Offense clearly isn't a problem and defense generally isn't a problem either when the Big 3 aren't bored, but a center born in the 80s would be a very welcomed addition. Interior defense will be critical for the Heat against every single team capable of beating them in the postseason and Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Erick Dampier and Jamaal Magloire only go so far.

But the Heat have as little to work with in terms of making a trade as any team in recent memory and are visibly awaiting the March buyout game.

Miami's strengths are obvious to everyone and could have been scribbled on a bar napkin on July 8th.

• Two of the game's three best players, both of whom can create their own shot at will, can skillfully guard multiple positions on defense and genuinely value winning above all else.

• A gifted All-Star power forward with a history of carrying an offense on his own, stretching defenses with his jumpers and also working in the post effectively for half a dozen possessions per game.

• Overlooked at the time and to the embarrassment of Chris Broussard's source in November who tried to get him fired, Erik Spoelstra is an excellent young coach. He has the perfect blend of X's and O's, game-tape preparedness with the kind of leadership to command the respect of a team that can decide to fire you instantaneously.

• Spot-up shooters that are completely adept at hitting wide-open kick-outs from dribble penetration (the team ranks fourth in three-point shooting by the way).

Now for the Achilles heel (and it isn't love); Miami is in need of improved play at the aforementioned center position, but also at point guard. Mario Chalmers and Carlos Arroyo are perfectly adequate bench players at point guard, but are not typically the level of player we see at the position on title contenders even when you do consider the 11 'point guards' in Phil Jackson's Triangle in title seasons.

Chalmers hits a passable amount of his three-point attempts, but he struggles to confidently run the offense even in his limited opportunities considering how dominant LeBron James and Dwyane Wade in handling the ball. He also struggles to defend the pick and roll. Arroyo is having an aberration of a season from the perimeter, hitting 44.4% of his attempts. Arroyo also has his limitations defensively, as he struggles against quicker players off the dribble.

Desperation Meter: The Heat are ahead of schedule and their first playoff series against a legitimate opponent, whether it is against the Celtics, Magic or Bulls in the second round will be must-see television. Great teams take things to a completely different level when the playoffs begin and that will be our first time witnessing their ceiling.

In the meantime, the Heat are handcuffed in terms of trade possibilities unless a team wants to overpay to acquire Joel Anthony.

A freshly bought out point guard or big man on that waiver wire is Pat Riley's only chance for change.

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