SLAM DUNKS: G Dwyane Wade (27.2 ppg, 6.7 apg, 5.7 rpg, 2.0 spg) led the franchise to its first championship while shooting nearly 50 percent from the floor. The 6-4 slasher was fifth in the league in both overall scoring and field-goal percentage among guards. ... G Gary Payton (7.7, 3.2), who drained a critical jumper in the waning moments of Game Three and converted a key layup in Game Five of the Finals, is back to stabilize the backcourt. ... C Alonzo Mourning (7.8, 5.5 rpg, 2.7 bpg) was third in the NBA in blocks and swatted five shots in just over 14 minutes in the clinching Game Six win.

AIRBALLS: C Shaquille O'Neal (20.0, 9.2, 1.8 bpg) proved to be a year older last season as his scoring average dropped by nearly three points and his fouls increased to nearly four a game. "The Diesel's" decreased offensive output is not only a direct result of age or Wade taking more shots but also that O'Neal committed a lot of offensive fouls, leading to more time on the bench. ... The Heat's perimeter defense was one of the league's worst, which the Chicago Bulls exploited very well in the first round of the playoffs. GUESSWORK: The biggest concern for the Heat will be health, since a lot of the key components are at least 30 years old. O'Neal's durability during the regular season will continue to be a question mark since he has missed close to 20 games four of the last five campaigns and usually operates on cruise control until the last quarter of the season. Riley should be able to handle the challenge of dealing with a veteran squad that will be complacent at times.

THINKING CAP: The Heat inked Wade to a three-year contract extension in July, ensuring a bright future for the franchise. Even though O'Neal deserves the money, the $20 million the organization owes him for this season and the following three could put Miami in a bind as far as signing any young talent. D-LEAGUE CANDIDATES: C Earl Barron, G Daniel Horton

THE COACH SAYS: "I don't think we are as old as everyone thinks. We have some dinosaurs in Gary and Zo - those guys are 88 years old each and they are good. I am always going to like experience combined with talent, versatility, and bringing it all together is something that we know we can do. We have to improve internally as a team. I'm not saying they are going to get better as individuals, but they are going to get smarter and know how to play with one another. I'll monitor it as we go along, but I don't think it is going to be a great challenge. They are pros and we are going to get them as ready as we can, as quick as we can."