Okay, this season looks like it’s going to have a rather uneventful end for us. We didn’t take a chance on signing the likes Jamal Tinsley, Stephon Marbury, or Allen Iverson earlier in the season. We didn’t make a trade because no one wanted the package of expiring contracts we have (honestly, I don’t blame them). That’s okay. This should be, in my opinion, Pat Riley’s approach to the rest of the season and free agency.

1. Carefully consider picking up a new coach. Coach Spo had the Heat overachieving last season, and he’s probably not the worst guy who could be at the helm, but maybe Riles could look at a college guy who’s ready to make the next step who actually has some innovative offensive ideas, like maybe a Jay Wright out of Villanova or a Quin Snyder, who is actually the current coach of the Spurs’ D-League team.
 
2. Decide whether Beasley is going to play small or power forward. I think he can excel at either forward position because of his skill level, but he needs to know what his position is, what the organization expects from him, and what his coach expects of him on the court. Then he can work on improving his game with purpose. The wait-and-see games they’re playing right now because of the over-hyped 2010 Free Agent Class are not fair to this kid and could turn Beasley into a slightly more productive Darko-type.
 
3. Evaluate this roster carefully to determine who will still be in a Heat uniform besides Wade and Beasley going forward. Personally, I think Haslem should retire with the Heat being his only franchise. He’s tough as nails, and he’s one of those heart-and-soul-of-the-team-type guys. I like the flashes Dorell Wright has shown. In all fairness, this kid came straight out of high school as a guy with skills who needed to be developed. He’s dealt with some injuries and, had he gone to college for four years, he’d only be in his second season right now. I’ll take his upside. I like Arroyo and Chalmers as a PG tandem. They’re both gritty and both can run a unit, but more than likely one (or both) of them won’t be with us on Opening Night. I’ll take Jermaine O’Neal to stay also as long as it’s at a discounted rate—very discounted. Everyone else can go. I know Cook and Jones are still under contract through 2012-13, but maybe they can get healthy and make a few shots here and there.
   
4. See who where we actually need help and not just get overly-excited at who’s available in Free Agency. If Michael Beasley is handled properly, perhaps we’re not so desperate for a Chris Bosh or a Carlos Boozer. We would then need a point guard who can create for himself or others, a consistent shooter who will seek out open looks from all the attention Wade and Beasley will get and knock them down, and a full-time defensive center. We need guys who fit in and will actually help us get better, not just guys who have an "ooh" factor.
 
5. Pick smart in the Draft. With the exceptions of Michael Beasley, Dwyane Wade, and Caron Butler, I’ve been less than impressed with Riles on Draft Day. Personally, I like Damion James out of Texas if he’s still available when we pick. Who knows? We’re flirting with the Lottery right now. Maybe we can get John Wall (I wouldn’t bank on it, but a guy can dream). That’s not to say I hope we’re in the Lottery. We still have a run in us if healthy.