Even with LeBron, Miami isn't a sure thing

[birdwatcher]

They still have to assemble a supporting cast. And they probably need a passing PG so they aren't all holding the ball, even though bron and Wade are both good passers. And as a nod to Doc, they need a good coach who can not only handle all the egos, but get these guys to listen to him. Is Spoelstra that guy?

[kozlodoev]

Miami has 5 players under contract right now, and that's it. Also, they can't offer 3 max contracts without moving Beasley, so I don't see how "LeBron to Miami" could be set in stone.

[LAceltic34]

They still have to assemble a supporting cast. And they probably need a passing PG so they aren't all holding the ball, even though bron and Wade are both good passers. And as a nod to Doc, they need a good coach who can not only handle all the egos, but get these guys to listen to him. Is Spoelstra that guy?

Of course not....but Pat Riley is. And with that said I LOVE OUR CHANCES!!!

[Roy Hobbs]

It will be very interesting to see what kind of roster they can cobble together if this happens.  They'll have no MLE, no LLE, no trade exceptions, etc.  Literally, the only way they'll have to fill out their roster is via trade or minimum salaries.

Vets may sign on for a year or two to try to pick up a ring, but I've got to think that most players in or near their prime aren't going to want to leave $4 million+ on the table per season.

[Fafnir]

It will be very interesting to see what kind of roster they can cobble together if this happens.  They'll have no MLE, no LLE, no trade exceptions, etc.  Literally, the only way they'll have to fill out their roster is via trade or minimum salaries.

Vets may sign on for a year or two to try to pick up a ring, but I've got to think that most players in or near their prime aren't going to want to leave $4 million+ on the table per season.

Yeah, they may be forced to work with very little support for a year.

After that though they'll have some methods to improve their team.

[Who]

I think they have the coach. I've been impressed with Spoelstra.

Mario Chalmers would be a good fit at the point if he is on the roster next season. The minimum contract backup point guard should be serviceable too.

The main question is how good the bigs and backup wings will be. Good chance that they can get enough talent out of the minimum contract players to make that work. Joel Anthony will still be there, he could start at center and do a solid job.

If LeBron signs on, I'd be very surprised if Miami couldn't acquire enough talent for them to win the East this year.

[Brendan]

I think you can get serviceable bigs at the minimum guys in between replacement level and average with average D. I'm assuming Beasley goes to TOR in a sign and trade. I also think you can get a similar type PG. I can see Jason Williams going back to the Heat.

So they'd look like:

Ben Wallace / Sheldon Williams
Bosh
Lebron
Wade
Chalmers / Jason Williams

Where they will be weak is a depth wing, but they can someone serviceable just by signing a couple vet min on year deals and then trading them mid season for a guy with a three years left that his team doesn't want to pay.

[Roy Hobbs]

Miami wouldn't be a sure thing in Year One, or maybe the second year.  After that, though, I've got to think that they become a dynasty, if all three players remain together.

[Jon Niednagel]

Anybody have the over-under on how many fouls will be called on Miami per game? I'm guessing 1.5, maybe 2.5 because the refs won't want to look too biased.

[Brendan]

Miami wouldn't be a sure thing in Year One, or maybe the second year.  After that, though, I've got to think that they become a dynasty, if all three players remain together.

I think you'll have four teams competing in the East - MIA, BOS, CHI, ORL. I don't think MIA is a lock in those first two years, but by year three they should have a fully integrated core of 7 or 8 guys, and ideally have all the superstars playing on the same page. That's the real challenge - I don't think Lebron and Wade can coexist as efficiently as everyone else does.