PG: Mario Chalmers, Anthony Carter SG: Dwyane Wade, Keith Bogans SF: LeBron James, Ime Udoka PF: Chris Bosh, Sheldon Williams C: Theo Ratliff, Jason Collins, Ben Wallace Hmmm... I could see them getting Carter and Bogans, but the rest they might as well just get D-league players. Of course this year there will probably be more semi-serviceable veterans willing to take the minimum.
At this point I feel like LeBron will probably go to Miami or New York. New York only for his love of the city (wearing Yankees hats, restoring the franchise) as well as his earning potential. If he wants championships he should go to Miami. Cleveland didn't get anyone and Chicago seems the odd man out. I still maintain that New Jersey was one of the best potential scenarios (Harris, Lee, LeBron, Favors, Lopez + One more big signing), but they don't seem to have a chance from what everyone is saying. Personally, I think Bosh, Wade and James should all take less money, maybe something starting at 10 million (more realistically 12-13 million) which would leave 10-15 million to sign two more players (maybe a Mike Miller and Brendan Haywood...wow that'd be a good lineup). And let's not forget how well the Heat drafted in the second round. De'Sean Butler was a steal in the second round; the guy has hit clutch shots and lead his team in college, he should be able to contribute and get minutes backing up the 2/3 immediately. I'm not huge on Dexter Pittman (irony, heh), but he is a large body who has shown his commitment to get into shape before and could be a physical presence. And then there's Jarvis Varnardo; he won't ever he a offensive presence, but he'll be a shot blocking machine from the weak-side. He's essentially a slightly shorter second-coming of Theo Ratliff, but in the second round. And they'll still have Beasley and Chalmers. Wade/Chalmers SG(Reddick, Miller, Allen, etc.)/Butler James/? Bosh/Beasley/Varnardo Haywood/Pittman/? I just think there is potential there, even with minimum level players, particularly given how well the Heat drafted in the second round. And here's the kicker...every year that these big-3 play together on the Heat, the team will still get the MLE (assuming that isn't removed from the next collective bargaining agreement, which I've heard the owner's want to do). That means next year that even if the Heat are over the cap, they'll be able to sign someone to a 5 year/30 million dollar type of deal, for which they can pick up quite a few quality players. Or they can split it between a couple of players. Given that Miami is an attractive living spot, no state income tax, and the opportunity to play on a legendary team, it's easy to fathom players taking a discount to come play there. Year after year they could add a MLE quality player and every other year another player with the bi-annual exception (I believe)...that's all assuming this old CBA however. Also, I don't get the love for Tom Penn. Is it just me, or does it seem like what he explains on ESPN is extremely simple. I get it that he might know the CBA extremely well, but that doesn't seem very difficult, I feel like I could study it for a day or two and be ready to work in a front office...just the rules to the game. Every time I see him up there explaining the Heat cap situation it drives me crazy because it's so simple and I don't see how any decently educated fan wouldn't already know exactly what's going on. In the segment I saw he didn't even explain why the Heat had more against the cap than just Chalmers and Beasley's salary (which is due to buying out James Jones, etc.). It's so simple...and I think he looks bored up there.
Yeah, because Lebron wants to leave over $50 million on the table with a looming lockout next year. Good luck with your prediction.
I agree. But it's for the casual fans, not us Forum GMs. I think he does a good job of it though... and it all may look simple, but amazingly there are some bad front offices out there... Look at the Suns now who could have gotten a trade exception for Amare and used it to trade for Boozer.
