What Next?

The Miami Heat were able to get their first win in 12 games by defeating the Sacramento Kings in a 106-87 rout, recording the first victory of the Wade/Marion era.

For the first time, we saw Udonis Haslem and Shawn Marion play in the frontcourt together. Marion adjusted very well to the three spot, where Pat Riley has envisioned him at. Marion was a terrific 10-for-14 from the field and spent a lot of time at the rim. Haslem added 17 points on six-of-11 shooting. However, a critical question remains. With Miami in a rebuilding mode, can Haslem and Marion serve as a formidable forward combination if the Heat want to return to contention.

The answer is no. Out of the starting lineup Miami currently fields, no one is a low-post presence. The Heat need a post presence not only to keep the elite forwards of the NBA honest, but also to make things easier on Dwyane Wade and Shawn Marion, both of whom drive to the hoop from the perimeter. Don't discount on the upcoming NBA Draft for the answer to that situation.

Jason Williams also played inspired basketball, with 10 points, nine assists, and just one turnover. I will give credit to Williams on having a good night, but I don't see Pat Riley re-signing him in the offseason. Too many inconsistencies and off-shooting nights have permeated White Chocolate's days in Miami.

Another long summer of a point-guard-hunt appears to be on the horizon. Although the Heat are loaded with point guards, none of them are adequate. Chris Quinn is unproven and doesn't have the foot speed to keep up with the face-paced teams of the NBA. Marcus Banks has proven he can score for Miami as well as be an outside threat. Banks needs to learn how to run the offense and be a floor general on the court. He could be a quality backup point guard for Miami, but seemingly nothing else.

Recently, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel speculated that Pat Riley may make a run at Jose Calderon, a restricted free-agent this coming summer. Calderon could certainly be a young, promising, and efficient point guard for Miami. Calderon averages 12.7 points and nearly nine assists, exceptional numbers for a point guard. Shooting 46% from downtown this season, Calderon certainly can help the Heat in more ways than one.

The problem with Calderon is the same they had with Charlie Bell last summer. The Heat could sign Calderon to an offer sheet, but the Raptors would probably match any offer Miami can make. Other options at point guard from the free agency include Carlos Arroyo, Keyon Dooling, and Beno Udrih. In the Draft, point guards include Derrick Rose, Jerryd Bayless, DJ Augustin, and Ty Lawson.

In my opinion, however, Miami's main priority should be getting a low-post presence. With impending free agents Jermaine O'Neal and possibly Elton Brand being hit-or-miss opportunities, acquiring a low-post presence through the Draft is the safest route the Heat could take. The point guard situation is porous, but at worst, the Heat would have Marcus Banks, who can contribute to outside shooting at the very least. The Heat's win is just a tissue to slow -- but not stop the river of tears the Heat's season has produced.