Desean Butler Signs With Heat

The Miami Heat signed their second round draft pick Desean Butler this week, the details of his contract were not yet released. Butler was injured in the Final Four last year and that injury gave the Heat a chance to take him in the second round of the draft before he was snatched up by anyone else. Butler, a 6’7”, 230-pound forward, played all four seasons at West Virginia University appearing in 146 games (110 starts) and averaged 14.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.06 steals while shooting 44.8 percent from the field, 35.3 percent from three-point range and 73.3 percent from the foul line.

Butler tore his ACL in the Final Four tournament earlier this year and if it weren't for that injury he would have been a first round draft pick and maybe even a top 5-10 pick. He left West Virginia as the winningest player in school history. The Heat are hoping that he rebounds quickly and comes right back to top playing form so he can help aid the Heat in their pursuit of another title or titles depending on how optimistic you are. Butler will be competing for the Heat's 15th starting roster position. We wish him luck, go Heat!

Lebron James Basketball Workout Video

Here is a video of Lebron doing some workouts with for the Miami Heat: (iPhone Won't Play Video)

Will The Real Dexter Pittman Please Stand-Out

Lately there has been much talk about the center position for the Miami Heat. Comparisons have flown around with the Lakers who have Bynum and the Celtics who now have Shaq in addition to their big three. What about Dexter Pittman though? He is the man who is not spoke about much but could potentially be a diamond in the rough.

Pittman came into Texas weighing 400 pounds and by the end of his time there he had lost nearly 100, he weighs about 320 pounds currently. Pittman struggled a little in the summer league averaging just under 10 points per game, so technically there is no reason to be gushing over his play. We see something in his potential however that could bring him up the depth chart quickly if he can just focus in on using his size more efficiently. Heat critics already think that Bynum will push around Anthony and big Z, although that won't be easy they give Bynum the upper hand as of now. So lets say we do need more size inside, Dexter Pittman brings a lot of potential weight and now muscle that could be used to our advantage in the right situations. Spoelstra and Riley have to see this in Pittman as well because although he hasn't been mentioned much he looks to be a big part of the Heat's underlying plan over the next few years. That plan includes championships for sure, but it requires depth that is practically useable throughout the year and into the playoffs. Pittman gives that further depth to the Miami Heat, keep an eye on him by midseason as he will definitely see playing time.

Jeff Van Gundy Goes Nuts For Miami Heat

Jeff Van Gundy, aka "I like to cling to the leg of Alonzo Mourning and assume a mop like position", is making strong statements of opinion on the Miami Heat. Not surprising with all the new hype surrounding the Heat, but still funny to hear Van Gundy talking about the Miami Heat so positively after his history with the team.

Here is what he said.

“They will break the single-season win record (72 – Set by the Chicago Bulls),” And I think they have a legit shot at the Lakers’ 33-game (winning) streak (71-72 season), as well. And only the Lakers have even a remote shot at beating them in a playoff series … They will never lose two games in a row this year. They have put together a much better roster than anybody could ever have expected. There is now no good way to defend them. They are unguardable. They are indefensible. They are just too good and have added so much shooting and are so versatile that they will score at will. And with  Erik Spoelstra coaching, they will be in the top three defensive teams in the league, as well. The other 29 teams better hope the lockout gets moved up a year.”

Lebron Criticism Overdone

The hating on Lebron James has gone on now for over a month and it continues to take new shape every week, day, even minute. We knew that "the decision" would cause some controversy but the "hater-ade" has been consumed in as many forms as gatorade now has products. So Lebron left Cleveland and came to Miami, oh well it's a done deal, next up the regular season in about 10 weeks. The criticism will soon shift to how well Lebron fits in as a team-player. Heat fans know his role as a team player and facilitator will not be a problem, it will be one of his strong points actually. As the off-season produces hyped up stories about James, the regular season is sure to see him bring a new meaning to hype as the Heat dominate through out the year.

Miami Heat To Play Boston Celtics In Season Opener

The Heat will play the Celtics in the opening game of the 2010-11 season in Boston at the TD Garden. The game is set to be aired on TNT.

This match up will be a great way to open up the NBA season and to see the new big three play against some quality competition right out of the gates. The Boston Celtics changed the game when they formed their own "Big Three" a few years back, quickly winning a championship in the process. Now Dwyane Wade, Lebron James, and Chris Bosh have stolen all the focus and rightfully so. This game should see some tremendous defense and some superb matchups. I can't wait for the Heat to roll in the Celtics.

Lets Go Heat!!!!