HEAT Welcome Rashard Lewis to the Family

By: Matt Blue

Did you really think HEAT President Pat Riley was going to stand pat this offseason? The rich keep getting richer and the strong keep getting stronger as the HEAT reached a deal with veteran forward Rashard Lewis on Tuesday. It is reported to be a two year deal worth the veteren’s minimum.

The HEAT has had a very busy offseason luring the likes of Ray Allen and now Rashard Lewis has climbed on board. We are witnessing a Seattle Supersonics reunion that has been made in spectacular fashion. If you thought the Ray Allen signing was a big deal for the HEAT, let me tell you that this signing is even bigger. Even though Lewis may be coming off the worst year of his career, averaging 7.8 points and 3.9 rebounds per game with a PER of just 9.37, there is no way the 32 year old can be anywhere close to being done as of yet.

First of all, Lewis should be completely revitalized and rejuvenated playing for a true contender like Miami. Let’s be honest, with the lowly Wizards, he didn’t exactly have much to play for. Therefore, motivation should not be considered as an issue for Lewis based on any stretch of the imagination.

With that being said, Lewis will be taking a myriad of talents with him to South Beach. He has the ability to spread the floor with his shooting, use his draw dropping length to defend and he even has a considerable amount of quickness and athleticism. Lewis is going to play a little bit of small forward as well as power forward. He is a multi-dimensional player and very versatile. Lewis and Allen are going to have an opportunity to spread the floor magnificently for Dwyane Wade and LeBron James.

It is also important to note that the HEAT now has six above average three point shooters. That’s a far cry from what they had last season. Lewis could easily be inserted into the starting lineup or he can come off the bench.

This was a key signing for the HEAT that should ultimately pay tremendous dividends. There is just no denying the fact that the HEAT is now absolutely loaded with offensive weapons. The Lewis signing should be viewed as an absolute steal, especially at the veteran minimum of 1.5 million.

URL: http://crankuptheheat.net/?p=5134