There are multiple things wrong with Riley's projected core group of guys. First of all, there is no way in hell those five players and a couple of cheap free agents are going to be back in contention. Even if you add Michael Beasley. Over the last few summers, Pat Riley has spent his money on the likes of Smush Parker and a myriad of undrafted and D-League players, only a handful whom actually make the team.
Obviously, I would keep Wade and Marion. Persuading the Matrix to forgo his opt-out clause on his contract should be a top offseason priority. If this team wants Dwyane Wade to stay in Miami, they need to return to contention, and quick. The lineup that Pat Riley identified doesn't even come close.
Udonis Haslem is a good player. I love his hustle and rebounding. However, I feel it's time for Miami to upgrade at that position. Haslem is undersized and does not have a lot of offensive weapons in his repertoire. Elton Brand could help Miami improve vastly. He may be 6'8", but that doesn't keep him from being one of the best rebounders in the game. He has a low post game and has developed into a great defensive player. Although he has said he would like to stay in Los Angeles, I would try my best to get Brand in a Heat jersey.
If you can't get Brand, I would try to work out something with the Draft. No, I'm not talking about Michael Beasley. He'd get eaten up by the bigger power forwards of the League. Getting two first-round picks can be crucial for Miami. Trading for players such as Kevin Love or DJ White would be a step in the right direction.
Second of all, I would kick Dorell Wrong to the curb in a heartbeat. Dorell has not developed into "the next T-Mac" as analysts once proclaimed. He has gone through periods of starting and then being glued to the bench. As long as he is in a Heat jersey, Dorell won't reach his potential. Moving on would be the best thing to do.
Shawn Marion is already penciled in as the starting small forward for Miami, so Dorell doesn't have a remote shot at getting the starting spot. One wise decision Riley has made is sign Bobby Jones. He is a player who has gained a reputation for being a strong defensive player who can shoot threes (sound familiar?). He received quality minutes last night under Ron Rothstein, playing 14 minutes while shooting a perfect three-for-three from downtown. Pat Riley has already made a mistake by letting Bruce Bowen slip through the cracks, and Miami may have a diamond in the rough in Jones.
Picking Daequan Cook was a shrewd selection by Pat Riley. Last night against Orlando, Cook had 15 points on six-of-12 shooting. He has proven to be an effective shooter with great confidence. Unfortunately, I don't see much of a future of Cook in a Heat uniform unless they plan to have him at the point. Maybe that is what Riles was alluding to, as he did not mentioned impending free agent Jason Williams or Marcus Banks. If, however, Cook is to play as a two, he will always be a backup to Dwyane Wade. Cook has the potential to be a starter in this League down the road. If Cook continues to surge in the last few months of the regular season, Cook's trade value will go up. He could prove to be a valuable trade chip.
I don't know what Miami's roster will look like, but this team needs more talent. In my opinion, they need one more All-Star, which is why I would like to get Brand. However, they still need a center. Although there is only one dominant center in the East (Dwight Howard), there are a plethora of dominant centers in the West. Don't discount on the Draft providing that answer.
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