Miami Heat Roster 2012-13: Starting-5 Projections and Depth-Chart Breakdown | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors
Point Guard: Mario Chalmers, 6'2'', 190 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 9.8 points, 3.5 assists, 2.7 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 44.8 FG%, 12.98 PER
Even though the Heat could suffice with Wade or LeBron running the point, having Chalmers and his quickness and streaky jumper at the point is a nice option at times.
Chalmers needs to work on his aggressive approach to the game this season. Becoming a more intelligent and patient player is going to be key for Chalmers' development and the Heat's success this year.
The Heat need Chalmers to be opportunistic. They don't need him to force offense or create shots for himself. He needs to get the ball to their star players and let them do what they do best—dominate games.
Shooting Guard: Dwyane Wade, 6'4'', 220 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 22.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.7 steals, 1.3 blocks, 49.7 FG%, 26.37 PER
It's looking like Wade's health is hovering right around 100 percent, and that means he'll be ready to be the Heat's starting shooting guard when the 2012-13 season gets under way.
While Wade will be the starter at the shooting-guard position, he'll certainly get time at the point when Ray Allen is on the court.
Wade's minutes may be limited early on to ensure his health over the longevity of the 82-game season. With Allen behind him on the depth chart, playing less minutes won't hold the Heat back.
Small Forward: Shane Battier, 6'8'', 225 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 4.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists 1.0 steals, 33.8 3PFG%, 9.76 PER
With Chris Bosh moving to center and LeBron being forced to play power forward, the Heat need Battier to solidify the wing, and he'll do just that.
Their only other option is to insert Rashard Lewis into the starting lineup. While that may be an option later in the season, the safe bet is to go with Battier. He knows how to defend, and he's a very opportunistic offensive player.
Battier is one of the most cerebral players in the game. He knows how to mix his talents with the Heat's star players to maximize his team's potential. That's why he's starting for a championship team at 34 years old.
Power Forward: LeBron James, 6'8'', 250 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 27.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.9 steals, 53.1 FG%, 30.80 PER
Hopefully it didn't come as a shock to see LeBron at the starting power-forward position. He could realistically start at any position and dominate the game—especially now that he's working on his skyhook.
On paper LeBron is the power forward. On the court he's a jack of all trades. He'll control the point, run in transition, dominate in the paint and slash into the lane.
LeBron is the rare type of player who isn't defined by the position he plays, and that's why he's a three-time MVP and the most versatile and complete player in the NBA today.
Center: Chris Bosh, 6'11'', 235 pounds
2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 18.0 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 48.7 FG%, 18.94 PER
No, Bosh isn't a true center. But he has no other option than to play that position this year for the Heat.
Playing Bosh at center worked for the Heat late in the 2012 playoffs, and it worked most importantly in the 2012 NBA Finals. The reason why it worked is because it created versatility and an ability to spread the court at every position on the court.
Bosh will get pushed around by bigger, stronger centers like Andrew Bynum and Dwight Howard, but he'll counter that by taking his game to the perimeter. Spreading the floor will be Bosh's purpose this season, and he'll succeed extremely well at doing just that.
