Comments on: Looks like Battier is the other starting forward for Heat http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/10/15/looks-like-battier-is-the-other-starting-forward-for-heat/ Basketball - NBC Sports Thu, 23 May 2013 07:51:57 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ By: miamatt http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/10/15/looks-like-battier-is-the-other-starting-forward-for-heat/comment-page-1/#comment-133207 Mon, 15 Oct 2012 23:28:26 +0000 http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=202125#comment-133207 I didn’t realize this was even in question. It was clear in last year’s playoff’s that putting Battier into the starting lineup and pairing him with James as “combo forwards” maximizes Miami’s defensive flexibility, as well as putting another 3-point threat on the floor. Chalmers’s job has never been in question either; unless and until Cole learns to dish off his drives with greater regularilty, and/or finish better at the rim, there is no chance he supplants Chalmers. More likely, Cole loses minutes while Ray Allen sees the floor. Not to mention Mike Miller and Udonis Haslem are healthier than they have been in a while. Cole is a nice change of pace at this stage of his career, and you have to love his fearlessness.

In any case, Battier will start game 1, game 82, and beyond.

]]> By: eventhorizon04 http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/10/15/looks-like-battier-is-the-other-starting-forward-for-heat/comment-page-1/#comment-133176 Mon, 15 Oct 2012 21:13:51 +0000 http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=202125#comment-133176 Shane Battier is starting for now, but if Spoelstra grows concerned about Miami’s rebounding or ability to defend bigger players, don’t be surprised if Udonis Haslem becomes a starter, especially since his jump shot has apparently improved since last season (in which he was still dealing with the lingering effects of his foot injury).

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