Months Leave, but Players Don't

We now move from July to August. There is still plenty of time left in the offseason, but Pat Riley could be confident enough with his current squad to let Miami stand pat. I certainly hope Riles doesn't think that way. The Heat are still a few quality players away from becoming a quality playoff team.

I have caught those early-morning games of the USA Basketball team. Dwyane Wade is phenomenal. He is back to his explosive, athletic, amazing self. Yet whenever I see Wade throw down a windmill from an alley-oop pass or dunk it in transition with two guys on him, I always get this bitter taste in my mouth. I can't stop but think that Pat Riley is leaving Wade out to dry by not giving him a post presence. Shawn Marion also plays from the perimeter-inwards. Same with Michael Beasley.

Wade has also emphasized acquiring a point guard. It's been so nice to see how Wade can be when he doesn't handle the ball all the time. Mario Chalmers is certainly a quality point guard in the making, but Miami needs at least a stop-gap guy for a season or two. I wouldn't mind going after someone like Jannero Pargo, a cheap free agent who can give Miami some shooting.

As far as the options at big man -- I would like Riles to call up the Blazers and see if he can wheel in either LaMarcus Aldridge or Channing Frye. Both are 6'11" guys who could play center in the East. Dealing Shawn Marion should not be out of the question. Portland could use a defensive-minded small forward who can give you 15 points without taking many shots. They'll also have Oden, Przybilla, and either Aldridge or Frye (whomever Miami chooses not to trade for) to man the paint. I wouldn't have any qualms about taking on Raef LaFrentz's contract, with one year and $12 million left.

A starting lineup of Pargo, Wade, Michael Beasley, Udonis Haslem, and either Aldridge or Frye shows a great improvement over last year. The young nucleus would excite fans and give Miami financial flexibility in the years to come. However, more importantly, it would also excite Dwyane Wade.