2006-2007 Finish: 43-39

What went well

For the third straight year, the Miami Heat made the NLL playoffs. GM Chewy has been in the league for a long time, since its inception, and he is tired of the perception that the Heat are a perennial loser. While a lot of superstars have come in and out of Miami, Chewy now has the foundation of a solid team in the making.

Before last year's draft, the Heat traded Jameer Nelson to the Grizzlies for three point specialist Mike Miller. Though GM Chewy may one day regret moving Nelson, Miller added some potent firepower to a team that desperately wanted to be a contender.

Summer passed (or winter in Australia) and GM Chewy kept his options open. Since the Heat always seemed strapped for cash, he knew he would have to pick his options carefully. After a minor trade (netting Jarvis Hayes) and some rookie signings (Thabo Sefolosha and Craig Smith) and re-signings (Chris Webber), the Heat seemed to be complete. They had Elton Brand and a healthy Baron Davis to run the floor with the newly acquired Miller.

But Predrag Stojakovic was making noise to get out of New Orleans and GM Chewy saw a chance to upgrade. He traded Miller and salary wasteland Jason Collins to the Hornets for Peja.

The season got underway and the Heat finished 6-6 after three weeks. Brand began rumbling that this season would be his last in Miami, which made the brass nervous. Rather than let him walk for nothing, GM Chewy pulled off one last whale of a trade. They sent Brand and Davis to Minnesota for megastar Kevin Garnett in a deal that involved nine different players. In one stroke, the Heat redefined their image

Though the Heat lost again in the first round, they at least have the start of an identity. They have one of the five best players in the game. Unless they trade him away like they did to Kobe Bryant, the Heat could have a long, sweet relationship with a star here.

What didn't

The Peja deal turned out to be a bust. While Miller played well for New Orleans and then helped the Sixers get to the Finals again, Peja didn't even suit up. The Heat also looked feeble against the Nets and lost 4-2 in the first round. These early exits gave GM Chewy major agita and another major move could be coming soon.

Star

- Kevin Garnett, PF -

Has there been a player as dominate in the league as KG? Night after night this guy plays with heart and soul. He is a beast below the basket. This year he averaged 20.8 points for the Heat and brought down 13.9 rebounds. He has already declared he loves it in Miami and wants to sign an extension at the end of this season. He has been Player of the Week more times than we can count on our hands. He is the best power forward in the game and all he needs is a winning team to give him the motivation to bust out.

Goat

- Predrag Stojakovic, SF –

Speaking of busts, don't you love it when a guy signs a huge contract and then sits out the season? That's what Peja did. First he demanded that the Hornets give a lucrative deal and then trade him. Is this guy worth the money? His production took a big dip in 2004. His three point percentage is good but not as high for a guy that is supposed to be the best. His back is supposed to be as good as new for training camp but it is likely the injury will nag him for the rest of his career. A healthy Peja is a good thing and can still contribute.

Looking to the future

The Heat come into the offseason with a smidgen of extra cash, but not much. Webber's status (he may retire) and his contract (may want more than what is slated to get now) are unresolved. With Peja healthy, the Heat have a decent starting lineup, though the aging Michael Finley may need to come off the bench. They traded rookie standout Smith to the Sixers for Brendan Haywood and if the big man gets his behavioral issues out of the way he can really contribute here, especially if Webber decides to retire. Jannero Pargo played some solid ball for the Heat but his salary is still undecided as well. If it goes too high, the Heat may have to waive him.

That's where the good news stops. Since KG makes $22 million and Peja close to $12 million, most of the money is already tied up. They have to decide whether to bring back the disappointing Hayes (who may even opt for free agency) and stack the bench with some decent role players. Perhaps spending the entire MLE on a shooter is a good idea since there is no firepower on the pine. Getting bargains will be tough, but that is what Chewy will have to do. There were also rumors that he was dangling KG for Greg Oden during the draft. More than anything this team needs a consistent face to draw in fans and define who the Heat are.

Also, the Heat won't really be able to look to their draftees for immediate help. Marc Gasol will probably play in Europe for awhile longer and Jared Jordan will be a stretch to make the team. The Heat still need help but with the star power and money on this squad they really cannot be in a rebuilding situation as the season progresses.