Mario Chalmers (Point Guard) – Mario has started the season off shooting the ball at a career high level. For the first time since he has been in the league, he is being pushed by a backup to better his all round game. It is helping the Heat out a lot by the better point guard play it is receiving.He seems to have even more confidence in his shot than he has in past seasons. LeBron seems to make any point guard he plays with much better. He did it with Mo Williams and Daniel Gibson, and now we are seeing it with Mario.
Norris Cole (Point Guard) – Norris has been the burst of energy and youth the Heat have been looking for. In the early parts of the season he seems to be an amazing pick at 28th overall. He is extremely mature and that has a lot to do with the fact that he played 4 years of college
basketball. Pat Riley loved his energy he brought to the court as well. Cole gives the Heat the extra just they have been needed off of the bench the last few years. He comes in and changes the pace up from Chalmers. He is only going to get more comfortable in the Heat’s system, which should mean even better results are coming from him.
Terrel Harris (Shooting Guard/Small Forward) – Terrel has shown to be a very valuable asset to the team so far this season. He came into training camp as a young player looking to just get more experience and his hard work and determination paid off big time. Pat Riley and Eric Spoelstra loved his energy he brought and decided to go with him instead of keeping a spot open or giving it to a veteran player. In the game in Atlanta he tallied 14 rebounds and had a number of great plays that helped the Heat win it in overtime.
James Jones (Shooting Guard/Small Forward) – James has played well when given minutes this season. He seems to have his hot shoot stroke that he did during the first half of last season as well, when he was the Three Point Champion during the All Star break. He does become somewhat of a defensive liability, but his ability to stretch the floor really helps LeBron and Wade get to the basket with less extra help coming from the man guarding him. It may only be for an injury that will allow James to see the court more this season as he is behind Wade, LeBron, Battier, and probably Miller when he returns from injury.
Mike Miller (Shooting Guard/Small Forward) – Mike has only played one game so far this season, but word around the Heat is that his hand issues have healed well from last season and once he gets into game shape, he should be able to contribute like the Heat had hoped last season. We saw
exactly what everyone wanted to see with him shooting 6-6 from three point range in his only outing of the year. If this is a sign of things to come, then the Heat are going to be even more dangerous than people thought.
Dwyane Wade (Shooting Guard) – Dwyane has had a rough start to the season. He has injured himself a few times and that might be a big reason that his field goal percentage is as low as it is. He is also scoring the ball at a career low rate, comparable to his rookie season. It may just
take some serious rest for Wade to get back to being full strength again. We have not been able to see his extra burst that makes him so dangerous. A plus for Dwyane is that he is playing extremely well on the defensive side of the ball. He had a couple multi block and steal games earlier this season. Wade should have a very good second half of the season and help propel the Heat into the playoffs on a strong note.
