Miami Heat: 2009 NBA Draft

2008-09 Record: 43-39; 3^rd Southeast

Draft Picks: No first round picks; second round only

Key Free Agents:

F/C Jermaine O’Neal (Player Option)

G/F Jamario Moon (Restricted)
C Jamaal Magloire

C Mark Blount

G Luther Head

G Chris Quinn (Restricted)

How They Got Here:

First year head coach Eric Spoelstra and the Miami Heat improved by 28 games and reached the playoffs a year after posting just 15 wins in their 2007-08 campaign. The key to their success this year was that they had a healthy Dwyane Wade. He returned from knee problems to become the first player in NBA history to register 2,000 points, 500 assists, 100 steals, and 100 blocks in one season. (Feel free to re-read that last sentence over and over again…Are you kidding me with those numbers?) Their most influential move came in February when they traded Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks to the Raptors for Jermaine O’Neal and Jamario Moon.

What They Need:

We just learned that Wade can only take this current Heat team so far. They need to build around him. They are pretty much set at SG and PF. They could use help at the other three spots. Do they try Beasley at the 3? What is his height? We aren’t dealing with Miguel Tejada’s age, let’s get the tape out and measure him. He had trouble guarding bigger power forwards and could run into problems at the 3, but it may be worth a shot. I think they let Chalmers develop at PG. Chalmers may suit their system best because D-Wade brings the ball up from time to time. They still could use some help backing him up at the point. Although he played relatively well in the playoffs, Jermaine O’Neal always seems to be battling injuries and isn’t getting any younger. Joel Anthony got some big minutes during their last two playoff games and could see more action next year. Adding another spot up shooter could be beneficial for when Wade draws double-teams. Basically it comes down to depth.

Who They’ll Take:

Minnesota has Miami’s first round pick from the Ricky Davis trade in 2007. Their first pick will be in the middle of the second round. Who will still be available and what are their possible options?  If they are to draft a guard I think they go with a change of pace guy like Tyrese Rice or AJ Price. I think either of the two would be an upgrade to Quinn. Both of them handle the ball exceptionally well and can hit open shots consistently. They will also take a look at what big guys are still left on the board. Memphis big man Robert Dozier will most likely be available as well as Gonzaga’s Josh Heytvelt. 

Miami Heat Draft History (since 2000)

2008:  Michael Beasley (2), Darnell Jackson (52)

2007:  Jason Smith (20), Stanko Barac (39)

2006:  No Picks

2005: Wayne Simien (29)

2004: Dorell Wright (19), Pape Sow (48), Matt Freije (54)

2003: Dwyane Wade (5), Jerome Beasley (33)

2002: Caron Butler (10), Rasual Butler (53)

2001: Ken Johnson (49)

2000: Eddie House (37), Ernest Brown (52)