It is nearly certain that the Heat will win more than 15 games, the total amount of wins last season. Pat Riley and rookie coach Erik Spoelstra have consistently said that their goal this season would be to make the playoffs. As it stands right now, a trio of Beasley, Marion, and Wade could very well make it to the post-season. However, the Heat are still a few quality players away from being up there with Boston and Detroit in the East.
The most recent rumor for Heat fans to chew on is that Riles is reportedly interested in Luke Ridnour, Jannero Pargo, and Shaun Livingston to fill in their hole at the one. I know I haven't held this position earlier in the off-season, but Miami should not try to get another third-tier point guard. I wouldn't mind putting Marcus Banks as the starting point guard for now. His contract is ugly, but he could offer Miami some shooting and defense; and was mentored by Steve Nash. He could be a stopgap guy until Mario Chalmers is ready to take on the role as the starting point. Maybe Banks can prove himself enough that the Heat would be able to find a trading partner for him. I wouldn't object to a trade involving Banks that would get us some better pieces. But until that trade comes around, I'd stick with Banks.
Recently-claimed forward Bobby Jones cannot be traded for 30 days. I wouldn't mind keeping him, either. There won't be much competition for his services, as he's already bounced halfway around the League. Still, I would be very surprised if the Heat kept all of their forwards. Restricted free agent Dorell Wright may have interest in some teams. If Pat Riley plans to keep Marion, Udonis Haslem is also on the table. And vice versa.
More than anything, the Heat's most dire need is the center position. A point guard lineup of Banks, Chalmers, and Quinn (who started to come around towards the end of the season) is not the best in the world. But it is three young guys who can contribute. At Miami's center position, Alonzo Mourning is still months away from recovery, Mark Blount is perimeter-oriented, Joel Anthony is just 6'9", and Earl Barron is, well, Earl Barron. The Heat need a defensive-minded center who can eat up space.
I would still be open to a trade with Portland in an attempt to acquire LaMarcus Aldridge or Channing Frye. Nazr Mohammed of Charlotte could be available after Charlotte threw all of that money to Emeka Okafor and drafted the 7'0" Alexis Ajinca. Luke Ridnour of Oklahoma City keeps on popping up. Maybe a trade could be worked out. Keep in mind that Oklahoma City's roster features seven players 6'10" or above. The Heat could definitely use some of that size.
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