After losing LeBron James to the Cleveland Cavaliers, many believed the Miami Heat would virtually be starting from scratch. It was widely believed big man Chris Bosh would sign a four-year max deal with the Houston Rockets, but instead, he re-signed with the Heat, inking a five-year, $118 million deal. The Heat are also close to re-signing guard Dwyane Wade. They have already re-signed center Chris Andersen and point guard Mario Chalmers and added former Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers’ forward Luol Deng in free agency.
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That could be enough to keep the Heat among the top four in the Eastern Conference, but if they truly want to contend, either Bosh or Wade will once again have to be a marquee player.
Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders wonders if either play can ever be “the man” again.
"I think that’s the $60 million question. I think like all aging or diminishing players you have to be measured in what you expect. I think Wade is still a 17 point a game guy that plays 60-65 games a year. I think his numbers will go up a little because of how much went through LeBron. I also think Bosh could get featured again, so it will be interesting to see if either can return to being “the guy” again."
Bosh averaged 16.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.0 blocks and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 51.6% from the field, 33.9% from three and 82.0% from the free trow line. Wade went for 19.0 points, 4.7 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 54.5% from the field, 28.1% from three and 73.3% from the free throw line.