At times, it seems as if any glaring flaws simply get cancelled out due to a stellar trio and a group of role players who have been playing exceptional as of late.
But many critics of the Heat point to the lack of a true big man and true point guard as a weakness that will get exploited once the playoffs start, thus sealing the Heat's fate when it comes to a championship.
Still, detractors must keep in mind that this kind of team has no precedent.
Never before has a "big three" with so much talent been assembled and with each entering the prime of their careers at the same time.
Still, neither Dwyane Wade, Lebron James, nor Chris Bosh stands as a defensive option when it comes to guarding the likes of the Celtics' Kendrick Perkins and Shaquille O'Neal or the Lakers' Andrew Bynum.
Which brings me to the Heat's second round draft pick, Dexter Pittman.
Pittman, a center, has consistently put up impressive numbers this season for the Sioux Falls Skyforce, an NBA developmental team stationed in South Dakota. Since Pittman started his stint for the Skyforce back in early January, the 6-11 Texas Longhorn has averaged 15 points per game, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks and was recently named to the D-League All Star Game.
While Pittman may not be ready to be the Heat's everyday starting center, the Heat should consider letting him get some minutes just for the sake of precaution. If starting center Zydrunas Ilgauskas or backup Joel Anthony were to go down, there would be some serious concern as to how the Heat's rebounding and interior defense would be effected. And to expect Pittman to hop right into the mix of a championship run without any pro experience would be asking a lot of the rookie.
With the Heat winning so many games this season by such a large margin, there should be plenty of time for Pittman to get some minutes under his belt. Better start using him now, rather than seeing what you've got once it's already too late.
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