2008 Miami Heat Season Preview & NBA Predictions
Written October 7, 2008 by Luke Knight
Erik Spoelstra, a disciple of the former coach, takes over for Pat Riley this season. Shaquille O’Neal is no longer a member of the heat either. Spoelstra says the emphasis will be on defense, and the system will be much like Riley’s. The Heat were awful on offense and defense last season, but that isn’t to say that the Heat are not talented. Keep reading to find out whether we think Erik Spoelstra and the talented Heat roster will turn things around in Miami this season. If you’re interested in betting on the 15-game winners last season to win the East, a $100 wager would net you $1500 at BetUS. We will also have the NBA odds for each Heat game listed at our site.
The point position has been a problematic area for the Heat. Marcus Banks, acquired last season in a trade with Phoenix, should be the opening day starter. Banks has excellent quickness and is solid in the open court. Rookie Mario Chalmers out of Kansas had a strong summer league showing. Chalmers of course made the dramatic 3-point shot that helped KU beat Memphis in the NCAA Championship game. Chalmers also showed the Heat he can play defense in the summer league. Banks will start out with the bulk of the minutes, but Chalmers could win the starting job by playing the game the right way.
Dwyane Wade was injured last season, played only 51 games, and didn’t play the last 21 games due to tendinitis in his left knee. The Heat won 4 games in that 21 game stretch. D-Wade has been almost possessed to regain his top form according to Spoelstra. Wade played well in Beijing and should pick up where he left off. Wade averaged a team-high 24.6 points in those 51 games that he did play. Daequan Cook, who averaged 8.8 ppg during his rookie season, should get the minutes behind Wade. Cook is talented, but it may take time to develop it. With Wade healthy, the Heat should have the time to develop Cook into a solid backup.
Shawn Marion is a complete small forward, acquired last February in the deal that sent Shaq to the Suns. Marion averaged 14.3 points a game and 2.5 assists, but is known for his defense. Marion has the ability to guard virtually anyone on the floor. Dorell Wright looks to be Marion’s backup and James Jones should also get some minutes. Jones is an excellent perimeter shooter and the Heat can use a guy like that on the court.
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Udonis Haslem has started at least 79 games in three of the Heat’s last four seasons. Haslem is a team player, and willing to do whatever is best for the team, particularly on the defensive end of the court. Haslem should be the opening day starter. Now we get to the real player. Number 2 overall draft pick, Michael Beasley, will severely test Haslem’ starting status. Beasley has been generally regarded as the best player in the draft, as Chicago took a chance on Derrick Rose hoping for better long term results. Beasley is an elite athlete who excels at both ends of the court. As a freshman at K-State Beasley averaged 26.2 points and 12.4 rebounds, and as a young star player, Beasley is fully committed to getting better.
Mark Blount filled in for the departed Shaquille O’Neal, and looks to regain that starting status. Blount averaged 8.4 points and 3.8 rebounds in 46 starts. Jamaal Magloire could provide some key minutes here off the bench early in the season. If Beasley shows he is a player, then Haslem could move into the post position. Having Beasley and Haslem in the game, if Beasley is everything everyone expects him to be, makes Miami a much better team than having Blount in the post. Alonzo Mourning is hoping to return by mid-season, which would improve the Heat’s center position if he is and can stay healthy.
Final Analysis
The Heat should win more than 15 games this season. If the Heat can stay healthy they will be an improved team, and Pat Riley will still be overseeing the entire basketball operation, even though he won’t be on the bench. The Heat have question marks at the point position and at the center position, which could be answered if their two rookies come along quickly. Dwyane Wade staying healthy for the entire season alone should carry this team to more than 15 wins, and he says his leg feels better than it has in years, so that is a good sign. Michael Beasley is as good as everyone says and should be the easy favorite for Rookie of the Year, which should move Udonis Haslem to the center position. The key could be Mario Chalmers emerging as the starting point guard. The Heat should be better this season, but so should the rest of the division. We have the Heat finishing 5th in the Southeast Division behind the Hawks, Bobcats, Wizards, and Magic, and missing the playoffs, but they should be better than last year. If you think they can return to championship form, BetUS has them listed at +4000 to take down the NBA Finals.
Get more NBA predictions from Luke Knight:
- Atlanta Hawks Predictions
- Charlotte Bobcats Predictions
- Orlando Magic Predictions
- Washington Wizards Predictions