Bibby's Impact on Heat's Title Contention

Mike Bibby forfeited a guaranteed 6.2 million dollar salary for next year from the Washington Wizards to leave the nation's capital to join the Miami Heat.

Bibby agreed to sign with the Heat for the league-minimum salary in hopes of obtaining a chance to win his first championship ring. He is a proven floor general and has some success at his position. 

The 6-foot-2 guard was a former star for the Sacramento Kings from 2001-07. He led the Kings through a tough Western conference, straight to the conference finals during the 2001-02 playoffs that ended in a game seven defeat to the eventual NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers.

Bibby was only averaging 9.4 points and 3.6 assists this season in 56 games with the Atlanta Hawks, who traded him to the Wizards in a deal for Kirk Hinrich (who the Hawks hope will bring toughness to their defense at the point guard position).

Bibby was traded by the Hawks because he was a "defensive liability," according to journalist and ESPN 1st and 10 debater, Skip Bayless.

With his new team, Bibby will most likely be the starting lead guard, placing Mario Chalmers on the bench. The Heat hope that Bibby's leadership and clutch shooting can put Miami over the top as they try to push for a championship run in June.

Many analyst still believe LeBron James and Dwayne Wade will bring the ball up the court from time-to-time during the game, but the addition of Bibby gives the Heat a player who has been in the spotlight, can lead a team and control a game and who has won many big games with huge shots in his 12-year career.

Adding Bibby does not make the Heat a sure champion this season, but it does give them much needed help at the point guard position and potential to become NBA champions and quiet all those critics and doubters.