Fri Jun 20 09:37:58 2008

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Miami Heat 2008 Draft Preview

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(Sports Network) - It will be either Derrick Rose of Memphis or Kansas State's Michael Beasley selected by Miami with the second overall pick in this year's draft. The Heat will be happy to pick the player that Chicago, which owns the top choice, leaves on the board.

Rose would look great in the backcourt next to Wade, while Beasley is expected to have an immediate impact on any team's frontcourt. Both players will make a difference right away.

Guard Dwyane Wade and forward Shawn Marion are the top players on the Heat, who finished a league-worst 15-67 during the regular season. Add an impact player to the roster and the Heat could be headed for a huge improvement.

Wade averaged 24.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 6.9 assists in 51 games this past season, while Marion, who was acquired from Phoenix in a trade involving Shaquille O'Neal, posted 14.3 points and 11.2 boards in 16 contests with the Heat.

Ricky Davis registered 13.8 points in 82 outings, and Udonis Haslem contributed 12.0 points and 9.0 rebounds in 49 games. No one is safe on Miami's current roster, which also has Marcus Banks, Mark Blount, Daequan Cook, Jason Williams and Dorell Wright on it. Anyone with value will be brought up in trade talks during the offseason.

Miami knows it needs to start over. When the Heat traded Shaq to Phoenix, it was obvious the team was ready to start the re-building process.

2007-08 Results: 15-67, did not qualify for the playoffs.

Key Player(s): Mark Blount (Center), Daequan Cook (Guard), Ricky Davis (Guard), Udonis Haslem (Forward), Shawn Marion (Forward), Dwyane Wade (Guard), Jason Williams (Guard), Dorell Wright (Forward).

Team Needs: Point guard, youth, depth in the backcourt, consistent outside shooter and rebounding.

Draft picks: 1st round (2nd overall), 2nd round (52nd overall).