All three of these guys should not be looked at as the future of the Heat. Two of these guys are on the wrong side of 30. Lorenzen Wright had three straight double-digit scoring averages for the season, but at 33, does he still have something left in the tank? DJ Mbenga is very long and strong with his 7'0" frame, but he has no offensive game. Jamaal Magloire, like Wright, had three consecutive years of double-digit scoring, but conditioning is a concern.
Magloire, Mbenga, and Wright can all be adequate backup centers. Mark Blount is perimeter-oriented and never seems to make a solid defensive play. Joel Anthony can be developed more with Erik Spoelstra at the helm. But I anticipate Coach Spo' may develop Anthony at the four considering he is just 6'9".
The Heat still lack a starting center. After the Draft, Riles has signed James Jones, Yakhouba Diawara, and re-signed Dorell Wright. What does this all point to? That Riley plans to move Shawn Marion for a big name center and still have considerable depth at the three. I could be wrong, but it seems to be the most plausible explanation. In the past, Dwyane Wade has publicly lobbied for Riles to fetch him a point guard. He recently spoke on the record, saying, "I really believe in our point guard, Mario Chalmers. I think he can be great for us and surprise a lot of people." The center position appears to have moved to the forefront of Wade's concerns. "We haven't found a five-man," he added.
But what is perhaps the most clear-cut evidence that Pat Riley intends to make a move was another quote by Dwyane Wade. In a response to whether he expects Riles to make a move before training camp, Wade offered, "Of course I do." Riles clearly keeps D-Wade abreast with behind-the-scenes action during the summer. He knows something we don't.
As I have repeated, Shawn Marion can get Miami a very solid center. Riles should aim for nothing less than someone at least 6'10", a consistent double-double guy, someone who is a good passer, and runs the floor well. A young guy would be preferable, but not required.
Without Marion, James Jones would move up onto the top of the depth chart at the three. Another option is moving Michael Beasley over to the three and having Udonis Haslem at the four, similar to what Riley did with Antoine Walker and Haslem in Miami's championship season. I would like to see Coach Spo' experiment with different lineups with this youthfully exuberant team. This upcoming season should be about creating a positive chemistry with quality players. It is up to Pat Riley to give Spo' the tools required to do that.
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