A-
Review: It's really tough being a true point guard on a team with very little weapons, but that was Augustin's situation in Las Vegas. Augustin made plays for others; they just weren't capable of finishing. Four assists total in three games for a point guard of Augustin's caliber gives you an idea of how much of a struggle it was for his teammates. Augustin showed in his last game against the Warriors though that he was capable of getting his own offense when he needed to. Before the draft nine appeared to be too high to take Augustin, but it's not looking that way anymore.

Brook Lopez – New Jersey Nets
Noteworthy Performance: 22 points, eight rebounds, three blocks against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Grade: B+
Review: Lopez had an awful debut for the Nets, but after that first bad game he really looked like a steal for at 10. For years now this team has been looking for someone who can score for them inside the paint, and it looks like they finally found that player in Brook. Lopez left the impression on everyone in Orlando that he is ready to contribute offensively right now. Defensively he did average nearly two blocks a game, but the rebounds weren't as high as you would like. Rebounding has always been an area where Brook needs to improve, but overall the Nets have to be extremely pleased with him. Lopez is the only player on this list who is still playing, as the Nets are participating in the Rocky Mountain Revue.

Outside of Joe Alexander and perhaps Danilo Gallinari everyone on this list is going to see extensive minutes during their rookie campaign. Michael Beasley, Brook Lopez, and Kevin Love all looked like viable rookie of the year candidates. While the three of them looked poised to have big years – don't expect the award to go anywhere but to Portland for Jerryd Bayless or Greg Oden.

- Part Two Coming Soon!

Cheerleader of the Day: Miami Heat #2

Shawn Siegel — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 07:53:21 -0700

Cheerleader of the Day

Thanks to our friends over at Icon Sports Media, we have access to thousands of great college & NBA basketball photos to use on the site. Each day, along with our Picture of the Day, we'll be featuring a Cheerleader of the Day. In honor of the upcoming NBA Draft, we'll be focusing on NBA dancers until the end of June!

Miami Heat

- Check out past Cheerleaders of the Day!

- Also check out the Picture of the Day!

2008 Draft: Winners & Losers: Part One

Jason Brubaker — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:13:26 -0700

The 2008 NBA Draft is finally in the books, and most of the viewing audience are regaining their hearing after listening to four-plus hours of Stephen A. Smith, Dick Vitale and Stuart Scott. Sixty picks, a handful of trades, buckets of tears from proud mothers, some odd suit choices and A LOT of camera shots of Darrell Arthur in the green room later, it's time to see who came out ahead this year, and who will be saving seats for next year's lottery.

WINNERS

New Jersey Nets: The Nets pulled off a big trade prior to the draft, acquiring Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons while ridding themselves of Richard Jefferson's contract, and putting themselves in position to make a run at LeBron in 2010. Then, they managed to snag two quality players in the first round, getting Brook Lopez and Ryan Anderson. Lopez may not be a star, but he's a quality big man who should be a double-double machine for many years. Anderson can stretch the floor with his shooting, and could be a great weapon off the bench. But the biggest steal of the night may have been getting Chris Douglas-Roberts in the second round. CDR is a Rip Hamilton-type player, wiry strong with long arms, a good mid-range game, and a solid defender. He should be a solid rotation guy right away. The Nets do have a glut of big men on the roster, which means they might not be done dealing. The Nets won't be contenders next year, but they appear to be on the right path.

Portland Trail Blazers: Once again, the Blazers pulled off a great draft, wheeling and dealing throughout the night. When it was all said and done, they landed a terrific guard in Jerryd Bayless, who will team with Brandon Roy to give teams fits next year. Bayless isn't a pure point, but Roy is a playmaker from the off-guard position, so Bayless could operate as more of a scoring point next year. The Blazers also ended up with Nicolas Batum, a bouncy forward from France who might not contribute right away, but could be valuable down the line. They also managed to secure four future picks, meaning we can expect to see them just as busy at future drafts. With a healthy Greg Oden joining Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge and Bayless next year, the Blazers will challenge for the playoffs in the loaded Western Conference.

Indiana Pacers: The Pacers took a page from last year's Blazers' handbook, essentially rebuilding their team in just 24 hours. First, they rid themselves of chronically injured and tragically overpaid Jermaine O'Neal, freeing up a ton of cap space for the future. For O'Neal, they managed to land point guard TJ Ford, which means malcontent Jamaal Tinsley is likely on his way out also. Then, in the draft, they worked the phone lines and landed swingman Brandon Rush, who should be ready to contribute right away. Next, they picked up Roy Hibbert, who won't win any sprints anytime soon, but adds some much-needed size and interior defense to the roster. They also landed Jarrett Jack in the Rush-Bayless trade, giving them another solid PG on the roster. The Pacers should challenge for the playoffs next year, especially in the East.

Miami Heat: The lesson to take from this draft? Never, ever listen to draft rumors. Despite weeks of reports about the Heat being reluctant to draft Michael Beasley, stories about how immature he might be, and word of super-secret, last-minute workouts with OJ Mayo and Jerryd Bayless, the Heat drafted....Beasley. His scoring and rebounding should be a great fit with Dwyane Wade's perimeter ability, and if he stays out of trouble, he could be a star. On top of that, they managed to address their point guard needs by acquiring Mario Chalmers, whose toughness, defense and basketball IQ will be a great fit alongside Wade. After a dismal season, things are starting to look pretty good in Miami again.

Freshmen: In all, 12 freshmen were selected in the draft, including seven in the lottery. While it was no shock to anyone who saw the success they had in college last year, it's still a noteworthy accomplishment for the class. Some, like Derrick Rose and Michael Beasley, will be asked to play right away, while others, like Anthony Randolph or Kosta Koufos, will be given time to develop. But there is plenty of star potential for the class, and no one would be surprised if it eventually produces multiple All-Stars. With this class joining a league already stocked full of young, marketable stars like LeBron, Chris Paul and Dwyane Wade, the future of the NBA looks plenty bright.

Pac-10: The Pac-10 is sometimes thought of as more of a football conference, but they proved they play some hoops too, as evidenced by the draft. The conference led the way with 12 players selected, including five in the lottery and two more in the first round. The banner of the class will be carried by lottery picks OJ Mayo, Kevin Love and Jerryd Bayless, who all have star potential. Even second-rounders like Kyle Weaver and DeVon Hardin could prove to be valuable pick-ups. Following the Pac-10, the Big 12 had nine draftees, the SEC had six, the ACC and Big East each had four, and the Big 10 had three.

Check back tomorrow afternoon for the Draft's big losers.

Draft: Top 10 Picks

Shawn Siegel — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:45:57 -0700

An hour and a half into the 2008 NBA Draft, and ten guys have been picked. Nothing too extraordinary so far, though Charlotte's selection of DJ Augustin is a head-scrather.. replacing Ray Felton with another smallish point guard makes little sense. The Sonics/Clippers trade fell apart, and the Sonics took Russell Westbrook with the fourth pick. I've been down on him for weeks, a product of a good NCAA Tournament run in my opinion..

2008 NBA Draft - Top 10 Picks

1. Chicago - Derrick Rose
2. Miami - Michael Beasley
3. Minnesota - OJ Mayo
4. Seattle - Russell Westbrook
5. Memphis - Kevin Love
6. New York - Danilo Gallinari
7. LA Clippers - Eric Gordon
8. Milwaukee - Joe Alexander
9. Charlotte - DJ Augustin
10. New Jersey - Brook Lopez

Cheerleader of the Day: Miami Heat

Shawn Siegel — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 22:44:20 -0700

Cheerleader of the Day

Miami Heat

- Check out past Cheerleaders of the Day!

- Also check out the Picture of the Day!

Unsubstantiated Speculation: Team by Team Draft Rumors & Links

Jason Tomassini — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:21:55 -0700

Team by team 2008 Draft links and rumors:

1. Chicago Bulls
It's becoming more and more apparent that Chicago will take Rose, even though I don't think they should. Although those ready to put Miami on the clock should be wary that Rose is openly politicking for his hometown team to pick him just a week before the draft. The one thing I don't like is this idea that Rose is a better pick because he acts serious and professional in interviews and Beasley does not. These kids are 19, neither of them are professional. Rose is shy, Beasley is not. Can Rose do his taxes better than Beasley or something? Is Rose more proficient in Excel? No. They are both really good at basketball but happen to have different personalities. Derrick Rose is going to be freaking great but give me Beasley this year. That is all. Now, the idea that Rose should be the pick because he is by far the best true point guard for a league that covets them more than ever -- that works.

2. Miami Heat
This is probably where Beasley is going to go, whether it's by Miami or not, so let's talk about him. First, ESPN is cashing in on this whole, "The Next Arenas" thing by capitalizing on Beasley's personality even while its writers bash his draft prospects. They have him blogging. They have an "in-depth" feature on him, which tries to overtake that old Wash Post feature as the "link all Internet writers must provide when discussing Beasley's character issues." They have some ESPN Digital Video things (part 1, part 2) of him, which are pretty tame but awesome for a Philly native like me because he hangs out in the city all day. For the record, he does not stab anyone in the videos nor does he give anyone a wedgie. Rose did work out for Miami so if you're the type of person that likes to make blind leaps of faith (and as someone writing about the Draft, I am), that's another sign that Chicago hasn't made up its mind.

3. Minnesota Timberwolves
They hold the key to the rest of the Draft. Not only does their pick affect those after it but it apparently affects those in front of it. If Miami thinks they can get Mayo at No. 4 or No. 5, they may be inclined to trade the No. 2. The T'Wolves seem to be all over the board. Mayo should be the pick but they have brought in Eric Gordon and Jerryd Bayless recently. Brook Lopez and Danilo Gallinari were in there too. As Ian Thomsen at Sports Illustrated writes, this is one of the toughest drafts to predict in recent memory and a lot of it rests on Miami and Minnesota's uncertainty. Thomson says it's down to Mayo and Love. Mayo has been neglecting small markets (although given that he worked out in Minny, his tune may have changed), and Love is a white person. You do the math.

4. Seattle Supersonics
Another team that long seemed to be locked in on a player (Jerryd Bayless), but now could go any number of directions. It appears Brook Lopez and Russell Westbrook (who Chad Ford has the Sonics taking -- now who is the one with the crazy man crush on Russ?), are very real possibilities. Apparently my man Westbrook has shut down workouts and according to Ford, has a promise in the mid-lottery, possibly at No. 4.

5. Memphis Grizzlies
Many reports have the Grizz trading this pick along with Mike Miller (good) and Brian Cardinal (and his franchise crushing contract). It seems like the Grizzlies best bet is if Mayo falls to them so Miami or another teams that wants him will come calling. Otherwise they will probably take Kevin Love. Some are reporting "Chubby Bryce Drew" Gordon is high up there, but others are reporting he doesn't want to play there. Also, this made me laugh out loud, although I'm sure that wasn't the writer, or Chris Wallace's, intention.

6. New York Knicks
Another pick that seems to be way up in the air and also seems to affect all that comes after it. Danilo Gallinari worked out there recently and supposedly balled, which is good because he said he won't play anywhere besides the Knicks or the Nets. Obviously with Donnie Walsh at the helm, who is very much unlike Isiah Thomas, trades are distinct possibilities if the right vet is available.

7. Los Angeles Clippers
It's highly possible that none of the current Clippers besides Al Thornton and Chris Kaman will be on the team next year. It looks like they will be going small, which assumes they are for some reason optimistic that Thornton, Brand, Kaman will be their front line for more than another month or so.

8. Milwaukee Bucks
Another team that will likely look far different next season. With Scott Skiles now at the helm you can be certain that the pick will be boring. Joe Alexander seems about right. I'm not entirely sure why DJ Augustin isn't an option here, seeing as how Mo Williams stinks and is a shoot-first PG on a team with a glut of shot-hoisting forwards, but then again, it's the Bucks so I guess I should be surprised they won't be taking Sasha Kaun.

9. Charlotte Bobcats
If it was up to Larry Brown he would try to take Aaron McKie, but alas, there is no such option. I haven't read much about the Cats trading this pick which means they most certainly will. But if they do pick, it might be someone that hasn't worked out for them, because no one wants to. I suppose playing for Michael Jordan and Larry Brown has lost its luster. Besides you can wait one more spot and play for Jay-Z!

10. New Jersey Nets
Speaking of Hov, he is about to make a new friend. Who that friend could be is completely impossible to predict however. Logic says another big man for NJ, but then again logic has no place in the Meadowlands. Gallinari seems to be a lock if he is available because, you know, he doesn't want to play anywhere else, but a "rich man's Bostjan Nachbar" probably isn't too appealing to a future Brooklyn fanbase. They can barely understand the dude who sells Gyros on the corner.

11. Indiana Pacers
With the rumors surrounding a makes-too-much-sense deal involving TJ Ford and Jermaine O'Neal, DJ Augustin might not be the surefire pick here anymore. I guess Danny Granger and Mike Dunleavy are long-term options so one of those wacky, athletic bigs will probably go here if Augustin does not.

12. Sacramento Kings
Not a lot of action on this pick. It seems like they will just keep it and probably take Augustin if he's available. Otherwise a Wheel O' Big Man will be spun and any of the Speights/McGee/Jordan mess will be chosen.

13. Portland Trailblazers
Some have them trading this thing for sure, others have them keeping it and taking something called Alexis Ajinca. One thing is for sure, the Blazers have options and probably don't need to get any younger.

14. Golden State Warriors
The Warriors are the team that every prospect seems tailor-made for, which is funny because Don Nelson hates youth. Apparently Jason Thompson, a guy who has been underrated throughout this process, is in play. A 7-footer who can run and shoot? Doesn't sound like something thing that would interest Nellie at all. Initially an upside big man like Koufos, McGee or Randolph would seem to make sense, but don't they already have Brandan Wright and Patrick O'Bryant? (Yes, they do).

-Read more of Jason's Draft coverage at the Super, Scintillating, and Sarcastic blog

Miami Heat: NBA Draft Team Needs

Raphielle Johnson — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

2007-08 Record: 15-67; 5^th Southeast

Draft Picks: 2, 52

Key Free Agents

G Jason Williams

G/F Ricky Davis

F Shawn Marion (can opt out of contract)

F Dorell Wright (restricted)

How they got here and what they need

Talk about a freefall. This past season was doomed from the start for Pat Riley's Heat, as injuries flattened the tires on the bus from the opening tip. Dwyane Wade once again couldn't stay healthy, and an aging Shaquille O'Neal as shipped to Phoenix for Shawn Marion among other pieces. Things got bad enough that Riley spent more time in March evaluating prospects than he did coaching the team. Not sure if the fifteen wins was a result of a tank job or the fact that without Wade this team was terrible, but make no bones about it this franchise needs some serious help.

With O'Neal gone and Alonzo Mourning more than likely headed into retirement (even if he does come back, how many more seasons can you realistically expect out of him?), there's a serious need for some size in the post. But similar to the Bulls with the top pick, there really isn't a post presence worthy of being selected this high. Therefore, the Heat truly are at the mercy of the Bulls, and they could really use whomever Chicago doesn't go with: either Michael Beasley or Derrick Rose.

Who they take

With Derrick Rose most likely going to Chicago, look for the Heat to select Kansas State's Michael Beasley with the second pick. He'd make a good sidekick for Wade, provided Dwyane can stay healthy.

Draft History (since 2000)

- 2007: Jason Smith (20^th); Stanko Barac (39^th)
- 2006: No picks
- 2005: Wayne Simien (29^th)
- 2004: Dorell Wright (19^th); Pape Sow (48^th); Matt Freije (54^th)
- 2003: Dwyane Wade (5^th); Jerome Beasley (33^rd)
- 2002: Caron Butler (10^th); Rasual Butler (53^rd)
- 2001: Ken Johnson (49^th)
- 2000: Eddie House (37^th); Ernest Brown (52^nd)

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