great q and a from someone no more qualified than having been the beat writer for the heat all year long... covering all the practices, meetings, interviews, games and pressers...
...in marios defense
Q: I think Chalmers just needs to work on his footwork defensively and his 3-point shot on offense. He's not going to be a playmaking point guard with Wade, J.O. and Beasley creating for themselves and others. -- Jason.
A: Good points. Mario is who he is. Just as Damon Jones worked alongside Dwyane, so can Mario -- as long as his ability is not overstated. Almost no NBA team has five sure-fire answers in its starting lineup. What Mario is, is good enough for this team at this stage.
...a slap of reality re: mario
Q: Am I the only person in the country who can see that Chalmers is the best "defensive" rookie PG since The Glove? -- Kamo.
A: Yes, you are. Don't equate steals with defense. Even as a neophyte, Gary Payton could man up against his cover, instead of reaching for steals and leaving his position exposed.
...and a priceless question re: this years rookie performance of the top picks
Q: Erik Spoelstra and Pat Riley are transported to Chicago at the beginning of this season as coach and president, respectively, for the Bulls. Would Derrick Rose be the starting PG for the entire season or would he be backing up Kirk Hinrich? -- JoJo.
A: Wow, that's a great, great, great question. Usually, I'm not at a loss for answers (I try to provide five good ones seven days a week). But, wow, this one really got me thinking. You know, I don't know. I see the point you're making, and, yeah, to be honest, they probably would have played Derrick off the bench with a suitable veteran available in the rotation. So far, we have our winner for Question of the Year.
Yes, it got me thinking whether this whole veteran-oriented culture might be a bit too over the top. As many of you have pointed out, why push so hard for a top lottery pick in 2008 and then pull back the reins once that once-in-a-decade prospect arrives?
Had Derrick Rose been drafted by the Heat, of course he would have started, because Mario Chalmers started. But, yes, I'm not sure that if Kirk Hinrich was in the same backcourt whether that would have been the case.
Which team was right with its approach? Coming seasons will tell, as will the maturity of the Rose and Beasley.
...which makes ME think mike did about as well as he could with his situation AND i'm still leaning toward thinking he'll be moved this off-season
