The beginning of the 2015 NBA offseason presented many questions for the Miami Heat and their fan base. With what seemed like a roster in flux, many Heat fans were uncertain of what the near future had in store. Would Dwyane Wade leave? Would Goran Dragic resign? Would Luol Deng opt out of his player option to test the free agent market? These are some of the questions Heat fans were anxious to get the answers to.
The NBA draft also presented uncertainty. Who were Pat Riley and the Heat organization targeting? Now less than a month after the conclusion of the NBA Finals, the Heat are already looking like a team ready to contend for another NBA championship. How did they do it?
THE DRAFT
The Heat had the 10th overall pick in the draft, and almost no one predicted the luck that would fall upon Miami on that night. Justise Winslow, the highly coveted guard/forward out of Duke, was considered by many to be a top five-seven pick. When Winslow was still on the board come the Heat’s selection, they were gifted with what most are calling “the steal of the draft”.
Winslow, who is only 19, has all the traits to be a forceful two-way player in this league. He is able to score the ball, although scouts note his shot is a work in progress, while being labeled as an above average defender capable of guarding multiple positions. Winslow impressed with his quick first step and finishing ability, while also demonstrating an above average passing skill set. A fast, strong perimeter player with the ability to score, defend, and run in transition, he fits the Heat’s culture to perfection.
Miami also selected Josh Richardson, the four year guard from Tennessee. Richardson’s senior year caught the eyes of many scouts as he posted his highest numbers and had the breakout season he needed to show he was NBA ready. Richardson, 21, was selected to the SEC All Conference First team and All Defensive team. He is very athletic, and poses excellent speed. He spent a fair amount of time at point guard for Tennessee last year, which improved his ball handling and passing abilities.
Like Winslow, he has a good first step, which allows him to get himself into the lane, though he will need to improve on his ability to finish. As a spot up shooter, Richardson shot 50% from the field when left open, though that number dipped to around 35% when the shot was challenged. However, with the speed and athleticism he possesses, along with the ability to score and defend, Richardson should fit right in to what the Heat like from their perimeter players.
DRAFT GRADE: A
FREE AGENCY
The status of Heat star Dwyane Wade was uncertain. As contract negotiations stalled, fans began to worry about the possibility of the most beloved player in franchise history taking his talents elsewhere. However, an agreement on a one year, $20 million dollar deal was reached, assuring Miami would be known as Wade County for at least another year.
While Wade, now 33, has faced more injury problems that have sidelined him, there’s no denying he’s still a top tier talent in this league when healthy. And let’s be honest, could you really picture him anywhere else?
The re-signing of Wade was not the end of the good news for Heat fans. Point Guard Goran Dragic, acquired by the Heat in a three team deal with Phoenix at last year’s trade deadline, agreed to a five year, $86 million dollar contract to keep him in South Beach. Dragic did nothing but impress after coming over, and won over the hearts of Heat fans.
Dragic defines the point guard position almost perfectly, creating offense and being the floor general Miami has been looking for. A duo of Wade and Dragic gives Miami a back court capable of competing with any.
Luol Deng also decided to opt in on the final year of his two year contract and will make $10 million this upcoming season. Many expected him to opt out in hopes of finding a multi-year deal, but his decision to stick around comes with no complaints. Deng is the best defender the Heat have, and his shooting and scoring abilities make him an important piece in the Miami starting five.
The Heat were also able to sign athletic wingman Gerald Green to a one year deal deal for the veteran minimum. A scoring punch off the bench, Green fits right in to that up tempo Heat culture.
Along with Green, comes the signing of six time all star, big man Amare Stoudemire. Like Green, Stoudemire also signs for the veteran minimum, and will provide scoring and valuable minutes off the bench for both the four and five positions.
FREE AGENCY GRADE: A-
OVERVIEW
LeBron James‘ departure wasn’t exactly what the Heat wanted a year ago. However, Pat Riley wasted no time in his efforts to keep the “rebuilding” phase quick, and get the Heat right back in a position to contend just a year removed from the LeBron era. With the discovery of phenom center Hassan Whiteside, the re signings of Dwyane Wade and Goran Dragic to go along with Chris Bosh and the addition of Justise Winslow, the Heat have a core group of players that should help Miami contend for several years to come.
HEAT OFFSEASON GRADE: A
James Alexander is a Sports Beat Writer for RSEN. You can follow him on Twitter @JAlexander_NFL
Image Courtesy of Creative Commons via Flickr.
