The success of the small-ball lineup during the Heat's run through the playoffs last season has changed the organization's philosophy toward big men, writes Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. They're still likely to add a big man to the roster before training camp, but they don't feel obligated to give heavy minutes to a traditional center. Instead, they'll look for post-up opportunities from others on the floor, as former All-Star center and current Heat front office executive Alonzo Mourning says. Winderman believes they can make up for not having a 7-footer close to the boards by gang rebounding and having LeBron James and Dwyane Wade rebound at better rates than you would expect at their positions. Here's the rest of Winderman's South Beach chronicles:
- While Andray Blatche may be reluctant to sign with the Heat, who wouldn't guarantee him the playing time he'd need to show whether he's improved from last season, Winderman believes the 6'11" former Wizards big man "certainly would make some sense" for Miami (Twitter link). We heard earlier today the Nets are meeting with Blatche this weekend, while the Heat, Spurs and Timberwolves have also been linked to him.
- The value of the first-round draft pick the Sixers owe the Heat took a hit when Philadelphia acquired Andrew Bynum, Winderman notes. The Sixers were barely a playoff team and drafted 15th this June, but if Bynum helps lift the Sixers' record higher this season, it could push the pick that goes to the Heat into the 20s. The Heat traded the 27th pick this June for the lottery-protected 2013 first-rounder, as well as the 45th pick this year, which Miami used to take Croatia-bound Justin Hamilton.
- Winderman is surprised that Matt Barnes, Kenyon Martin and Josh Childress remain on the market, and expects them to sign soon after Labor Day (Sulia link). Last night we heard Barnes is talking to multiple teams.