Simien ready to contribute

Miami had one of its best seasons in franchise history, as it compiled an impressive 59-23 record during the regular season and came within one game of advancing to its first NBA Finals. The Heat fell in seven games to the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference finals.

With their only pick in the 2005 NBA Draft, the Heat picked Simien, who spent four years playing for the Jayhawks. He averaged 15.0 points and 8.3 rebounds in 106 games at Kansas. The 6-9 forward improved his game during his years at college and showed that he had what it took to take his game to the next level.

All-Stars Shaquille O’Neal and Dwyane Wade are the cornerstones of the Heat franchise. O’Neal is still, arguably, the most dominant player in the league, while Wade shined in his second year in the league and appears to be headed for superstardom. Simien is joining a club that is established and one that will allow him to continue to grow as a player.

Is Simien ready to step in an contribute right away?

"I really think I am," said Simien. "My four-year tenure at the University of Kansas, playing under two great coaches and two great systems and being able to thrive in both and playing against top-quality college competition night in and night out, I feel has definitely prepared me to step up in any type of role that the coaching staff asks."

Getting drafted by one of the top teams in the East is a win-win situation for both the Heat and Simien. Miami is getting a player who spent four productive years at one of the top college basketball programs, while Simien becomes a member of a squad that does not need him to be a savior.

Simien could have gambled and entered the draft a year ago. He still may have been a first-round pick, but it was not a definite.

"It was something I considered very briefly," said Simien about entering the draft last year. "Weighing the pros and cons, there were more reasons to stay than to go. I was close to getting my degree, which I did this May in Sociology. It was coming back to a great core group of guys, specifically my senior class, having a legitimate shot to win the Big 12 championship and make a run for the NCAA championship. It didn’t turn out the way we wanted, as far as the NCAA championship goes, but I wouldn’t trade the memories for anything."

Udonis Haslem is the starting power forward for the Heat. The 25-year-old Florida product had an impressive showing in his second season in the league. He played 80 contests and averaged 10.9 points and 9.1 rebounds in the 2004-05 campaign. Haslem, who averaged just over 33 minutes of action per game, is a solid player, but there is definitely some minutes available for Simien to earn.

With O’Neal and Wade leading the way for the Heat, Simien will be able to continue to develop his game. The Kansas product is a solid player who has the ability to help Miami right away. He won’t put up big numbers in rebounding and scoring immediately, but he can be productive in his rookie season.

The Heat were lucky to get a player like Simien with the 29th overall pick.