I May Have Underestimated Miami

There are a lot of lower tier free agents that are flocking to the Heat. When the Olympic Three signed, I assumed that they would only have cap space to add bit players at minimum salaries, guys that would be nothing more than warm bodies and slightly negative adjusted +/-'s.

But now, we have confirmed reports that Udonis Haslem, Mike Miller, and Zydrunas Ilgauskas will join the team. What that gives them is rebounding, post defense, shooting, passing, and most importantly, 12 fouls to use on Dwight/Gasol. I didn't really expect this. Those three are solid role players on a championship team.  Throw in the Heat's second-round picks, Dexter Pittman, Jarvis Varnado, and Da'Sean Butler, and you have even more size and fouls. Don't get me wrong. Pittman disappears, it is unclear whether Jarvis and his shot-blocking can get off the bench, and Da'Sean Butler is the steal of the draft (like some have called him) only if he gets healthy and can learn to play behind James.

But still, this is better than what I expected. It looks like players, seeing the lead of the Olympic Three, really want to be part of a special team. Championship worthy? Perhaps. But it's up to you to make the call.