2006 Miami Heat Preview

Welcome to the 2006 Miami Heat NBA Preview from Maddux Sports. The regular season opens up October 31st and now is the time to study up on this years teams. If you regularly wager on the NBA our handicappers for Expert NBA Picks and check out the NBA Spreads page to compare odds and increase your winning percentage this season.

2006 Miami Heat Basketball Season Preview

After winning last season’s NBA title, the Heat should still be hot-- at least by the end of the season. There have been no major changes in the team. It’s still one of the best in the league.

Dwayne Wade (27.2 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 6.7 APG, 49.5 78.3 FG%, FT%) proved to be “all that” and more. The regular season was just a warm-up for a spectacular playoff run. At point guard, Jason Williams (12.3 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 4.9 APG, 44.2 FG%, 86.7 FT%) controlled the ball and play, taking open 3-pointers and hitting them a sound 37.2%. Williams is coming off of knee surgery, so look for the capable Gary Peyton (7.7 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 3.2 APG, 42.0 FG%, 79.4 FT%) to spell him late in the game.

At small forward, Antoine Walker (12.2 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 2.0 APG, 43.5 FG%, 62.8 FT%) played the most disciplined season of his career, while power forward Udonis Haslem (9.3 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 1.2 APG, 50.8 FG%, 78.9 FT%) offered solid punch. Haslem ably applied leverage to the best inside players in the NBA. James Posey (7.2 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 1.3 APG, 40.3 FG%, 78.7 FT%) offers depth off the bench.

Shaquille O’Neal (20.0 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 1.9 APG, 60.0 FG%, 46.9 FT%) showed his age last season but was helped by Wade, who diverted players from Shaq, allowing him to capitalize on soft coverage. Alonzo Mourning (7.8 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 0.2 APG, 59.7 FG%, 59.4 FT%) was an essential backup. Because Mourning has a kidney problem, third center Michael Doleac (3.2 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 0.3 APG, 42.0 FG%, 80.0 FT%) could be a difference maker.

Pat Riley (1,151 W- 589 L) has proven, once again, that he knows how to motivate his players—vets and young guys alike. He’s also mellowed a bit, having learned to work with his team’s shortcomings.

The major problem for Miami is the length of the season and the complacency that can set in after winning the title. Still, this is one dynamic team. The playoffs are a certainty and repeating a strong possibility.

For more info on the 2006 Heat basketball team visit the Heat official website from NBA.com or keep reading up on their division rivals including the Magic, Bobcats, Hawks, and Wizards.