We have been doing Miami Heat season previews every year for the past four years.  While it is uncertain as to whether or not there will even be a 2011/12 NBA season, Bryan Saul took the time to prepare a preview…just in case.

Team Name: Miami Heat

Last Year’s Record: 58-24

Key Free Agents:

• Restricted: Mario Chalmers (qualifying offer extended)
• Unrestricted: Mike Bibby, Eric Dampier, James Jones, Juwan Howard, Jamaal Magloire

Team Needs: Point Guard, Center, Perimeter Defensive Stopper

1. What are your team’s biggest needs this offseason?

The new era Miami Heat, in their first season together, reached the NBA Finals; a place many thought the team should reach, but one that many did not think the team would reach. Regardless of their immediate success on the court, there are strides that need to be taken to get this team over the hump. The same could be said at the beginning of last season that is said now – this team needs upgrades at the point guard and the center position. Mario Chalmers showed great improvement throughout the season, which was culminated by his stellar play in the NBA Finals. The Heat have shown confidence in Chalmers as a starting point guard, as evidenced by Pat Riley striking a deal to move up in the draft to take Norris Cole (the senior point guard out of Cleveland State). Although the team seems poised to go with this point guard rotation, do not look over the roll the lockout will play in this scenario. If the entire season is wiped out, Cole will have lost an entire year under the Miami Heat coaching staff, something that will severely hinder his ability to play immediately. In addition, do not forget the ability of LeBron James and Dwyane Wade to play the point guard role at an extremely high level. When it’s all said and done, don’t be surprised to see the Heat sign a veteran point guard to help the two young guns. The Heat also have a lingering need for a center. Pat Riley has always relished the opportunity to have a big man in the middle, and he seems poised to go after one in this year’s free agency. Only one problem – all the good big men on the market this year are probably going to be offered more than the mid-level exception (MLE). Several names have been thrown around in the past months, such as Samuel Dalambert, Nene, Tyson Chandler, Kwame Brown, etc., but getting one of these guys to sign a contract for less than they could get elsewhere (excluding probably Kwame Brown, who could get more money, but would then be extremely overpaid) will prove to be a tough mission.

2. What are the team’s biggest strengths & weaknesses? (so far)

When addressing the strengths of the Miami Heat, it is hard to look past the “Big Three,” but in an effort to make this article not sound like every other article addressing the Miami Heat, I propose we take a look at the Miami Heat’s defense and hustle stats. A lot was made of Erik Spoelstra this past year. People questioned whether he was fit to coach a team such as this, but after a rocky start, his players bought in, and eventually played Erik Spoelstra basketball, which for those of you who don’t know, is defensive basketball, where each player rotates on a “string.” The Miami Heat ranked in the top ten of every defensive category this past season. Spo’s Heat ranked sixth in points allowed, only allowing 94.6 ppg. They ranked fourth in assists allowed, allowing only 20.1 apg. They ranked second in opponent field goal percentage (43.4%). They ranked third in rebound differential, outrebounding their opponent by 2.9 rpg. They ranked ninth in blocks per game (5.3 bpg). They also ranked tenth in turnover differential (+0.7 tpg). I’m not saying that the “Big Three” is not the Heat’s biggest strength. What I am saying is that we all know the offensive prowess this team has. Now couple that with the defensive power the Heat displayed, and tell me how to beat this team (If Mark Cuban, Rick Carlisle, Dirk, or Jason Terry are reading this…stay quiet!).

In regards to the Heat’s biggest weaknesses, it has been addressed to an extent in the first question. The Miami Heat lacks consistency at the point guard position. Mario Chalmers showed in the NBA Finals that he can play at a high level, but has also shown throughout his career that this level of play is not always sound. In addition, the Heat lacks athletic depth at the center position. There are rumors throughout the Heat camp that Dexter Pittman will see more time than last year, but increasing your playing time from nonexistent is not very hard, so the amount to which he actually plays is still up in the air. If all stays the same, Joel Anthony will likely be the starter, although he is vastly undersized. With the insertion of Udonis Haslem (the heart and soul of this team), Bosh will be looked at to play some minutes at the center position, but like Anthony, he lacks the size to play against many opponents around the league. The Heat have people who could play effectively at both positions, but consistency and depth at the two positions could pose a few problems throughout the season (that is if we have one).

3. If there is no season in 2011-12, how is your team set up for 2012?

If the NBA were to cancel the entire 2011-2012 season, the Heat roster would look very similar to what it does now. Next year, the only players expected to hit free agency are Eddie House and Zydrunas Ilguaskas, both of whom see limited playing time as it is. Where the team will truly lose ground, if the season were to be cancelled, is in the development of two young players who the Heat are looking to to eventually have an impact with this team. The Heat have already liked the development of Dexter Pittman. Having dropped his weight to around 285 pounds, the second year center is showing promise, after dominated the D-League. The Heat hope to better his condition and refine his raw skill in an effort to make him an effective center for years to come. In addition, the development of Norris Cole will seriously be hindered. Riley loves this guy, there’s no doubt about it. He wants him to play and play soon, but missing an entire season will cause Cole to lose an entire year with the Heat coaching staff.

4. If you could make one change to the NBA’s new CBA, what would it be?

Apparently my mind is thinking more along the lines of the owners’ mentality, but the idea of non-guaranteed contracts is an intriguing one. Obviously, the contracts should not be completely non-guaranteed, but they should be somewhat similar to NFL contracts. Many owners are looking to install a Hard Salary Cap and do away with Salary Cap Exceptions, primarily because there are a ridiculous number of players who are extremely overpaid. With the implementation of partially guaranteed contracts, salaries will be lowered, and owners could cut their losses on underperforming players. Be honest. How many times have you looked at the team you are a fan of and said, why does so-and-so make so much money? Partially guaranteed contracts can eliminate this. No more Jermaine O’Neals making $20 million to barely touch the court. Players who are at the end of their career who are making big money, or players who are simply underperforming, can simply be cut, and the teams would only be responsible for paying the guaranteed portion of the contract.

5. Really, whose team is this?

LeBron James’ or Dwyane Wade’s? This is the big one. All of last year, from the second they all signed their contracts, this question came up, and I think it’s been answered. LeBron loves the spotlight; nobody is denying that. At times, he is the focal point of this team, offensively and defensively, but it’s still Dwyane Wade’s team. For you naysayers, answer me a few questions. Who has been with this team longer? Who yelled at who more (D-Wade of LeBron)? Who did the people of Miami want to have the ball in the last minute? Who is the captain of this team? All answers are D-Wade. Credit should never be taken from LeBron, because what he has brought to this team can never be matched. Simply put, he is an athletic freak, but Dwyane is so loved in Miami, by the fans and by the players. The Heat are still his team. He is the leader of this team on and off the court. Having said that, don’t overlook Udonis Haslem as a driving force behind this team. He has been and will continue to be the heart and soul of this team. His mentality and the way he plays the game bring so much to the Miami Heat on and off the court. That is why he is still a captain of the Heat, and will be so long as he is with Miami.

2011/12 Miami Heat Preview – In Case A Season Happens from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

Football

• In case you missed the good Outside the Lines feature last Sunday, here is a good wrap-up of the discussion [7-on-7: A touch-and-go situation].
• Dynasty Football will definitely be sending its drafted player to the event [NFL rookie symposium back on; NFLPA to host in Washington D.C.].
• Is the bonus worth fighting for in court? [Jets lineman D'Brickashaw Ferguson may have $750K workout bonus in jeopardy due to NFL lockout].

Baseball

• The NCAA is currently forcing players to lie [College baseball striking out on agent issue].
• Cousins’ agent Matt Sosnick responds [SF Giants' Brian Sabean blasts Cousins].

Basketball

• “A spontaneous, combustible entertainment vehicle” [Shaq's Agents Recall Marketing Tales].
• Allocation of revenue is currently 57% to 43% in favor of the players [Trouble ahead? Looming labor battle could blunt NBA's boom].

Shabbat Shalom: Friday Wrap-Up (6/3/2011) from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

Baseball

• He is now in Michigan’s Hall of Honor [Former Michigan baseball star Casey Close remains true to himself, makes a name as a top agent].
• Gap of $1.5 million and may come down to CAA talking about his durability while the Orioles focus on his lackluster stats [Jeremy Guthrie's Arbitration Case].
• I agree – the #1 case to watch is Josh Hamilton’s [Ten Arbitration Cases To Watch].
• Former GA Tech players Boras has represented includes Mark Teixeira, Jason Varitek, Matt Wieters, Eric Patterson, and Tyler Green [Scott Boras to Speak at Georgia Tech Baseball's Benefit Dinner on Feb. 17].

Basketball

• Bill Duffy and Mark Bartelstein say no, if it means moving it to an earlier date [Should early-entry withdrawal date move?].
• The LeBron James Effect – the Miami Heat’s worth increased 17%, to $425 million [The NBA’s Most Valuable Teams].

Football

• But his agent Ryan Tollner sure has his back [Nothing Big About Ben In The Marketing World].
• Whose hair will you root for in the Super Bowl? [Clay Matthews Signs Hair Endorsement Deal With Suave].

Shabbat Shalom: Friday Wrap-Up (1/28/2011) from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

Basketball

• Not in the article, but apparently Marbury did not have a signed contract with his former CBA team [Ex-NBA player Marbury switches teams in China].
• Looking forward to seeing what becomes of Sportsality [Keyon Dooling Talks Business].
• 6’3 at 11-years-old, but it still doesn’t feel right [Baylor Offers a Scholarship to 8th-Grader Adrian Moore].

Baseball

• A minor-league posting system for non-protected players [Something to think about from Scott Boras].
• Keith Law defends Scott Boras’ loans to Edward Salcedo [Boras playing by baseball's rules].
• A few statements from agents Barry Axelrod and Barry Meister [Baseball Asks Union for Explanation on Loans by Boras].

Football

• Terry Watson called an anonymous General Manager a coward [Agent speaks out regarding crticism of Cortland Finnegan].

Hockey

• A prospective Buffalo Sabres owner is the co-owner of a sports agency [Terry Pegula's WNY Sports Connection].

Shabbat Shalom: Friday Wrap-Up (12/2/2010) from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

If you missed our preview of the 2010/11 Miami Heat, be sure to check it out right here.  It is included in this round of preview links.  We are biased, but it seems as though the Heat will not have much of a problem winning the division.  That said, it is one of the most competitive divisions in all of basketball.  The Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks have shown a lot of promise over the past few years.  But they probably won’t be able to hang with the heat.

Bobcats: Rufus on Fire | Hoops Addict | SBN Recap

Hawks: Peachtree Hoops

Heat: Peninsula Is Mightier | SportsAgentBlog.com

Magic: Orlando Pinstriped Post | Magic Basketball | Orlando Magic Daily | Orlando Sports Central

Wizards: Bullets Forever | Sparty and Friends | Truth About It | SBN Recap

NBA Blog Previews: Southeast Division Recap from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

Team Name: Miami Heat
This Year’s Predicted Record: 64-18
Last Year’s Record: 47-35
Key Losses: Quentin Richardson, Jermaine O’Neal, Michael Beasley, Dorell Wright, Daequan Cook
Key Additions: LeBron James, Chris Bosh, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Juwan Howard, Mike Miller, Eddie House

1. What significant moves were made during the off-season?

The real question is, what significant moves were NOT made during this past year’s off-season? This summer was hyped up for the past three years, with several teams completely clearing all players from their roster in an attempt to land one of the big three available (Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade). The Heat cleared their roster of every player except one, Mario Chalmers, and succeeded in landing not just one of the big three, but all three. In addition to bringing in LeBron James and Chris Bosh and retaining Dwyane Wade, the Heat were able to bring back Udonis Haslem, Joel Anthony, James Jones, Carlos Arroyo, and Jamal Magloire. Much to every other team’s chagrin, the mastermind behind the whole operation, Pat Riley, was able to find a way to fill the rest of the roster and turn the Heat’s bench into one of the best benches in the NBA. The remaining roster includes Mike Miller, Eddie House, Juwan Howard, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, and draft picks Da’Sean Butler and Dexter Pittman. Pat Riley and the Miami Heat have succeeded in putting together one of the most feared teams ever assembled in the NBA.

2. What are the team’s biggest strengths?

With this team, the answer is always going to be the Big Three, especially on the offensive side. In the past 6 years, each of the Big Three have demanded double teams when handling the ball. The strength isn’t necessarily just the ability for these three to score, but the ability for them to open the floor for spot up shooters in the corners, which is something the Heat, for the first time since Jason Kapono, is not lacking with Mike Miller, James Jones, and Eddie House on the outside. LeBron James and Dwyane Wade are going to demand double teams on the perimeter, and many times Chris Bosh is going to demand a double team down low. With Wade and James’ ability to penetrate and dish, the corners are going to be wide open. A man-to-man defense with back-side help is not going to work against this team. This year’s Miami Heat may cause the zone defense to make a major comeback in the NBA, as it may be the only way to put multiple defenders on the Big Three while not taking defenders out of position.

3. What are the team’s biggest weaknesses?

The Heat’s biggest weaknesses are point guard and center play, but this weakness has been blown out of proportion in recent weeks. Most likely Mario Chalmers will starting at point guard, and while he is not a pure point guard, he is a serviceable guard who can spot up from the outside. His main job is going to be to bring the ball past half court, hand it off to Wade or James, and spot up from the outside, something he can do very well. Also, even though he is a starter, he is going to play role player minutes, as this team is not really in need of a primary ball-handler other than Wade and James. Chalmers is going to share a significant amount of minutes with Mike Miller and Eddie House. The same goes for Joel Anthony as the starting center. He is most likely going to be playing role player minutes as well, with Big Z being the first center off the bench, and Chris Bosh playing significant minutes at center with the warrior, Udonis Haslem, at the power forward position. The one thing that Joel Anthony does provide is great backside help. The Heat do lack overbearing skill at both of these positions, but this weakness is not going to cause the team to lose games. Most likely the Heat’s end of game line-up and the lineup that will play significant minutes throughout the game will be Dwyane Wade, Mike Miller, LeBron James, Udonis Haslem, and Chris Bosh, which, as can be seen, does not include a pure point guard or center.

4. What are the goals for this team?

There is only one goal with a team like the Miami Heat…championship or bust! This team is already being labeled as one of the greatest to ever be put together, and it was put together to win championships. Plain and simple…the Heat need to win multiple championships with this team, or they will face a different kind of heat from all angles.

5. Will Eric Spoelstra make it through the entire season?

This is one question that has been on everybody’s mind since the Big Three came together. We all remember 2006, the last time the Heat won the NBA Championship…Stan Van Gundy started the year as the Heat’s head coach, and about a quarter of the way through the season, he “voluntarily” resigned as head coach. With this season approaching, there are speculations as to whether Spoelstra will make it through the entire season. Riley has been quoted saying he will do anything to make sure that this team wins, but does that mean he is returning to the bench? Most likely Spo will finish this season as the head coach of the Miami Heat, but if he does not deliver a championship, do not discount the idea of him returning back to Assistant Coach status, with possibly Doc Rivers at the helm.

The 2010/11 Miami Heat Preview – Championship Or Bust from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh are certainly three basketball players that come to mind when thinking about stars who are able to earn money through marketing based opportunities.  LeBron James’ one-hour ESPN show titled, “The Decision”, officially announced LBJ’s departure from Cleveland to play with Wade and Bosh in Miami.  The show affected not only LeBron’s image, but also what people think about Bosh and Wade – and they had no part in the entire ordeal.

A new nationwide survey from E-Poll Market Research shows that in the wake of “The Decision,” public sentiment towards LeBron James and fellow free agent Chris Bosh is down markedly, while attitudes towards Dwyane Wade are more favorable.

E-Poll’s E-Score® survey measured awareness, appeal and perceptions of the Miami Heat trio along numerous personality attributes. In addition to a plunge in appeal rating from 47 to 29 points, James’ ratings for such attributes as “Confident,” “Exciting,” “Good Energy,” and “Talented” were all down significantly, while negative attributes such as “Cold,” “Insincere” and “Over-Exposed” showed big increases.

In contrast to James, Wade’s appeal score rose from 51 to 55 points, and he saw increases in his attribute scores for “Confident,” “Exciting” and “Talented.” Chris Bosh experienced declines in appeal as well as most of his attribute scores. The survey was conducted July 17 – 29, 2010.

Besides the fact that Bosh and Wade might not have been in control over the change in sentiment, it is also important to point out that LeBron’s own advisors (CAA and LRMR) might not have had much control either.  We now know that Ari Emanuel, co-CEO of William Morris Endeavor, had a large roll in James deciding to go forward with “The Decision.”  That said, James’ right hand man, Maverick Carter, knew about it, and at a minimum gave his consent moving forward with the idea.

LeBron’s brand is not destroyed, but it seems as though it has taken a slight beating.  Meanwhile, D-Wade somehow benefited from LeBron’s poor decision.  Who is to blame for the consequences for a decision on “The Decision”, which was apparently influenced by a variety of individuals?

LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh – All Affected By “The Decision” from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

2010 NBA Mock Draft 2.0 (First Round) from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

Before this NBA season started, and even now, before the playoffs is even finished, LeBron has been the big story in basketball.  More people cared day-to-day about where he will be playing next year instead of what his line was in his current team’s match-ups.

I can’t imagine how many clippings Leon Rose has stored regarding LeBron James in the past year.  Leon Rose is an agent at CAA.  CAA not only represents LeBron, but also Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh (both of whom came to CAA through CAA’s acquisition of former CSMG agent, Henry Thomas), who will also receive max contract.  And they also happen to represent coach Calipari and Pat Riley.  But LeBron’s decision is not only in the hands of Leon Rose at CAA.  Worldwide Wes (William Wesley) is also officially a part of the crew at CAA, and it is well known that LeBron has gone to Wes for advice plenty of times throughout LeBron’s life.

Beyond his people at CAA, LeBron will undoubtedly be receiving advice from his team at LRMR, those at the large companies he endorses (with an emphasis on the big guys at Nike), and others that he respects and trusts.

People Involved In/Affected By LeBron James’ Decision from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

Football

• I can’t imagine what Drew Rosenhaus thought to himself when he came across this [UScream: NFL Lineman Showers Live On Internet].
• Already talking about his endorsement appeal and he hasn’t even taken a snap yet with his new team [Will move to D.C. increase Donovan McNabb’s sponsor capital?].
• I would like to read more about financial advisors offering financial discipline to their clients [A rookie's most important business decision].
• A college football player’s take on the NCAA licensing players’ likeness during and after their collegiate careers [Should The NCAA Forever Own My Rights?].
• The not-so-glamorous world of negotiating low-round rookie contracts [Negotiating the lower-round rookie deals].

Baseball

• A good clause for agents to try to place in their vets contracts [Players Who Cannot Be Offered Arbitration].
• What actions teams have taken leading up to June 7-9 [Behind The Scenes Of The MLB Draft].

Sports Business

• My read of the week – about Hank Greenberg’s son, Steve Greenberg [The king of the sports deal].

Shabbat Shalom: Friday Wrap-Up (5/21/2010) from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules