Sun-Sentinel - Boozer or Beaz?: Ira Winderman ponders if Carlos Boozer is still an option for the Miami Heat, either via a trade, sign-and-trade or free agency. With the emergence of Michael Beasley’s skills as of late, many no longer envision the former Duke star in the future plans of Miami. With Chris Bosh or Amare Stoudemire, either one could slide to play center and Beasley could keep his current spot at the 4. However, Boozer has never really played the position of center on a consistent basis and Beasley, for now, is clearly the power forward for the Heat. With Utah trading its promising young guard Eric Maynor to the Thunder this week for essentially luxury tax relief, what happens with Boozer is in the hands of Utah and any team who wants to make a run at him.
RealGM - The Curious Case of Chalmers: Mario Chalmers has lost his starting spot at point guard over the last four games in favor of non-guaranteed Carlos Arroyo. Mario has said he doesn’t like the situation but knows he can only blame himself for the demotion, which stems from what seems to be continuous late arrivals to team meetings and practices. Mario was the first rookie in team history to start all 82 games last year, also starting all seven of the Heat's playoffs games with the Atlanta Hawks. Chalmers acknowledges he let the team down but he is learning that he needs to show his flash and energy in order to help the team and earn his time, even if it’s with the second unit. It seems more and more when Wade is out of the game that Mario can attack at will and get in the lane, but hasn’t shown that when being a starter. Coach Spoelstra has said that he likes Carlos starting because Arroyo has gotten them into their offensive sets faster and the ball crosses the court with 20 ticks left on the shot clock, rather than 17 when Chalmers brings the ball up. Miami is 3-1 since Mario hit the pine. I believe the hope is to let Mario will realize that a point guard is the leader of the team, and is responsible for getting the team into a rhythm and setting a tone, something he hasn't done with his inconsistency of late. Michael Beasley had to earn his starting spot - now the second year guard from Kansas is earning his.
Sun-Sentinel - Leaders Lead (and Run): It seems that over the past few weeks a lot of people have assumed that Dwyane Wade hasn’t played with the same fire and intensity as he did last year. Pat Riley has called out his conditioning publicly, and even brought in renowned trainer Tim Grover to help. Whether you buy into any of it, one thing is for sure as of late, Dwyane is taking his time to get back on defense. Whether it is what he perceives as a non-call on a foul or just fatigue or back spasms, more often than not he is not hustling back on the defensive end. Jeff Van Gundy was the first to call this out a few weeks back when the Heat paid visit to the Lakers in a one point loss and since then many others have taken notice as well. Coach Spoelstra has stated that it is due to Wade attacking the rim so it’s natural that he is not back right away. However, you can see for yourself that a lot of time Wade is arguing with the officials instead of running back up the court. Van Gundy pointed out that his teammates look to Wade, and if he’s not going to run back on defense – why should they? Wade has dismissed Van Gundy's comments, claiming: "He has to say things that make him look like a genius." I personally point to the end of the recent Portland loss, Wade took time to argue with the ref after Joel Przybilla blocked a Wade layup from behind that was clearly a goaltend. As it worked out, the Blazers missed on the other end, but Wade still hoisted up an angry three-point shot which was wide. I don’t think Wade has lost his fire, and all the "critics" who have come out recently of his performance so far this year will only once again fuel him to prove them wrong, but first – run back on defense.
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