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Curry, Marbury Sit As Knicks Open With Win

2008-11-05T19:49:00.000+02:00

Mike D'Antoni says that the New York Knicks now have standards and that Eddy Curry is not going to see the court while he does not meet them, but according to a report in the New York Daily News, Curry is not alone on the Knick bench.

Stephon Marbury, who is in shape, also did not get into the game against Miami on Wednesday night.

"This is not going to be easy where we're all having lollipops and thinking we can turn this around," D'Antoni said hours before the Knicks beat Miami, 120-115, in their season opener. "There are going to be a lot of tears, yelling, and screaming. There are going to be certain standards. It's easy for me to go, 'Yeah, OK let's just do it the same way it's always been done so no one will get mad.' Now, we have standards."

D'Antoni met with Curry yesterday morning, and afterwards Curry disputed the claim that he's not physically ready and said of their meeting, "I just listened to what he had to say, got up, and came to shoot-around. I feel like I am (ready), but he's the coach. And it's his team."

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Spoelstra Wants Haslem To Gain Weight

2008-11-05T19:48:00.002+02:00

Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra wants forward Udonis Haslem to add roughly five pounds to his 230 pound frame in order to help counteract the team's undersized roster.

"I mean, I'm trying. It's hard," Haslem said Monday. "I've established a certain way that I eat and certain things I do and certain things that I don't do.

"I've been spending time in the weight room. I'm not really a shake-type drinking guy. I really don't like that kind of stuff. I'm physically strong enough. The 5 pounds would just be wear and tear for the season."

Haslem was famously asked to lose weight while with Florida in college, where he weighed as much as 270 pounds.

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Heat Exercise Option On Daequan Cook

2008-11-05T19:48:00.001+02:00

The Miami Heat announced today that they have exercised the third year player option on Daequan Cook. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Cook, a 6’5”, 210-pound guard, has appeared in 59 regular season games (19 starts) and has averaged 8.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 24.4 minutes. Last season, Cook set new HEAT rookie records in both three-point field goals made (79) and attempted (238) while shooting 33.2 percent accuracy from beyond the arc which was the fourth highest single-season percentage for a HEAT rookie. Additionally, Cook ranked among the NBA rookie leaders in three-point field goals made (2nd), three-point field goal attempted (2nd), three-point field goal percentage (3rd), scoring average (8th), minutes per game (10th), assists per game (tied-10th) and rebounds per game (tied-16th).

Cook was originally drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round (21st overall) of the 2007 NBA Draft. His draft rights were acquired by the HEAT along with Philadelphia’s 2009 second-round draft pick and cash considerations for the draft rights of Jason Smith (20th overall selection) on draft night.

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Miami Has High Hopes For Beasley

2008-11-05T19:47:00.000+02:00

The Miami Heat have high hopes for rookie forward Michael Beasley as he enters his first season in the league.

"Michael can flat-out do it all," Dwyane Wade said. "He's one of those players who does things in practice you've never seen. His athleticism, his skill level, it's just there. He'll be able to come in and play right away."

Beasley has admitted that he knows he needs to mature on the floor and as a man.

"I'm a really nice guy," Beasley said. "I don't know why everybody thinks that I'm a jerk, that I have character issues, that I don't care about the team, that I don't work hard. Honestly, I don't know where people get that from. I love kids. I love seeing little kids smile. That makes me smile. The worst thing I did was coming up through high school I wrote on a black car with a black marker."

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Miami's Jones Has Successful Wrist Surgery

2008-11-05T19:46:00.000+02:00

The Miami Heat announced that forward James Jones underwent successful surgery on Saturday, October 18th to repair a ruptured extensor tendon in his right wrist.

The surgery was performed by Dr. Ann Ouellette and consulted by HEAT team physician Dr. Harlan Selesnick at Doctors Hospital in Coral Gables. Jones is expected to be out three months.

Jones was signed by the HEAT as a free agent on July 9.

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James Jones To Miss Three Months Due To Wrist Surgery

2008-11-05T19:45:00.002+02:00

The Miami Heat announced on Thursday that forward James Jones will undergo surgery on Saturday, Oct. 18 to repair a ruptured extensor tendon in his right wrist. The rupture occurred during practice on Oct. 15.

After consulting with Heat team physician Dr. Harlan Selesnick, the surgery will be performed by Dr. Ann Ouellette. Following surgery, Jones will have his wrist placed in a cast and he is expected to be out for three months.

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Mourning Is Ahead Of Schedule In Miami

2008-11-05T19:45:00.001+02:00

Alonzo Mourning claims that he is about a month ahead of schedule and should know in December whether or not he'll be able to return.

"I think I'm squatting over 300 pounds now, which is great. I haven't started running and jumping yet," Mourning said. "I'm doing the bike, spinning and things of that nature to keep my cardio up. I still feel like when I do the bike rigorously it swells occasionally, so that lets me know my body isn't ready to start running and jumping and exploding yet. Regardless of the strength-training aspect of it, I still have a ways to go."

"Literally this particular injury takes a year to recover from. I have to let it take its course. I can't rush it. It would truly be a detriment to me if I did come back too early. I don't want to be in a cast again, and I don't want to have any more surgeries. I think I met my quota. I've had five knee surgeries, and I've had 10 surgeries in my lifetime."

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Wade: I Still Have Something To Prove

2008-11-05T19:44:00.002+02:00

Dwyane Wade is coming off a gold medal victory this summer but still believes he has something to prove after the former NBA Champion Heat struggled last season.

"My team was 15-67 last year," Wade said. "Of course, I'm going to always have fun and enjoy the game, but at the same time you have to play with a chip on your shoulder. And I feel everyone in the locker room should play with a chip on their shoulder, because we have something to prove."

Wade admitted that playing against the world's best in Beijing helped restore his confidence.

"It was more important than anyone knows, just for your overall confidence," Wade said. "Once I got there (to Beijing) and started playing against, and with, the best players in the world and succeeding, it makes you understand and know that, OK, I'm back."

Making the playoffs won't be easy for the Heat, but stars like Wade, Shawn Marion, and rookie Michael Beasley should make Miami competitive.

"Once you see that something is done, it makes it easier for you to have the vision that it can be done again," Wade said. "Of course, they did it unbelievably, not only did they have a quick turnaround, they won a championship. I think after the season we had last year, we won 15 games, it's not going to be difficult to have a quick turnaround."

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Magliore To Miss 6-8 Weeks With Broken Hand

2008-11-05T19:44:00.001+02:00

Heat center Jamaal Magliore will miss at least six weeks with a broken left hand and could be out even longer if surgery is required to repair the fracture, according to an Associated Press report on Saturday.

Magliore was injured in a preseason game against the Nets in Paris on Thursday. He returned to South Florida after the game while the Heat remained behind for a another contest with the Nets on Sunday in London.

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Miami Has Left Zo's Corner Locker Open

2008-11-05T19:43:00.000+02:00

Alonzo Mourning remains unsigned and is still uncertain about a comeback this season, but the Heat have left his corner locker open.

He suffered a pretty serious knee injury last season, which appears to be playing a factor in his decision.

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Four PG's Will Fight For Minutes In Miami

2008-11-05T19:42:00.000+02:00

Four point guards will enter the preseason in Miami with significant playing time on their minds.

Shaun Livingston, Marcus Banks, Chris Quinn, and Mario Chalmers will have the opportunity to earn significant minutes with good play this month.

Banks is hoping this year is his year.

"For one thing, you try not to get too caught up in who might come here and who won't," Banks said. "The guys that have been here have been building up until this point, working hard. I've already done a lot of waiting. I really feel this is my time."

Coach Erik Spoelstra is excited to see the competition and wouldn't reveal who would start for the team in their preseason opener on Sunday night.

"It's been a good battle," Spoelstra said. "The group we have right now is in this and ready to go. This is a real intense place to jump into right now. But we'll see what happens."

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Heat Sign Livingston To A Two-Year Contract

2008-11-05T19:41:00.002+02:00

The Miami Heat have given former fourth overall selection Shaun Livingston a comeback shot, signing the former Clipper to a two year contract on Friday, the Associated Press is reporting.

Livingston severely injured his knee the last time he played an NBA game more than 19 months ago. With his career in jeopardy, the Chicago native has worked his way back, and the Heat believe that the signing could eventually become a steal.

"He has great size and feel for the game at his position," Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra said. "I've followed him for a few years. It's unfortunate, really, what happened, but we'd normally never be able to get a player of his talent at this time. He's very committed to getting healthy, and we have a great staff to help him get there."

"I think a lot of people will be surprised by how good he looks because of the injury he had," Heat guard Dwyane Wade said. "Of course, we all know he still has a ways to go. But I think for the future, I think it's going to be good. Give him time to get back in shape and time to get healthy and you've got a 6-7 point guard for the future at a very young age."

The signing puts the Heat over the luxury tax threshold, so it is highly probable that another deal will be coming soon to shed salary.

The Heat cut point guard Tre Kelley to make room on the 20-man training camp roster.

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Beasley: I Want To Be MVP

2008-11-05T19:41:00.001+02:00

Confidence is something that Michael Beasley has no shortage of and he proved it again this week when talking about what he wants from his rookie season in the NBA.

"I want to be MVP, no disrespect to nobody," Beasley said Monday. "I don't ever want to be second best. I feel I can walk down those steps to the locker room and be better than everybody else. I think going for rookie of the year is selling myself short."

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Heat Leaning Towards Shaun Livingston?

2008-11-05T19:38:00.001+02:00

The Miami Heat could be moving towards signing free agent point guard Shaun Livingston as their options at the position dwindle.

"At this point, he is leaning toward Miami, but he has not signed anything," agent Henry Thomas said Monday.

Livingston had interest from Portland and Minnesota, as well, but the Blazers have since dropped out of the race.

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune has reported that the Timberwolves believe the Heat will soon sign Livingston.

"According to Kevin McHale and Jim Stack, their efforts to sign the former Los Angeles Clippers' guard are over, and they said he is headed for Miami," the newspaper's Web site reported.

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Randy Pfund Resigns As GM Of The Heat

2008-11-05T19:37:00.001+02:00

The Miami Heat announced today that General Manager Randy Pfund has resigned from his duties with the Heat to pursue other business opportunities. “Randy Pfund has done a tremendous job for the Heat, helping to build this team into a champion,” said Riley. “His work ethic and contributions to the organization have been invaluable. I’ve known Randy for over 20 years, and in addition to our great working relationship, he has been a wonderful friend to both Chris and me and our family. On behalf of the Arison family and my family, I would like to wish him continued success and happiness in everything he does.”

Sources have told Local 10 in Miami that Pfund was forced out of Miami.

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Beasley Suffers Groin Strain

2008-11-05T19:36:00.000+02:00

Heat rookie forward Michael Beasley missed a majority of Monday's practice session after suffering a groin strain.

"Just a little sore," Coach Erik Spoelstra said. "Really precautionary. He started practice, did dummy offense, and moved around a little."

Monday was the first day that Miami ran offensive drills after focusing on defense over the weekend.

"From what I noticed he's got a pretty good basketball IQ," Udonis Haslem said. "Most of the stuff they went over today he's already done in summer league. He should know that stuff."

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Marion Won't Force Trade From Heat

2008-11-05T19:35:00.002+02:00

Shawn Marion won't ask for a trade from the Heat despite the fact that the team did not meet his request for a contract extension.

"I like being a Heat player," Marion said. "I'm a wanted player."

A number of league executives claim that trade talks have been put on hold because of agent Dan Fegan's desire for a "maximum-level extension" or something close to it.

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Wade Disputes Report Of Interest In Knicks

2008-11-05T19:35:00.001+02:00

Heat guard Dwyane Wade has refuted a report that he is interested in playing for the Knicks in the summer of 2010 when he can opt out of his contract.

The story "was reported wrong," Wade said Friday.

"When they asked me about [Knicks coach] Mike D'Antoni, I said when I played with him in the Olympics, if it was between him and Nate McMillan, I love being on the court with him. Miami is where I want to be," he added. "If I say I like a city, people will say I want to be playing in that city. And that doesn't mean that at all."

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Miami's Spoelstra Wants To Focus On Defense

2008-11-05T19:34:00.002+02:00

Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra wants to focus on defense heading into both training camp and the new season.

It also appears as though he's working his players hard right off the bat this fall.

"We did a lot of defensive drills," Shawn Marion said, "and then we did some more defensive drills, then we did some more defensive drills, then we did some more defensive drills."

"It wasn't easy," Michael Beasley added. "I'll tell you that much. I had nightmares last night. I didn't know what to expect. I need to go to sleep right now."

"Two hours and 15 minutes of straight defense," Spoelstra said of their first session. "They didn't get into any shots, any kind of offensive thing, except to get shots at the end."

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Heat, Powell Agree To Withdraw Qualifying Offer

2008-11-05T19:34:00.001+02:00

The Miami Heat announced Saturday that they have mutually agreed with forward Kasib Powell to withdraw the qualifying offer that was extended to Powell, immediately making him an unrestricted free agent.

Powell was originally signed by the HEAT to a 10-day contract on Mar. 22, 2008. He was re-signed for the remainder of the season on Apr. 8. In 11 games with Miami (four starts) last season he averaged 7.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.82 steals and 27.6 minutes.

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Wade Not Worried About Rookie Mishaps

2008-11-05T19:33:00.002+02:00

Dwyane Wade isn't worried about the transgressions of Mario Chalmers and Michael Beasley at the NBA's rookie symposium, according to Associated Press.

"I'm not worried about it," Wade said. "I think it could carry over, but from being around them the last few nights, I can see that they're not going to be a problem. Mario knows he has an opportunity to compete for a starting spot. Beasley knows the same thing. They have an unbelievable opportunity in this league, and they need to understand the culture of the Heat and how we do things. They didn't have that this summer."

Chalmers was sent home from the event and fined $20,000, after security found him in a room with two women and detected the scent of marijuana.

Later, it was learned that Beasley was also in the room, and he originally tried to hide it from officials. For not being forthcoming, he was fined $50,000.

"It's a situation that's over and done with," Chalmers said recently. "We put it behind us."

"I would say that's where my immaturity played a factor," Beasley said. "I'm 19, so I kind of tried to be a kid and get away with it. ... But it was kind of eating away at me, just to watch my teammate go through so much and be basically hiding behind the lights. I just felt it was the right thing for my team and just to stand by my teammate."

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Marion Focused On 'Right Now'

2008-11-05T19:33:00.001+02:00

Heat forward Shawn Marion understands that he'll likely enter training camp later this week without a contract extension, according to Miami Herald.

"My focus is playing ball right now, I can't even worry about that right now," Marion said Monday. "We're still talking and negotiating. It is what it is right now. I'm focused on playing and that's what it's about right now."

After being traded from Phoenix in part of the Shaquille O'Neal trade in February, Marion said he hoped to reach a long-term deal with Miami.

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Wade Interested In Playing For D'Antoni

2008-11-05T19:32:00.000+02:00

Dwyane Wade, who will be an interesting free agent in 2010, has said that he wouldn't mind playing for Mike D'Antoni, according to Miami Herald.

"I mean, I love offense. Why wouldn't I? I love him," Wade told Newsday while in New York. "We're in practice; I love [Portland Trailblazers' coach] Nate McMillan, but I want to be on Mike D'Antoni's team because Nate is preaching all defense, and Mike is preaching all offense."

Wade also touched on the saga surrounding Stephon Marbury in New York, drawing a parallel to how Shaquille O'Neal was perceived when was he traded from Los Angeles to Miami.

"You can never judge a guy by what you've heard because if that was the case, then Shaq wouldn't have been the ideal teammate for me, as well," Wade said. "He came to Miami and everything I heard about him, none of it showed. You can't ever judge a guy by what he's done in his past or what you've heard about him."

There have been rumors that the Heat could look to land Marbury to help fill the void at point guard.

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Beasley Confirms Disagreements With Agent

2008-11-05T19:31:00.002+02:00

Heat forward Michael Beasley has confirmed reports that he has had disagreements with his agent, Joel Bell, but denied reports that he has reached out to other agents, according to Miami Herald.

Bruce Shingler, Beasley's personal assistant, also denied a report that Beasley fired both Bell and another long-time adviser over the weekend.

"There have been some differences over terms, and things haven't all worked out like we thought," said Shingler. "But that stuff out there is not true. It's a lot of rumors."

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Wade Still Shocked At His Success

2008-11-05T19:31:00.001+02:00

Heat guard Dwyane Wade still can't believe how much success he has had since his days as a fan of Michael Jordan in Chicago, according to Chicago Sun-Times.

"Unbelievable," Wade said of his success, including an NBA Title. "To this day I'm still amazed people wear my jersey and sneakers. Chicago built me. I love the city. I wanted to be like Mike [Jordan]. For people to want to be like me surpasses my dreams."

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Sources: Beasley Looking For New Agent

2008-11-05T19:30:00.002+02:00

Miami rookie forward Michael Beasley is reportedly looking for a new agent, according to Yahoo! Sports.

Agent Joel Bell didn’t deny that Beasley had fired him, saying only, "I don’t have a comment at this time."

The Heat took Beasley with the second overall pick in this June's NBA Draft.

Several top agents, including Aaron Goodwin and Andy Miller, are trying to fill the void left behind by Bell.

The NBA Players Association forbids Beasley from hiring a new agent until 15 days from the day he files paperwork firing Bell.

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Miami And Chicago Discussed Deal Involving Gordon, Marion

2008-11-05T19:30:00.001+02:00

The Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls had recent trade discussions that included Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks for Ben Gordon, Larry Hughes and Joakim Noah, according to Yahoo! Sports.

Gordon is an unsigned restricted free agent, and Noah was only a possibilty in the deal.

The talks have died over the last week or so, and right now, they don't appear to have rekindled.

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Portland The Favorites To Land Livingston?

2008-11-05T19:29:00.000+02:00

Free agent point guard Shaun Livingston had private workouts with the Blazers and Timberwolves in the last 48 hours and he is expected to find a home by next week, according to Yahoo! Sports.

Livingston worked out in Portland on Friday, and two league sources believed the Blazers are the favorites to sign the guard.

The Heat are also reportedly still interested in signing Livingston.

"I don’t think you’ll get anything out of him this year," one NBA executive said. "He’s going to need a year to adjust."

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Miami Re-Signs Chris Quinn

2008-11-05T19:28:00.000+02:00

The Miami Heat announced today that they have re-signed guard Chris Quinn. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. Quinn, who originally signed with the Heat on July 6, 2006 as a free agent, has appeared in 102 games (26 starts). During his two-year NBA career in Miami, he has averaged 5.9 points, 2.4 assists, 1.5 rebounds and 17.1 minutes while shooting 40.9 percent from the field, 38.9 percent from three-point range and 81.5 percent from the foul line. In his 26 career starts, he has averaged 11.7 points, 4.9 assists, 3.1 rebounds, 1.42 steals and 32.8 minutes while amassing a 3.18 assist-to-turnover ratio and shooting 42.7 percent from the field, 40.4 percent from three-point range and 85.3 percent from the foul line. Additionally, Quinn has scored in double-figures on 27 occasions, including four 20-point performances.

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Miami Spoke To Bulls On Gordon

2008-11-05T19:27:00.002+02:00

The Bulls reportedly spoke to Miami about restricted free agent Ben Gordon, but because of the big contract Gordon is holding out for, Miami Heat says it will take its current roster to camp.

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D-Wade: 'Rudy Fernandez Is Unbelievable'

2008-11-05T19:27:00.001+02:00

Heat guard Dwyane Wade came away from Beijing impressed with Spanish point guard Rudy Fernandez, according to ESPN.

"The new guy from Spain that went to Portland — Rudy Fernandez — he's an unbelievable talent," Wade said. "The way he shoots the ball and how athletic he is, I'm sure Nate McMillan didn't want him to play like that against us, but I'm sure he was smiling on the inside."

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Miami's Richards Out For Year With ACL Tear

2008-11-05T19:26:00.002+02:00

Miami guard Jason Richards is out for the entire 2008-09 season after suffering a tear of his ACL, according to South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Richards, an undrafted rookie out of Davidson, signed a two-year contract with the Heat earlier this offseason.

With Richards injured, Miami only has Marcus Banks and Mario Chalmers under contract at point guard.

However, Chris Quinn, who started 13 games last season, has two standing contract offers from the Heat.

"It's up to Quinny," Heat President Pat Riley said. "We've offered him a couple years from the qualifying offer. He hasn't been able to bring us an offer. We want Quinny back. So he has the choice."

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Chalmers, Arthur To Face Five-Game Suspension?

2008-11-05T19:26:00.001+02:00

Rookies Mario Chalmers and Darrell Arthur could face five-game suspensions following their expulsion from the NBA's Rookie Transition Program, according to South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

It has already been reported that Chalmers and Arthur have been fined $20,000, just as the Collective Bargaining Agreement suggests.

According to Article VI, Section 4(b) of the NBA's CBA, "When a player, without proper and reasonable excuse, fails or refuses to attend 'mandatory program,' he shall be fined $20,000 by the NBA." That clause also contains the wording "that if the player misses the Rookie Transition Program, he shall be suspended for five (5) games."

Of course, this situation is slightly different.

"That language was put in for a case in which a guy wants to skip it. …Nothing is definitive until the commissioner makes a decision," NBA Vice President Tim Frank said Thursday.

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Sources: Stern Made Call To Kick Out Chalmers And Arthur

2008-11-05T19:25:00.002+02:00

Several sources told ESPN's Chris Broussard on Thursday that NBA Commissioner David Stern was so angered by Mario Chalmers and Darrell Arthur's alleged involvement with marijuana and women at the rookie transition program that he made the call himself to remove them from their rooms at the Doral Arrowwood resort in Rye Brook, N.Y.

According to sources, Chalmers and Arthur were caught in Arthur's room at the Doral Arrowwood resort in Rye Brook when a smoke alarm went off Wednesday at about 2 a.m. Hotel management went to the room, but the players refused to allow them in.

The police were called to their room, which they searched, but neither marijuana nor drug paraphernalia was found. Representatives from the players' association were also on the scene by that time.

Chalmers and Arthur were permitted to remain at the resort and were believed to be planning to attend a kickoff address by Stern later Wednesday morning. But after being told of the violations shortly before beginning his speech, Stern immediately had the players removed from their rooms.

Several sources described Stern as being furious.

The commissioner's anger was apparently evident when he began his speech; he mentioned Chalmers and Arthur by name and told the 67 rookies in attendance that the two would be thrown out of the program and forced to attend the 2009 session.

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Heat Close To Re-Signing Quinn

2008-11-05T19:25:00.001+02:00

The Heat are reportedly still close to re-signing point guard Chris Quinn to a new contract, according to Miami Herald.

The signing of center Jamaal Magloire gave the Heat fourteen players, one shy of the league maximum.

Miami extended a $1 million qualifying offer this summer to Quinn.

"Our training camp roster is set," Pat Riley said last Friday.

"We've got a lot of great [perimeter players], a lot of versatility. We're as good as we can be at this stage."

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Chalmers And Arthur Caught With Marijuana

2008-11-05T19:24:00.002+02:00

Former members of the Kansas Jayhaws' NCAA championship team Mario Chalmers of the Miami Heat and Darrell Arthur of the Memphis Grizzlies were dismissed from the NBA's Rookie Transition Program on Wednesday morning after being caught in their hotel room at Doral Arrowwood in Rye Brook, N.Y., with marijuana, according to sources.

"Yes, they were sent home for violating program rules," NBA spokesman Brian McIntyre said.

According to a source, the players were also fined $20,000 each and will begin the season on the suspended list.

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Magloire Promises To 'Claw, Grab, Pull, Fight'

2008-11-05T19:24:00.001+02:00

Newly-signed Heat center Jamaal Magloire has promised to do all the dirty work for the team this season, according to South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

"I've always been one to claw, grab, pull, fight to get the job done," Magloire said after officially signing on Tuesday.

He signed a one-year contract worth the veteran's minimum of $1.14 million, but only half that figure is guaranteed.

"This is an opportunity for me to re-energize my career," Magloire added.

"I love this game so much, and the fact that I didn't play last year just makes me more vicious and more hungry."

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Miami Waives Stephane Lasme

2008-11-05T19:23:00.002+02:00

The Miami Heat announced today that they have requested waivers on forward Stephane Lasme.

The 6’8” forward was originally signed to a 10-day contract by the Heat on Mar. 21, 2008.

He was signed for the remainder of the 2007-08 season on Apr. 10. In 16 games (four starts) last season, Lasme averaged 5.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.38 blocks, and 18.9 minutes.

Lasme was originally the 46th overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors for whom he appeared in one game last season before being waived on Nov. 17.

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Miami Leaving Spot Open For Mourning?

2008-11-05T19:23:00.001+02:00

The Heat formally signed Jamaal Magloire on Tuesday, but that doesn't mean that veteran center Alonzo Mourning won't return to the team, according to South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

"We can't say, 'OK, we're slotting him in,' " Heat President Pat Riley said last week. "I mean, I'm going to absolutely respect Zo's desire to come back, but he will not be under contract at the start of the season."

Mourning turns 39 in February, at the midpoint of the 2008-09 season.

"I'm going to sit down and talk to Zo, and Zo's going to continue to rehab and get to the point and see what he can do," Riley added.

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Miami Signs Jamaal Magloire

2008-11-05T19:22:00.000+02:00

The Miami Heat announced today that they have signed free agent center Jamaal Magloire. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. “We are very fortunate to be able to come to terms with Jamaal Magliore,” said Heat President Pat Riley. “We feel that he will dramatically support our post position. He is an excellent rebounder with a big body. On the defensive end he will plug up the paint and the offensive end he can score. We feel that this is definitely the right place for him to re-energize his career.”

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Miami To Introduce Magloire On Tuesday

2008-11-05T19:13:00.000+02:00

Miami is expected Tuesday to formally introduce Jamaal Magloire, which would make him the fourth center under contract.

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Heat Turn Attention Towards Point Guard

2008-10-01T19:49:00.000+03:00

After signing veteran center Jamaal Magloire, the Heat have turned their attention towards adding a point guard to their roster, according to Miami Herald.

Miami was among several teams that visited Chicago recently to view a workout by free agent guard Shaun Livingston.

Pat Riley also said this week that the Heat remain in negotiations with restricted free agent Chris Quinn, who had been extended a one-year, $1 million qualifying offer this summer.

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Heat Agree To Terms With Jamaal Magloire

2008-10-01T19:48:00.002+03:00

The Heat have agreed to terms on a contract with free agent center Jamaal Magloire, according to South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

The terms of the deal were not immediately available, but team President Pat Riley said earlier on Friday that the team was looking for a player willing to take the veteran's minimum.

kaynak : NBA

West, Magic To Present Riley For Induction

2008-10-01T19:48:00.001+03:00

Jerry West and Magic Johnson will present legendary Coach Pat Riley for induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame next week, according to South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Johnson helped guide Riley's Lakers to four NBA championships while West paved the way for Pat to serve on the bench in Los Angeles.

By rule, only a member of the Hall of Fame can introduce a member for enshrinement.

kaynak : NBA

Chalmers Not Expected To Start For Heat

2008-10-01T19:47:00.000+03:00

Dwyane Wade may have suggested Mario Chalmers could start for the Heat, the club isn't close to assuming that will happen but will give him a chance to compete against Marcus Banks and a possible veteran addition.

Miami also expects Chris Quinn back.

kaynak : NBA

Celebration To Honor Wade Thursday In Miami

2008-10-01T19:33:00.000+03:00

The Heat will honor gold-medal-winning guard Dwyane Wade with a public ceremony on Thursday at AmericanAirlines Arena, according to South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

An Olympics/Wade banner will be unveiled alongside the team's division and championship banners.

Wade will become the third player to have his name raised to the rafters, with the Heat having hoisted the jerseys of former Miami Dolphins' quarterback Dan Marino and NBA legend Michael Jordan in the past

kaynak : NBA

Miami Thinks Beasley May Eventually Play Small Forward?

2008-08-28T20:01:00.000+03:00

Unless the Miami Heat are able to shed some of their multi-year deals, they likely will have a little more than $11 million next summer to pursue a free agent such as Carlos Boozer.

Miami has told people they would like to see if Michael Beasley could eventually play the small forward position, which would allow a pairing with Boozer.

Miami has $32 million committed for 2010-11.

kaynak : NBA

Spain Hangs Tough, But USA Claims Gold

2008-08-28T20:00:00.000+03:00

The United States may have taken home the gold, but the Spaniards did not simply hand the hardware across to the Redeem Team like most expected.

The United States survived their tightest encounter of the Olympic tournament in the gold medal game, never really shaking a determined Spain team despite not having Raptors' point guard Jose Calderon on the floor.

The Americans had to put on a shooting clinic, finishing the game 13 of 28 (46%) from three-point range and an amazing 71% (13/28) from inside the arc, which in the end proved to be pivotal with Team USA winning the game by only 11 points, 118-107, but the margin was much closer than this for the majority of the game.

Dwyane Wade led the way with 27 points in the game, most of them coming in the first half while Kobe Bryant had 20 to go with 6 assists.

Bryant was particularly excellent in the 4th quarter when the game was tight, including a four-point play that sent Rudy Fernandez to the bench with his fifth and final foul.

For Spain, Juan Carlos Navarro (18 points) was effective, connecting on an array of teardrops inside the key to keep Spain close when the pressure was on while Pau Gasol (21 points, 6 rebounds) and Fernandez (22 points) were again are the forefront for the Spanish.

Spain trailed by only four points, 108-104, with 2:28 remaining in the game, giving the Americans their first real challenge in the fourth quarter of the Olympics.

kaynak : NBA

Mbenga Deciding Between Lakers And Heat

2008-08-28T19:58:00.000+03:00

Free agent center Jamaal Magloire visited the Heat on Thursday, and another big man is scheduled to be in Miami early next week.

Center D.J. Mbenga has a workout slated for Monday, his agent, Bouna Ndiaye, said Thursday.

Ndiaye said that if all goes well, Mbenga will choose between signing with the Heat and Lakers.

The 7-footer averaged 1.4 points and 1.3 rebounds in 26 games with the Lakers. He started last season with Golden State before being waived. He has appeared in 121 games since 2004, averaging 1.6 points and 1.2 rebounds with L.A., Golden State and Dallas.

''There is interest,'' Bouna said of the Heat. ``I'm not sure how strong the interest is in signing him but they want to get a look at him first.''

Mbenga, 27, is entering his fifth season and finds the Heat appealing because of the team's need for another center. Veteran Mark Blount and second-year Joel Anthony are under contract, but Blount is offensive-minded and Anthony is raw.

''D.J. is the perfect fit in size and the opposite style of Mark Blount,'' Ndiaye said. ``He's a good fit, exactly what the team needs. He defends, he's a great energy guy and showed that with the Lakers and Dallas.

Ndiaye noted that the Heat is also appealing because the Lakers have a crowded frontcourt with Andrew Bynum, Chris Mihm, Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom.

Mbenga is not the Heat's only option, as veteran Lorenzen Wright met with the Heat earlier this week.

Free agent center D.J. Mbenga had a workout in Miami earlier this week, and it appears as though he's considering both the Heat and Lakers, according to The Miami Herald.

Mbenga averaged 1.4 points and 1.3 rebounds in 26 games with the Lakers last season, after getting waived by the Warriors.

"There is interest," agent Bouna Ndiaye said of the Heat. "I'm not sure how strong the interest is in signing him but they want to get a look at him first."

"D.J. is the perfect fit in size and the opposite style of Mark Blount," Ndiaye added. "He's a good fit, exactly what the team needs. He defends, he's a great energy guy, and showed that with the Lakers and Dallas."

kaynak : NBA

HEAT Re-Sign Dorell Wright

2008-08-24T08:23:00.001+03:00

The Miami HEAT announced today that they have re-signed guard/forward Dorell Wright. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Wright, who originally signed with the HEAT on July 27, 2004 after being drafted in the first round (19th overall) in the 2004 NBA Draft, has appeared in 133 games (55 starts). During his four-year NBA career in Miami, he has averaged 6.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 19.2 minutes while shooting 46.1 percent from the field and 79.2 percent from the foul line. Additionally, Wright has increased his points per game, rebounds per game and blocks per game averages while also increasing his offensive rebounds and games started in each of his four seasons with the HEAT. Over that same span, he has scored in double-figures on 34 occasions and has tallied eight double-doubles.

During the 2007-08 season, Wright appeared in 44 games (34 starts) and set career-highs with 7.9 points, 5.0 rebounds and 0.93 blocks in 25.1 minutes while shooting a career-best 48.8 percent from the field. Wright also dished out 1.4 assists while leading the HEAT in blocks on 16 occasions, rebounds seven times, steals on five occasions, minutes four times and points once. Wright became the first player in HEAT franchise history to be perfect shooting from both the field and the free throw line with at least five attempts in each category after he shot 5-for-5 from the field and 7-for-7 from the foul line versus Toronto on February 4, 2008.

kaynak : NBA

Wade: Going for the Gold

2008-08-24T08:22:00.002+03:00

Dwyane Wade is right where he wants to be; he’s healthy, playing well, and after helping Team USA rout Australia, 116-85, in the Olympic quarterfinals on Wednesday, he’s only two wins away from earning his first-ever gold medal.

On Friday, Team USA’s road to redemption takes a poetic twist, as Wade and the rest of the Redeem Team face defending champion Argentina, who defeated Greece 80-78 to advance. This is the same Argentina team who defeated Team USA 89-81 in the exact quarterfinal round four years ago in Athens, ending their dream of capturing gold.

Wade, who spoke to Miami media late Wednesday night by phone, said he’s been waiting since that moment to get back to this point and he looks forward to the challenge of playing against the best teams for the shot at gold on Sunday, against either Spain or Lithuania.

“It’s been a long time,” Wade said. “It’s been four years (since the last Olympics) and two years (since the World Championships). It seems like all the hard work that we put in over the last three summers, it’s all been for this – for these two games. This is what it all comes down to. We all got what we wanted – the final four teams left are the best teams in the tournament. It’s a perfect fit for us. If we win it, we have to get through all the tough teams to do it.”

Wade admitted on Wednesday that winning Olympic gold will be one of the important accomplishments in his young career. After suffering through knee and shoulder injuries the past two seasons and coming up short in Team USA’s last two world tournaments, the sixth-year pro said being able to rebound from these personal trials will be icing on the cake.

“I’ve never won a gold before, so it’s going to be very special,” he said “Of course, winning the NBA title was unbelievable, something that I’ve always dreamed of. This gold is going to be something beyond my dreams. I think from losing in ‘04 and ‘06 and all the things we’ve been though are going to make this even that much more special.

“I think I’m going to enjoy it more especially because now I’ve been through the trials and tribulations as an adult, as an athlete,” he continued. “That’s going to make me enjoy it more and appreciate this more. When I won a championship, I didn't have anything in my adulthood that was like I’ve had over the last two years.”

Just as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and the rest of the original Dream Team breezed to the gold medal at the ’92 Olympics in Barcelona, this year’s Olympic team is just as dominant – winning all five of its preliminary round games by an average of more than 32 points. If USA does go on to win gold, Wade believes the 2008 US Men’s Senior National Team will be one for the ages.

“For this team, if we keep dominating and win gold the way that we think we can, I think it’ll be even more special for us,” he said. “The world has caught up, the game of basketball is a lot better internationally than in 1992. That team is the Dream Team and there will never be another Dream Team, but this team is as special as well. We can be in the same breath as those guys if we do what we’re supposed to do.”

Wade also had a message to HEAT fans: Get your tickets now because the HEAT is on this season!

“I hope Miami fans are excited because I’ve worked my tail off and we want to make sure that everyone comes out and supports us again. We can’t win without them. Hopefully, the fans are getting excited about the opportunity to see a young team like we had during my rookie year when we had guys who came out and played hard and did things on the court that we probably shouldn’t have done that season.”

kaynak : NBA

HEAT Announces Local Boadcast Schedule

2008-08-24T08:22:00.001+03:00

The Miami HEAT and Sun Sports, the NBA team’s exclusive regional television home, have announced the Florida sports network’s 2008-09 broadcast schedule.

A total of 71 regular season Miami HEAT games, 39 home and 32 away, are scheduled to air on Sun Sports throughout the South Florida region this season. Spanish-language audio for the games on Sun Sports will be available via secondary audio program (SAP). While channel positions remain the same for Sun Sports on South Florida cable systems and on DISH Network, those fans who enjoy the games on DIRECTV will want to make a note of the new location for Sun Sports - channel 653 (previously 632). Select games may also air on Ch. 655 for DIRECTV customers.

All 82 games will be broadcast either locally or nationally. In addition to Sun Sports, ABC, ESPN, NBATV and TNT are among the stations scheduled to air HEAT games.

The regional sports network will also produce and distribute more than half of the games in high definition. The 2008-09 local HEAT HD broadcast schedule will be released at a later date. HD games will be available to fans in South Florida with HD service from cable and satellite systems offering Sun Sports HD. In most cases, the HD feed will be on a channel separate from Sun Sports’ standard definition channel.

In addition to game coverage, Sun Sports will also continue to offer fans extensive live post-game coverage with expert analysis, news conferences, player interviews and more with its “HEAT LIVE” post-game shows immediately following each game broadcast. Sun Sports will also continue to bring HEAT fans closer to their hometown team with its commitment to feature programming produced by the network. Plans call for approximately 11 all-new episodes of the popular “INSIDE THE HEAT” series with numerous player profiles and shows focusing on other aspects of the team and its operations.

The 2008-09 season also marks the 16th consecutive year Sun Sports has provided live regional cable coverage of Miami HEAT NBA action. The network’s production team, including members of the HEATV crew, has been awarded multiple regional Emmy Awards for their coverage of HEAT basketball on Sun Sports in the last several years.

Highlights on the Sun Sports’ schedule include:

* Three appearances by the defending NBA Champion Boston Celtics
* A January match-up vs. reigning MVP Kobe Bryant and the Western Conference Champion L.A. Lakers
* All four primetime meetings between the HEAT and Cleveland Cavaliers featuring 2003 NBA Draft classmates Dwyane Wade and LeBron James
* All four match-ups between the HEAT and much improved Philadelphia 76ers with Elton Brand
* The return of Shaquille O’Neal March 4th vs. the Phoenix Suns

Eric Reid will enter his 21st season as a member of the HEAT’s broadcast team, serving his 18th year as the television play-by-play voice of the HEAT. He is joined in the Sun Sports booth by Tony Fiorentino, entering his sixth season as analyst, and courtside reporter/host Jason Jackson, who returns for his fifth season.

Sun Sports begins its coverage of Miami HEAT NBA basketball this season with a half-hour “MIAMI HEAT PRESEASON SPECIAL” premiering in mid-Oct. regular season coverage tips off on Sun Sports when the team travels to New York to take on the Knicks on Wednesday October 29, at 7:30 p.m. A special half-hour “HEAT LIVE” pre-game show, hosted by Jackson, will air prior to Sun Sports’ first home game broadcast on Friday, October 31, at 7:00 p.m. (ET).

kaynak : NBA

HEAT Announce 2008 Preseason Schedule

2008-08-24T08:21:00.000+03:00

The Miami HEAT announced their 2008 preseason schedule today, which will be highlighted by the team’s two home games at AmericanAirlines Arena and their NBA Europe Live 2008 trip to Paris and London. The HEAT will open in Miami on Sunday, October 5, when they take on the Detroit Pistons at AmericanAirlines Arena, and then travel overseas for the two games in Europe vs. the New Jersey Nets. The HEAT will return home to AmericanAirlines Arena to face the Memphis Grizzlies on October 21. The preseason concludes with a road contest on Friday, October 24, in San Antonio.

The seven-game line-up features the team’s two contests at AmericanAirlines Arena, which will take place at 6:30 PM on October 5 against the Pistons and on October 21 against the Grizzlies at 7:30 PM.

The HEAT will also travel to Jacksonville, FL to host the Orlando Magic on October 18. Tickets to that contest are available now by visiting ticketmaster.com.

Tickets to the preseason contests being played at AmericanAirlines Arena will go on sale at a later date.

All of the HEAT’s preseason games can be heard live on WINZ 940-AM.

The preseason schedule is as follows:
DATE

OPPONENT

LOCATION

TIME
October 5

Detroit at Miami

AmericanAirlines Arena, Miami, FL

6:30 PM
October 9

New Jersey vs. Miami

Palais Omnisports de Paris Bercy, Paris, France

8:00 PM
October 12

Miami vs. New Jersey

The O2 arena, London, England

8:00 PM
October 18

Orlando vs. Miami

Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville, FL

7:30 PM
October 21

Memphis at Miami

AmericanAirlines Arena, Miami, FL

7:30 PM
October 23

Miami vs. New Orleans

USA Mitchell Center, Mobile, AL

8:30 PM
October 24

Miami at San Antonio

AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX

8:30 PM

kaynak : NBA

Heat Have Meeting With Magloire

2008-08-24T08:18:00.001+03:00

The Heat had a scheduled visit with free agent center Jamaal Magloire on Wednesday, according to The Miami Herald.

Magloire, 30, has averaged 8.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game in his career. He finished the 2007-08 season with Dallas after being cut by New Jersey.

kaynak : NBA

Wade: People Wrote Me Off Too Early

2008-08-24T08:16:00.000+03:00

Dwyane Wade, who suffered through a number of injuries last season, can't believe how quickly people have written him off, according to Yahoo! Sports.

"I was written off in one year quicker than anybody had ever been," Wade said Tuesday. "Being injured, it was like I had forgotten how to play basketball. But it made me hungry. And it put me back in the position where I’ve always been. And that’s the underdog."

After looking like a shell of his former self last season, Wade has looked amazing in Beijing.

kaynak : NBA

Miami Not A Likely Destination For Gordon

2008-08-24T08:14:00.001+03:00

Even though Ben Gordon claims he has played his last game as a member of the Bulls, joining the Heat doesn't appear to be a possibilty, according to The South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Dwyane Wade plays a majority of his minutes at the shooting guard position, and Miami recently made a significant investment in James Jones.

Also, they'd likely have to sign-and-trade with Chicago to land Gordon, which means the Bulls might ask for someone like Shawn Marion in return.

Making sense of a marketplace at rest:

*
Forget about Ben Gordon as a Heat option, even as he stands at a free-agent impasse with the Bulls. For Shawn Marion? How would that make sense for a team that already has Dwyane Wade at shooting guard and made a considerable investment in James Jones as its designated shooter? The only answer would be if Gordon could be viewed as a point guard, which he is not.
*
Don't overstate the second-tier likes of Carlos Arroyo, Earl Boykins or even Jannero Pargo opting for overseas contracts instead of a cut from the NBA's free-agent pool. If a team such as the Heat truly was interested, each would have remained stateside. It's not as if any of those contracts significantly trumped would could have be garnered from a team operating above the salary cap.
*
For those lamenting about losing out on Jason Kidd on last season's trade market, have you seen what the veteran point guard has looked like during the Olympics? Yes, Kidd very much has displayed a pass-first approach, but that also helps masks the reality that his scoring skills have atrophied beyond rescue. He has been marginalized as a token starter, practically a mascot.
*
What the waiver claim and release of Bobby Jones shows is that the Heat recognizes the paucity of talent at the end of its roster. By virtue of the league's worst 2007-08 record, the Heat retains the right to make initial waiver claims through the first month of the season. For now, someone else's trash could continue to hold potential value for the Heat.
*
Be scared, very scared. Damon Jones might not be long for the Bucks, after last week's trade from the Cavaliers. That's the same Damon Jones who has spent the past two seasons romanticizing about a Heat return.

kaynak : NBA

Heat Have Internal Talks On Kyle Lowry

2008-08-24T08:11:00.000+03:00

Miami has talked internally about pursuing one of Memphis' point guards (such as Kyle Lowry) but does not want Jamaal Tinsley's Indiana contract (three years left, $21 million) and knows the Knicks reportedly will bring Stephon Marbury to camp and not cut him.

kaynak : NBA

Miami Requests Waivers On Bobby Jones

2008-08-17T19:23:00.000+03:00

The Miami Heat announced today that they have requested waivers on forward Bobby Jones. Jones was claimed off waivers by the Heat on Aug. 5 after being waived by the New York Knicks on July 29. Jones, whose first stint with the Heat began on Mar. 12, 2008 after signing a 10-day contract, appeared in six games with Miami during the 2007-08 season and averaged 8.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 23.8 minutes. Overall, he appeared in 47 games last season, with five teams including the Heat, and averaged 3.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 11.3 minutes per game.

kaynak : NBA

Miami's Diawara: I Can Do A Lot Of Things Here

2008-08-17T19:22:00.002+03:00

New Heat swingman Yakhouba Diawara hopes to display the talent that often went unseen with the Nuggets because of inconsistent playing time.

In two seasons with the run-and-gun Denver Nuggets, swingman Yakhouba Diawara struggled to find his role behind Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony.

Now in Miami, Diawara hopes for a better opportunity to complement Dwyane Wade and Shawn Marion.

''I can do a lot of things here that I didn't show in Denver because of not much [consistent] playing time,'' Diawara said at AmericanAirlines Arena on Friday, a day after he came off the free agent market to sign with the Heat.

``But I can show it here. In Denver, you've got A.I. and Melo, so it's pretty tough there, too.''

Despite joining a Heat roster that was overcrowded at shooting guard and small forward, Diawara is expected to provide a defensive presence on the perimeter the Heat has lacked the past two seasons.

The Heat used the remaining $900,000 of its midlevel exception to guarantee the first season of a two-year deal for Diawara, a 6-7, long-armed defender from France.

Diawara, 25, who played briefly with the Heat's summer-league team in 2005, said he chose a reunion of sorts in Miami over interest from a couple of other teams. But he said a return to Denver, where he started 33 of 113 games in two seasons, was not among his options.

''It was tough to go back to Denver, with that same team and not much changes,'' Diawara said of the Nuggets, who traded defensive-minded center Marcus Camby but kept Iverson and Anthony. ``It was a tough situation to go there and start a couple of games, then don't play. You don't know what's going on. I just wanted a new beginning.''

Miami also looks forward to a fresh start after finishing a league-worst 15-67 last season, matching the worst mark in franchise history.

Of the 15 players under contract with the Heat, only five were on the roster when training camp opened last season. Among the offseason priorities for Heat president Pat Riley was to restock the bench with players who could immediately contribute.

The Heat stretched the $5.6 million midlevel exception to accomplish that. In addition to Diawara, it used midlevel money to sign sharp-shooting forward James Jones and rookie point guard Mario Chalmers.

But there seem to be as many questions about the Heat's recent free agent additions as there are answers.

Jones was signed to fill the long-range shooting role for which Daequan Cook, a first-round pick last season, was being groomed. Diawara is an athletic defender in a similar mold as restricted free agent Dorell Wright.

Riley and general manager Randy Pfund weren't available for comment Friday. But Diawara said he was asked to meet specific expectations.

''Guard people -- that's the main thing,'' said Diawara, who averaged 3.7 points and 1.5 rebounds in two NBA seasons. ``Play defense. Play tough. Bring some energy.''

kaynak : NBA

Heat Still Looking To Deal Haslem?

2008-08-17T19:22:00.001+03:00

The Heat are reportedly contemplating the idea of trading forward Udonis Haslem for help at either point guard or center, according to The Palm Beach Post.

Pat Riley is apparently worried that Miami wouldn't get enough back in return for Haslem in a trade.

kaynak : NBA

Miami Signs Diawara

2008-08-17T19:15:00.000+03:00

The Miami Heat announced today that they have signed free agent guard/forward Yakhouba Diawara. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. Diawara spent the previous two seasons playing for the Denver Nuggets. During the 2007-08 season, he played in 54 games (14 starts), averaging 2.8 points and 1.1 rebounds in 10.0 minutes per game while shooting 41.0 percent from the field. In his first season in the NBA, he played in 64 games (19 starts) and averaged 4.4 points and 1.7 rebounds in 18.4 minutes per game.

kaynak : NBA

Miami Speaks With Livingston And Pargo

2008-08-11T01:35:00.000+03:00

With the list of free agent point guards growing smaller by the day, the Heat have spoken with the agents for both Shaun Livingston and Jannero Pargo, according to The Miami Herald.

No offers were made, and the team remains in contact with Jason Williams as a fallback option.

kaynak : NBA

Heat To Explore Signing Marbury If He's Cut

2008-08-11T01:34:00.002+03:00

If the Knicks eventually cut Stephon Marbury, the Miami Heat would at least be expected to explore signing him.

kaynak : NBA

Miami Claims Bobby Jones Off Waivers

2008-08-11T01:34:00.001+03:00

The Miami Heat announced today that they have claimed forward Bobby Jones off waivers. Jones, a 6’7”, 215-pound forward, appeared in 47 NBA games (two starts) last season with five different teams, including Miami. He averaged 3.8 points, 2.0 rebounds and 11.3 minutes per game while shooting 42.9 percent from the field. He played in 25 games for the Denver Nuggets, nine for the Memphis Grizzlies, six for the HEAT, four for the Houston Rockets and three for the San Antonio Spurs.

kaynak : NBA

Wade Doesn't Know Where His Bronze Medal Is

2008-08-11T01:33:00.000+03:00

Gone, and forgotten: So, where is Dwyane Wade's bronze medal from the 2004 Athens Olympics? "I have no idea where that thing is," the Team USA guard said recently. "I don't know. You could probably find it as quick as I could if you came to my house. I remember packing it in my bag, and I don't remember what happened."

Hot dates: The NBA's 2008-09 schedule is expected to be released soon, with the holdup because of the Sonics' move to Oklahoma City. The Celtics are expected to open the season Oct. 28 at TD Banknorth Garden, at which time they will receive their championship rings and hoist banner No. 17 to the rafters. There are also rumors the Celtics will play the Lakers Christmas Day in Los Angeles.

Ripped off?: Two NBA sources said former UConn team manager Josh Nochimson has been decertified as an agent by the players' union in large part because he has been accused of stealing about $500,000 from Pistons guard Richard Hamilton, a former UConn star. Nochimson also is no longer the agent for Bulls forward Luol Deng, who last week signed a six-year, $71 million contract extension.

Paying no mind: On speculation that Pistons guard Chauncey Billups could be traded this offseason, teammate Rodney Stuckey said, "I don't pay attention to it. As far as I know, Chauncey is still a Piston. That's our point guard right now. Whatever happens, happens. But as of right now, he's still a Piston."

Peace corps: Celtics forward Brian Scalabrine, Lakers guard Jordan Farmar, and NBA rookies Derrick Rose (Chicago), D.J. Augustin (Charlotte), Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City), and Brook and Robin Lopez (New Jersey and Phoenix, respectively) attended the Seeds of Peace International Camp in Otisfield, Maine, last Monday to promote teamwork and fundamentals for 160 kids from Middle Eastern countries. "It feels great just seeing where they come from," Rose said. "Some of the girls told us some stories about how it was over there and how kids react to things."

Dream scenario: Although the original "Dream Team" dominated the Olympics to win the gold medal for the United States in 1992, then-assistant coach Mike Krzyzewski believes it could have been a lot tougher if the world landscape hadn't changed. "Everybody talks about '92, but remember, Russia split up and Yugoslavia split up," said Krzyzewski. "I'm not saying we would have lost, but it would have been closer."

kaynak : NBA

Jason Williams Mulling Offer From Maccabi Elite

2008-08-11T01:32:00.000+03:00

According to a report by the East Valley Tribune, Heat free agent point guard Jason Williams is currently mulling an offer from Maccabi Tel Aviv.

The offer is believed to be worth more than Williams has been offered by any NBA team, but Williams is more likely to re-sign with the Miami Heat at a figure at or near the minimum.

kaynak : NBA

Foreign And Domestic, Jason Williams Weighing Options

2008-08-11T01:26:00.000+03:00

If you're following the free agency saga of point guard Jason Williams, here's an update.

Amid an ESPN report that J-Will is in serious discussions with Israeli-league team Tel Aviv, just received confirmation that there is indeed interest, but that a deal is not imminent.

In fact, we've been told by two sources that J-Will essentially remains in a holding pattern with a couple of potential suitors. A few days ago, we were told not to completely rule out a possible return to the Heat at a deeply, deeply, deeply discounted rate from the $8.9 million he earned last season.

If Heat president Pat Riley is even interested in a reunion (count me among those who figured J-Will's days in Miami were numbered after the "high-paid prostitutes" comment he made on Christmas Day in Cleveland), it would most likely happen in the range of $1.3 to $2 million.

But word out of Israel from at least one source familiar with Tel Aviv's negotiations is that Williams is seeking a deal with an annual salary of at least $3 million. The Israeli teams is thinking closer to $1.5, which is similar to any deal any NBA suitor might extend, including the Heat.

... For those in need of an update on potential low-level center prospects, here's one.

The Clippers, whose roster seems to be at about 43 players right now, inked Brian Skinner to add low-post depth. The Heat had at least modest interest in Skinner at one point to plug into a frontcourt that lacks both length and defensive prowess beyond undersized power forward Udonis Haslem (I'm not counting Zo here because there's still no telling when he might return from knee rehab).

The Heat also expressed at least some interest in Francisco Elson, a 7-footer who played in Seattle last season but did his best work with the Spurs during their 2006-07 title run. But Elson's camp said it would take more than the $900,000 Miami has left of the mid-level and probably even more than the mostly-league-funded veteran's minimum of $1.3 the Heat also would have at its disposal.

So the pursuit of help at center and point guard stands as it always stood for the Heat. It's going to take a trade to add the type of upgrades needed to assure a return to serious contender status next season. As the roster stands, Miami is a playoff team if healthy. Although a run at mediocrity would be an upgrade over last season's disastrous 15-67 finish, far better results are expected.

... After news that the Heat's Oct. 12 preseason game in London against the Nets has sold out, tickets for Miami's scheduled Oct. 18 preseason game against the Magic in Jacksonville have gone on sale. The Jacksonville game extends a solid run of non-NBA sites the Heat has played at the past few seasons, including Puerto Rico, Biloxi, MS and Greensboro, N.C.

kaynak : NBA

Wade Won't Let Anyone Cut His Hair Overseas

2008-08-02T16:24:00.000+03:00

Allow me to reintroduce myself - again. I haven't stepped inside the blogosphere for a long, long time for a myriad of reasons, but I didn't want to go much longer because, well, it might be a long time before I come back into this space again.

I'm heading off to China on Thursday morning to cover the Olympics, with most of my time focused on USA Basketball. I have been pretty adamant that I think this team will win the gold medal in Beijing.

For the first time since 1992, the U.S. can say that its roster will boast the two best players in the NBA (LeBron James and Kobe Bryant) and the most efficient offensive player in international basketball (Carmelo Anthony). It also has an incredible second unit (which includes Chris Paul, runner-up for MVP, Dwyane Wade, former NBA Finals MVP, and Deron Williams, a second-team All-NBA player).

Raise your hand if you think the U.S. will win the gold medal. (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

I know some people say that the U.S. has had talented rosters before and failed in international competitions but I argue that the Americans weren't this loaded in 2002, 2004 or 2006. I am far more confident than I was in 2004 (when the US starting lineup included Richard Jefferson, Lamar Odom and Stephon Marbury) and 2006 (when the starting backcourt was Kirk Hinrich and Joe Johnson).

In addition to talent, this team also has a group of extremely motivated and driven players who actually like each other. They've been together for the past three summers and respect what each player has to offer. Plus, with veterans like Bryant and Jason Kidd, the U.S. likely won't panic like it did in 2006.

Yes, the U.S. is the favorite, but don't forget about us!( Reuters)

Spain, the defending world champion in basketball, is having a banner year (Carlos Sastre won the Tour De France, it won the European soccer championships, Rafael Nadal won the French Open and Wimbledon) and will probably be the greatest challenger to the U.S. in Beijing. With the Gasol brothers (Pau and Marc), Jose Calderon, Wizards fan favorite Juan Carlos Navarro, Rudy Fernandez and - remember this name - Ricky Rubio, Spain certainly isn't lacking for talent. Argentina, the 2004 gold medallist, is welcoming back Manu Ginobili, and Lithuania should be in the mix as well.

That being said, you should feel confident about Team USA in Beijing - and genuinely shocked if it loses. Why, considering the past losses? Because this is the first time since 2000 that the Americans can honestly claim that they are sending their best. There really are no excuses this time around.

I thought I'd leave a few nuggets leftover from notebook after my trip to Las Vegas last weekend.

James on The Dream Team
LeBron James was the first member of Team USA to publicly guarantee that it will win the gold medal in Beijing, but he also said this team is going to try to get some Dream Team Love.

If confidence is a crime, then I am guilty. (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

James was just 7 when Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Charles Barkley and others smashed through the competition in Barcelona and helped NBA Commissioner David Stern place his stamp on the global market place.

When asked about the original/only Dream Team, James said, "As I look back on it, the '92 Dream Team was the best team that we've had so far. What they was able to do on a world stage was unbelievable."

A reporter then asked James, "The best team so far? Some people think that was the best team ever."

"They are the best team so far," James said, defending his comment. "You never know, another team could be better. You can't predict the future. You never know what could happen in 2016 or 2020 or beyond the years. You might find a team that you'd think was better than the first Olympic Dream Team. Then you'll have something to talk about."

Then the reporter asked James if this team plans on being as good as the 1992 team.

"We're going to try," James said.

Wade On His New Look
The reaction to Dwyane Wade's bald head has mostly been negative - if you ask Wade. But he has an explanation for abandoning his low cut for the shiny dome: He's afraid of the barbers in China.

I'm shining, y'all!( Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

"I'm not letting nobody cut my hair overseas. I'm sorry," Wade said. "I don't want to even worry about it. I'm not trying to look pretty. I'm strictly about basketball right now."

I asked Wade if he was going to let his hair grow out in China - like Vince Carter and Gary Payton did in Sydney in 2000. You guys probably don't remember Vince Carter with an Afro, do you? Anyway, Wade said he's going to keep cutting his hair whenever it gets unruly.

"This is my hooping look and anybody that don't like it - I don't care," Wade.

Kobe On Getting Old
Kobe Bryant turns 30 on Aug. 23 - the day before the gold medal game. He said that he doesn't feel like an old man just yet. "I feel younger this year than I did last summer," Bryant said.
Asked why, Bryant said, "I have no idea. I'm fine wine, baby."

Bryant did express some disappointment that he won't get to celebrate his milestone birthday with his daughters, Natalia and Gianna, who will be in the United States. "That'll be my first birthday away from my kids - obviously, since they've been born. Those are sacrifices we've made for our country," Bryant said, adding that it's good that he likes his teammates. 'They become your extended family. This is the summer where we make sacrifices, our families make sacrifices, in terms of being away from home and us banding together as brothers."

Michael Redd On Milwaukee
For those who read Gilbert Arenas's latest blog, you know that he is not a fan of the city of Milwaukee. Joking about the recent trade of his friend, Richard Jefferson, from New Jersey to Milwaukee, Arenas wrote, "Oh man, did I start laughing. You know why? Because every player hates Milwaukee. Nobody wants to live in Milwaukee. I'm sorry, Milwaukee, to come down hard on you, but no one in the NBA wants to play in Milwaukee."

Gilbert killed your city, man.( Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

Redd was asked about Arenas's comments, but he refused to bite. "That's his opinion," Redd said. "I can't knock it. That's what he believes. That's all I can say"

I asked Redd if it bothered him that there is a perception that Milwaukee is a bad place to be. Again, he was very diplomatic. "It doesn't bug me," he said. "I like it in Milwaukee. The people are great. I've been there for nine years, so I don't have anything bad to say about it."

kaynak : NBA

Miami Settled On Keeping Marion?

2008-08-02T16:23:00.000+03:00

With UM practice opening next weekend, an intriguing 12-man battle looms at receiver, and all the skill positions are deeper. Some early chatter:

• Quarterback: Although some growing pains are to be expected, several qualities have UM players believing front-runner Robert Marve will be outstanding -- his arm (''strongest'' of the quarterbacks, cornerback Chavez Grant said), ability to improvise and leadership skills.

''When a play breaks down, many quarterbacks often have tunnel vision and don't see what's around them,'' Kayne Farquharson said. ``Robert will roll out and still make a play with his arm or legs. He keeps his head on a swivel, and you wouldn't expect that at this stage of his career.''

But one UM football official warned not to underestimate Jacory Harris, who has impressed players with his ability to read defenses. ''Jacory's arm isn't as strong as Robert's, but he's really accurate,'' Grant said.

Players like what they have seen of June arrival Taylor Cook in 7-on-7 drills, though he and Cannon Smith are long shots to play much as freshmen.

• Receiver: Word is Jermaine McKenzie, who redshirted after his July 2007 car crash, has been a standout in summer on-field work. Among the seven newcomers, Aldarius Johnson has been impressive and should play immediately -- ''He's a stud who can make things happen on screens,'' Marve said. And UM people say newcomers Laron Byrd (fast, physical and 6-3) and speedy potential slot receiver Travis Benjamin also have stood out.

Still, barring injury or other issues, only a few freshmen figure to get a lot of snaps at receiver because potential No. 1 Sam Shields, Leonard Hankerson (''He's always going to be where he's supposed to,'' Marve said) and McKenzie should play a lot, with Farquharson in the mix and Khalil Jones improved (though he still has a lot to prove).

The unclear academic status of Shields and running back Shawnbrey McNeal has been a concern around the program -- finals for summer session are this week -- but Randy Shannon cannot discuss grade-related issues.

(FYI: UM people expect Dedrick Epps to emerge as the team's best tight end after a strong offseason.)

• Running back: Assistant coach Tommie Robinson wants Javarris James (running better than he did after last year's neck injury) and bulked-up Graig Cooper to continue sharing snaps, and he said McNeal must play, too. And with Derron Thomas (5.0 average) also available, former safety Damien Berry will be hard-pressed to get carries. Robinson raves about new fullback Patrick Hill's blocking.

CHATTER

• Dolphins coach Tony Sparano said Saturday that there is no thought to moving Reggie Torbor or front-runner Akin Ayodele (battling for one inside linebacker spot) to outside linebacker -- another indication that Charlie Anderson is the clear early favorite for that role to replace Jason Taylor. Anderson had just five starts and three sacks in 60 games for Houston, but Sparano said he loves ``his explosiveness, his first-step quickness. He came back tremendous -- much stronger and much quicker.''

• The Dolphins -- who began drills Saturday with Trey Darilek at the open guard spot -- recently auditioned former Fins guard Jeno James, who is trying to rejuvenate his career, but passed on signing him. . . . In 12 Mirage-owned Nevada hotels, the over-under for Dolphins victories is 5 ½.

• Baseball is unhappy with Marlins attendance. ''Very disappointing,'' MLB president Bob DuPuy e-mailed, noting Tampa Bay draws more fans. ''Good team, two of the premier young players in the game [ Hanley Ramirez and Dan Uggla]. Good divisional rivals. Hard to figure, but very disappointing.'' . . . With Anibal Sanchez expected to rejoin the Marlins shortly, MLB scheduled an Aug. 8 arbitration to resolve his (and the union's) grievance against the team. Sanchez was upset about going on the minor-league disabled list last year, which denied him big-league wages and delays eligibility for free agency.

• One veteran scout said Michael Beasley's defense -- which the Heat will emphasize this summer -- ''left a lot to be desired in [the Orlando summer league]. He doesn't have the mind-set for it, and he would have trouble defending small forwards.'' That's one incentive to keep Shawn Marion to play small forward next season, and there is sentiment inside the Heat to do that, though it will listen to offers. The Heat views Beasley primarily as a power forward.

kaynak : NBA

Boozer Understands Miami Trade Rumors

2008-08-02T16:22:00.000+03:00

Not into playing tag: On who will start and who will come of the bench for the US in the upcoming Olympics, Kobe Bryant said, "It doesn't really matter. We play as a unit. We don't look at it as first unit, second unit. We just play in waves. That's how we approach it. Nobody really cares about who's starting."

Hot talk: Jazz forward Carlos Boozer, responding to rumors he could be traded to Miami: "I live in Miami during the offseason. Obviously, they have a huge hole at power forward. I'm very good friends with [Heat owner] Micky Arison. So, the rumors are going to fly. We'll worry about those [rumors] later. I don't concern myself with rumors, rumors of being traded."

Bits and pieces: An NBA source said the Celtics remain interested in free agent forward Darius Miles, who hasn't played the last two seasons because of a knee injury . . . Oklahoma City recently opted to sign Utah restricted free agent guard C.J. Miles over Celtics free agent guard Tony Allen. The Celtics ended up signing Allen recently before the Jazz yesterday matched the four-year offer on Miles, which left Oklahoma City with neither . . . With the recent additions of point guards Baron Davis and Jason Hart, Shaun Livingston's days with the Clippers may be over. Livingston hasn't played since dislocating his left kneecap Feb. 26, 2007, but the free agent is working out and waiting to be signed . . . Blazers rookie guard Jerryd Bayless averaged 29.8 points and 3.8 turnovers at the Vegas Summer League.

By the numbers
USA Basketball's largest average margins of victory since 1992:

51.5
1992 Olympic qualifying team

43.8
1992 Olympic team

39.5
2007 FIBA Americas team

37.7
1994 world championship team

36.2
2001 Goodwill Games team

The list
Tony Ronzone, USA Basketball's director of international player personnel, ranks the Americans' top five competitors for the gold in the Olympics:

1. Spain; 2. Lithuania; 3. Argentina; 4. Greece; 5. Croatia.

Speak up
"You know, I really don't understand the big deal about guaranteeing a win. We all feel we're going to win, so what's the difference with him saying we're going to?"
Dwyane Wade, Team USA guard, on teammate LeBron James guaranteeing a gold medal in the upcoming Olympics.

kaynak : NBA

Wade Helps USA Rout Canada

2008-08-02T16:21:00.000+03:00

Mike Krzyzewski wanted Dwyane Wade on the U.S. team, just in case something ever happened to Kobe Bryant or LeBron James.

With James out Friday night, Wade proved he is definitely back.

Wade stepped into the starting lineup and scored 20 points in his first action in more than four months, and the United States beat Canada 120-65 in the opener of its exhibition schedule.

“D-Wade is a warrior to anybody who knows him. He’s been rehabbing and he’s been working out probably more than anybody, just trying to get back in shape,” point guard Chris Paul said. “That’s D-Wade. We see it every day in practice and you saw it tonight, that he’s back. When he’s aggressive like that, we’re a dangerous team.”

James, the NBA’s leading scorer, missed the game because of a mildly sprained right ankle, but the Americans have plenty of offense without him. Carmelo Anthony and Michael Redd also finished with 20 points, and Bryant added 15.

The Americans made 16 of their first 20 shots and ended at 65.7 percent (44-of-67), getting plenty of layups and dunks at a sold out Thomas & Mack Center in their lone game on home soil before completing their Olympic preparations in China.

Canadian coach Leo Rautins called the Americans “obviously the most talented team, without a question, in the world.”

Wade was the sixth man on the Americans’ bronze medal team in the 2006 world championships, but sat out last summer following knee surgery. His left knee continued to bother him, so the Miami Heat shut down their star for the season early in March.

He resumed working out in Chicago in time to prove to USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo that he was healthy enough to be picked for the team headed to Beijing. Krzyzewski said Wade’s strong play has been the most pleasant surprise of practice this week, and Wade said he feels healthier than he did two years ago, when he was bothered by wrist and knee pain after leading Miami to the NBA title.

Wade had no doubt he would play well in his first game since March 8.

“I put in the work,” he said. “I’ve been in the gym since May.”

Wade made a 3-pointer in the opening minutes and had no trouble driving to the basket, hitting his first five shots. He threw down a dunk to put the Americans over the century mark with 7:25 remaining in the game, and finished 7-of-10.

“He’s healthy,” said Bryant, adding that he sometimes shows up in the gym for a morning workout to find Wade already there. “That’s the most important thing for Dwyane is that he’s healthy.”

Canada has played games already this summer, failing to reach the Olympics through a qualifying tournament in Greece earlier this month, and was sharp early. The Canadians were able to penetrate into the paint and set up their 3-point shooters, going 5-of-8 from behind the arc in the first quarter and trailing just 30-24.

The Americans tightened the defense in the second, forcing 10 turnovers and limiting the Canadians to 3-for-11 shooting and pulling away for a 61-38 lead by halftime.

“You could see it unravel very quickly,” Rautins said. “One or two plays here or there, a couple of 3s, a dunk and all of a sudden the game has changed dramatically. Just tells how quick and how talented they are. You can’t make any mistakes at all.”

Redd was 6-of-8, all on 3-pointers. Every U.S. player scored except Kidd, who didn’t attempt a shot.

“After the first 10 minutes, we just seemed—that’s the first game we’ve played—we just seemed like we were in sync,” Krzyzewski said. “We were passing the ball more and we were playing much better defense the last three quarters.”

Jermaine Anderson led Canada with 18 points. Rowan Barrett and Carl English each added 11.

Krzyzewski sent Paul and Deron Williams, expected to battle for the No. 2 point guard spot behind Jason Kidd, into the game together midway through the first quarter. Paul quickly found Anthony with an alley-oop pass for a dunk. The two point guards scored off turnovers seconds apart late in the second quarter, increasing the U.S. lead to 60-35.

Williams scored 14 points and Paul added 11 points and eight assists.

The lead ballooned into the 40s when Kidd threw a length of the court pass to Anthony, who passed it back to Chris Bosh streaking in for a dunk. Wade followed with his breakaway slam, making it 101-58.

James was hurt during a scrimmage on Tuesday. Though his ankle is feeling better, the U.S. staff preferred to rest him to avoid further swelling before the long plane flight to China this weekend.

The Americans continue their preparations in China, playing two games in Macau and two more in Shanghai before arriving in Beijing. They face the host Chinese in their opener on Aug. 10.

kaynak : NBA

Failed Restaurant Files Suit Against Wade

2008-08-02T16:18:00.000+03:00

Miami Heat player Dwyane Wade is feeling the heat from business partners after a failed restaurant venture.

On Friday, the company D Wade's Place filed suit in Miami-Dade Circuit Court against Wade, accusing him of breach of contract. The Palm Beach Gardens company partnered with Wade in August 2007 to open D. Wade's Sports Grill. The co-owners of D Wade's Place, Richard von Houtman and Mark Rodberg, would not comment Monday on the lawsuit.

The suit comes after the closing of the sports grill's Fort Lauderdale location on July 12.

That location opened in March. The first D. Wade's Sports Grill opened in January in Boca Raton and closed in April.

According to the suit, D Wade's Place has a lease and completed substantial construction on a northeast Miami-Dade location. Rodberg said that that location was 95 percent complete but did not know when it would open.

The Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton restaurants took over Bucky's Grill locations. The restaurants featured typical sports-bar food such as ribs, burgers and chicken wings. Diners could watch games on HD television sets. Wade's image was used in the restaurants, and female servers wore referee uniforms.

The lawsuit claims that Wade ``failed to meet his advertising and promotional appearance obligations.''

Those obligations included making appearances at least four times a year at the restaurants and attending the grand opening of each new location.

The suit contends that Wade's failure to promote the restaurants contributed to the closings in Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton and the delay in the opening of the Miami-Dade location.

The suit also states that Wade advised the company that ``he does not intend to perform his future obligations.''

Wade's agent did not comment.

The plaintiff is seeking damages in excess of $15,000, plus interest and costs.

In the joint-venture agreement, signed on Aug. 6, 2007, Wade consented to having his name, likeness and image used to promote the restaurant.

The contract stipulates that Wade would give final approval whenever his image was used for marketing and promotional purposes.

The contract also requires Wade to ``use his reasonable best efforts to promote the goodwill of the Restaurant Concept [D. Wade's Sports Grill] and to participate in marketing opportunities.''

The attorneys for the plaintiff also had no comment.

Miami Herald business reporter Patrick Danner contributed to this report.

kaynak : NBA

Jazz Say Heat Won't Tamper With Boozer

2008-07-18T13:38:00.000+03:00

Utah General Manager Kevin O'Connor doesn't believe that the Heat will tamper with forward Carlos Boozer, who can become a free agent next summer, according to The Deseret News.

"I have enough respect for the Miami Heat, and for (Heat GM) Randy Pfund, and for (Heat president) Pat Riley, that I really have a great deal of confidence that that's not something that they would do," O'Connor said. "I really do. I really feel that way."

Boozer lives in Miami, and the Heat have been mentioned numerous times as a possible destination for the All-Star should be decide to leave the Jazz.

kaynak : NBA

Wade Would Welcome Reunion With Odom

2008-07-18T13:37:00.000+03:00

Lamar Odom has been frequently mentioned in Lakers' trade speculation, and Dwyane Wade acknowledged there still are times he thinks about his former Heat teammate.

"I love L.O. as a person and, of course, as a player," Wade said. "We had one year together. I wish we could have had more."

"It's a guy who I've always said it's a possibility when he left that he can maybe come back. ... A player like that, we would love to have a chance to get because he's so versatile."

kaynak : NBA

Miami Interested In Artest For Marion Deal

2008-07-18T13:34:00.001+03:00

Miami is believed to have interest in Ron Artest and be willing to part with Shawn Marion, whose $17.1 million deal also is expiring.

The question will be whether the Kings can include forward Kenny Thomas and his deal that includes two more seasons and approximately $18 million.

kaynak : NBA

Miami Heat Tarihinin Gelmiş Geçmiş Bütün Oyuncuları

2008-07-11T20:42:00.001+03:00

kaynak : NBA

Miami Heat'in İlkleri

2008-07-11T20:41:00.000+03:00

İlk Saha İçi İsabeti:
RORY SPARROW — (14- 11:03, ilk çeyrek , 2-2)

İlk Savunma Reboundı:
KEVIN EDWARDS — ( Charles Smith'in üzerinden at 11:41, ilk çeyrek)

İlk Hücum Reboundı:
RONY SEIKALY — ( Pat Cummings'in üzerinden at 10:38, ilk çeyrek)

İlk Top Çalma:
PAT CUMMINGS — ( at 7:18, ilk çeyrek)

İlk Top Kaybı:
KEVIN EDWARDS — ( 11:36, ilk çeyrek)

İlk Asist:
DWAYNE WASHINGTON — (Smaç için Sylvester Gray'e pas at 1:08, ilk çeyrek, 26-13, L.A.)

İlk Serbest Atış:
RONY SEIKALY — (Benoit Benjamin foulünden sonra at 9:25, ilk çeyrek)

İlk Personal Foulü:
PAT CUMMINGS — (At 6:17, ilk çeyrek)

İlk Blok:
BILLY THOMPSON — (At 13:38, ilk çeyrek)

İLk Üç Sayılık İsabet:
JON SUNDVOLD — (24- 3:40 son çeyrek - Kas. 11, 1988 vs. Houston

İlk Smaç:
SYLVESTER GRAY — ( Dwayne Washington'ın pasıyla fast break den at 1:08, ilk çeyrek)

İlk Teknik Foul:
SCOTT HASTINGS — (1:44, ilk çeyrek, Kas. 9, 1988 at San Antonio)

İlk İhraç:
RON ROTHSTEIN — (2:52, ikinci çeyrek, iki teknik foul, Ara. 30, 1988 at Denver)

İlk 50 Sayılık Oyun :
GLEN RICE — (56 - Nisan 15, 1995 vs. Orlando)

İlk 40 Sayılık Oyun:
RONY SEIKALY — (40 - Şub. 13, 1990 vs. Chicago)

İlk 30 Sayılık Oyun:
RONY SEIKALY — (30 - Ock. 10, 1989 vs. Utah)

İlk 20 Saylık Oyun:
KEVIN EDWARDS — (21 - Kas. 8, 1988 @ Dallas)

İlk 30 Reboundluk Oyun:
RONY SEIKALY –– (34 -Mar. 3, 1993 vs. Washington)

İlk 20 Reboundluk Oyun:
RONY SEIKALY — (22 - Kas. 28, 1989 @ Orlando)

İlk 15 Reboundluk Oyun:
RONY SEIKALY — (16 - Ara. 9, 1988 vs. Denver)

İlk 15 Asistlik Oyun:
SHERMAN DOUGLAS — (17 - Şub 26, 1990 @ Atlanta)

İlk 10 Asistlik Oyun:
KEVIN EDWARDS — (10 - Ara. 26, 1988 vs. San Antonio)

İlk Triple-Double:
RORY SPARROW — (24 sayı , 10 rebound, 10 asist, Nisan 18, 1989 vs. Dallas)

İlk Galibiyet:
Aralık 14, 1988 @ L.A. Clippers, 89-88

İlk Kendi Evinde Galibiyet:
Aralık 23, 1988 vs. Utah, 101-80

İlk Beş:
RORY SPARROW, KEVIN EDWARDS, RONY SEIKALY, PAT CUMMINGS, BILLY THOMPSON

İlk Playoff Maçı:
@ Chicago, Nisan 24, 1992

İlk Playoff Galibiyeti :
@ Atlanta, Nisan 28, 1994 (93-88 Kazandı)

İlk Playoff Seri Galibiyeti:
vs. Orlando, May 4, 1997 (Game 5, Doğu Konferansı İlk Round'u, 91-83)

İlk Doğu Konferansı Yarı Final Maçı:
vs. New York, May 7, 1997 (88-79 Kaybetti)

İlk Doğu Konferansı Yarıfinal Playoff Galibiyeti:
vs. New York, May 9, 1997 (Game 2, 88-84)

İlk Doğu Konferansı Yarıfinal Seri Galibiyeti:
vs. New York, May 18, 1997 (Game 7, 101-90)

İlk Doğu Konferansı Final Maçı:
@ Chicago, May 20, 1997 (84-77 Kaybetti)

İlk Doğu Konferansı Final Galibiyeti:
vs. Chicago, May 26, 1997 (Game 4, 87-80)

İlk Playoff Final Galibiyeti:
@ Dallas, Haz 14, 2006 (Game 3, 98-96)

İlk Playoff Final Serisi Galibiyeti:
vs Dallas, Haz 21, 2006 (Game 6, 95-92)

kaynak : NBA

Miami Heat Draft Tarihi

2008-07-11T20:38:00.003+03:00

kaynak : NBA

Haslem Satılık

2008-07-06T04:31:00.002+03:00

Geçtiğimiz sezon çok kötü bir sezon yaşayan Miami Heat, Udonis Haslem'i elden çıkarmak istiyor. Gelecek Yaz Carlos Boozer free agent olduğunda, Boozer'ı kadroya katmak isteyen Heat, Haslem'den kurtulmak istiyor.
Miami Heat, NBA draftinde Michael Beasley'i seçerek pover forvet pozisyonunu güçlendirdi. Kadroda Shawn Marion'ı da bulunduran Heat point guard takasında Haslem'i kullanmayı düşünüyor.

kaynak : NBA

Mario Chalmers ilk beş çıkabilir

2008-07-06T04:31:00.001+03:00

Mario Chalmers ilk beş çıkabilir

Miami Heat takımında Mario Chalmers yeni sezonda ilk beş çıkabilir. Miami Heat klübü şu anda sadece Marcus Banks ile point guard bölgesini oluşturuyor. Miami Heat başkanı Pat Riley 2. tur draftı olan Mario Chalmers için övgü dolu sözler sarfetti ve Chalmers'a ilk 5 yolu açıldı. Miami Heat aynı zamanda Chris Quinn'e katılım önerisi yaptı ve bu sezon başarılı performanslar veren guardın sınırlı free agent olmasını sağladı.

kaynak : NBA

Miami Davis ile Anlaşmak İstiyor

2008-07-06T04:29:00.000+03:00

Heat, Davis ile anlaşmak istiyor

Miami Heat klübü skorer guard’ları Ricky Davis ile yeniden anlaşmak istiyor. 1 Temmuz'da free agent olacak Ricky Davis ile anlaşmak istediklerini açıklayan Başkan Pat Riley, o seviyede şutör ve yeteneklli oyuncuları olmadığını açıkladı. Miami Heat klübünün bütçesi anlaşma konusunda en önemli ayrıntı olacak.
Uzun takviyesi yapmak isteyen Heat, Nets'in free agent olacak uzunu DeSagana Diop ile ilgileniyor. Point guard ihtiyacıda bulunan Miami Heat, Jannero Pargo, Carlos Arroyo ve Beno Udrih isimlerine teklif götürecek.

kaynak : NBA

Michael Beasley: Miami'de Basarili Olmak İstiyorum

2008-07-06T04:23:00.000+03:00

Draftta İkinci Sıra; Michael Beasley'nin

2008 NBA Draftında Chicago Bulls'un ilk sıradan Derrick Rose'u seçmesinin ardından Miami Heat, ikinci sıradan Kansas State'in yetenekli forveti Michael Beasley'i seçti..

Yıl boyunca draft sıralamalarında ilk sıradan seçilmesi beklenen Michael Beasley, hem Memphis'in yıldız oyun kurucusu Derrick Rose'un yapmış olduğu patlama hem de kendisinin boy ölçümlerinde yaklaşık 5 cm kısa çıkması nedeniyle ikinci sıradan kendisine yer buldu. Kansas State forması altında NCAA'de çok başarılı bir sezonu geride bırakan Michael Beasley, yeni sezonda Miami Heat forması giyecek.

İkinci sıradan seçilerek NBA'ya adım atan Beasley, yapmış olduğu açıklamada öncelikle kendisine güvenen Miami Heat organizasyonuna teşekkür ederken, ligde başarılı olmak için çok çalışacağını belirtti.

kaynak : NBA

Heat, Boozer ve Brand İle İlgileniyor

2008-06-30T05:54:00.002+03:00

Miami Heat Başkanı Pat Riley'nin, Utah Jazz'da oynayan Carlos Boozer ile L.A. Clippers'ın yıldız oyuncusu Elton Brand'i kadrosuna dahil etmek istediği iddia edildi.

Geçtiğimiz sezon ortasında Shaquille O'Neal karşılığında Shawn Marion'ı kadrosuna dahil eden Heat Başkanının, tecrübeli oyuncuyu takasta kullanmaya hazırlandığı belirtildi. İlk olarak Utah Jazz ile masaya oturmak isteyen Riley'nin, anlaşma sağlayamaması durumunda ise L.A. Clippers ile görüşeceği ve Elton Brand hakkında konuşacağı kaydedildi.

Miami Heat ile 3 yıllık ve yaklaşık $40milyon değerinde bir kontrat imzalamaya hazırlanan Marion'ın, takas edilememesi durumunda ise yeni sezonda da Florida ekibinde kalması bekleniyor.

kaynak : NBA

Miami Heat uzun arıyor

2008-06-30T05:54:00.001+03:00

Miami Heat başkanı Pat Riley gelecek sezon için takıma uzun oyuncu arıyor. Alanzo Mourning'in sağlık durumu Riley'i takviye yapmaya zorluyor. İlk hedefin New Jersey Nets'in 1 Temmuz'da free agent olacak pivotu DeSagana Diop olduğu ileri sürüldü. 26 yaşında 2.13 boyundaki liseden NBA'e geçiş yapan Diop, NBA’de oynadığı 434 maçta 2.1 sayı, 3.9 ribaunt, 1.1 blok ortalamaları yakaladı.
Kwame Brown, Lorenzen Wright ve Francisco Elson diğer uzun adayları olarak Pat Riley'in listesinde yer aldığı iddia edildi.

kaynak : NBA

Jason Williams, Memphis Grizzlies Yolunda...

2008-06-30T05:53:00.000+03:00

Miami Heat ile olan kontratı tamamlanan tecrübeli oyun kurucu Jason Williams, daha önce de formasını giydiği Memphis Grizzlies'a geri dönebileceğini söyledi.

Kontratının sona ermesiyle birlikte 1 Temmuz tarihinde free-agent konumuna gelecek olan Williams'ın, Miami Heat Başkanı Pat Riley ile görüşeceği ve anlaşma sağlayamaması durumunda da Memphis Grizzlies'a geçeceği belirtildi. Daha önce 2001/05 yılları arasında da Grizzlies forması giyen 33 yaşındaki tecrübeli oyuncunun, yeniden kariyerini Memphis'de sürdürmek istediği ifade edildi.

Bir dönem ligin en yetenekli ve en potansiyelli oyun kurucularından biri olarak gösterilen Williams, hiçbir zaman beklenen seviyeye ulaşamamıştı. Tecrübeli oyuncu geçtiğimiz yıl tarihinin en kötü sezonunu geçiren Miami Heat'te 8.8 sayı- 4.6 asist ortalamaları yakalamıştı.

kaynak : NBA

Heat,Alexander Johnson'u Serbest Bıraktı

2008-06-30T05:50:00.000+03:00

Miami Heat 25 yaşında 2.06 boyundaki Florida State çıkışlı forvet Alexander Johnson'ı kovdu. 2006/08 yılları arasında 2 sezon Miami Heat forması giyen Johnson 102 kariyer NBA maçında 25 kez ilk 5 çıkıp 4.3 sayı, 2.7 ribaunt ortalamaları yakaladı. Alexander Johnson geçen sezon oynadığı 43 maçta sayı ortalamasını 4.2'ye düşürdü ve kendisini kapının önünde buldu.

kaynak : NBA

Report: Heat F Marion won't opt out

2008-06-25T01:05:00.001+03:00

Miami Heat forward Shawn Marion won't opt out of the final season of his contract, according to an article posted Tuesday on the Miami Herald's web site.

Marion, who was acquired along with guard Marcus Banks from the Phoenix Suns in the highly-publicized trade for Shaquille O'Neal on February 6, is owed $17.8 million next season and is seeking an extension to stay with the Heat.

"I spoke to Shawn again (Monday night) and we've decided that he's not going to opt out," agent Dan Fegan told the Herald. "It just wasn't in Shawn's best interest. That's all I can really say about it right now."

Negotiations with team president Pat Riley have come to a stalemate after nearly a month of ongoing talks.

According to the Herald, Riley's priority is to create maximum salary-cap space by the summer of 2010, making it difficult to accommodate the four-time All-Star, who wants at least a three-year contract worth about $13 million per season.

Marion, 30, averaged 15 points and 10 rebounds last season before missing the final 16 games with back and foot injuries.

kaynak : NBA

The Future of the Miami Heat

2008-06-25T01:04:00.000+03:00

It's going to be a busy off-season for the Miami Heat, particularly this week with the upcoming draft. You begin to ask questions. Are the Miami Heat going to build around Dwyane Wade or not? What players are compatible with Dwyane Wade? Can the Heat turn a league low 15-67 record into a playoff run next season? Is a championship completely out of the question?

Yes. Read more. Yes. Yes. Here's why:

Are the Miami Heat going to build around Dwyane Wade or not? Yes

Well, we have seen that Wade cannot carry the team on his shoulders. However, we have also learned that with the right pieces, Dwyane Wade might just bring an NBA championship to your doorstep.

It’s been two years since the 2006 Finals MVP brought Miami a championship. Now the Heat have an off-season to look back at their embarrassing 15-67 finish to the 2007-08 season. The Heat need to make a move now or in two years, Wade could be gone for good, leaving the Heat right where they started but without the reassuring Dwyane Wade.

“The trade rumors circulating are simply rumors,” Wade said in a statement released by his publicist. “My focus this summer has been to rehab and train for the Olympics and the upcoming season,” said Wade. “Coach Riley and I spoke earlier this week to address the media reports and we are on the same page — rebuilding this team to once again become contenders.”

What players are compatible with Dwyane Wade?

There are many players in the NBA that would fit well with Wade. That’s not the problem. The problem is how to bring them into Miami. Starting this off-season, there are many free agents available for the Heat to choose from. They even have the No. 2 pick in the draft to help them rebuild.

The big name free agents consist of Baron Davis, Corey Maggette, Elton Brand, Ron Artest, Gilbert Arenas, and Antawn Jamison. To bring in any one of these players would be an excellent choice. The best choices for the Heat are Corey Maggette, Elton Brand, or Gilbert Arenas.

Pat Riley doesn’t want attitude, so Ron Artest is out of the picture. Baron Davis, along with Antawn Jamison, will ask too much money for too little performance. So that leaves Maggette, Brand, or Arenas. Because of Wade, the Heat will look for a PF/C. Brand fills this position perfectly. A healthy Brand brings roughly 20 PPG, 10 RPG, and 2 BPG to the table.

While taking some of the load off of Dwyane Wade, Brand also brings defense, something the Heat were lacking last season. The only problem with Brand is his health. Can he stay healthy? If he can, he could be a major contributor to the Heat next season.

Maggette would also be a good fit with Wade. He is a versatile SF that puts up 22 PPG, 5 RPG, while shooting 38.4% from three-point range and 81.2% from the free-throw line.

Gilbert Arenas would be the most popular to play in Miami. A guard combo of Arenas and Wade would be fatal for opposing teams, but would there be enough shots to go around? Could Wade average 25 PPG with Arenas also averaging 25 PPG? Well, it seemed to work in Denver with Iverson and Anthony. But then again, the Nuggets were swept in the first round of the playoffs. Another option is drafting either Mayo at the PG/SG position or Beasley at the SF/PF position. It seems like the Bulls will take Rose, so the Heat have a decision to make.

Can the Heat turn a league low 15-67 record into a playoff run next season? Yes

1. The Miami Heat have the No. 2 overall pick in the 2008 NBA draft. The question is if they are going to trade the pick for a veteran and a slightly lower pick or keep the pick itself. Either are good options for a team that is looking to rebuild.

Should the Heat keep the pick, they have possible draftees in Derrick Rose, Michael Beasley, or OJ Mayo. Should the Heat choose to get rid of the pick, they have a possible trade with Memphis that's not completely out of the question. The Grizzlies would receive the No. 2 pick and the Heat receive either Kyle Lowry or Mike Miller and the No. 5 overall pick. Both are great options for the Heat.

2. The Heat look great in terms of the salary cap, especially if Shawn Marion decides to opt out of his contract. There are plenty of free agents to choose from this off-season. The bigger names include: Baron Davis, Corey Maggette, Elton Brand, Ron Artest, Gilbert Arenas, and Antawn Jamison, just to name a few. It should be a good off-season for the Miami Heat, if they make the right moves.

3. The Heat have Dwyane Wade. Yes, Wade has battled a laundry list of injuries the past to seasons, only playing in 51 games each season. Well, he hasn’t had much help from the rest of the team, scoring an average of more than ¼ of the Heats points per game. However, by the time the 2008-09 NBA season begins, he should be ready to go. With a somewhat healthy Dwyane Wade, a No. 2 pick in the draft, and an off-season move, the Heat are only a season away from the playoffs.

Is a championship completely out of the question? Yes

Well, it sure is a ways away for a team that was 15-67 last season. It is highly unlikely that the Heat will win the NBA championship next season. However, the Boston Celtics did turn around their franchise, so we know it can be done. With some luck, a good draft, and a blockbuster move, it wouldn’t be crazy to say that the Heat could win it all next year.

But I’m pretty sure they won’t. Maybe if the Heat traded Marcus Banks, Shawn Marion, Udonis Haslam, and Mark Blount for Steve Nash, Lebron James, Tim Duncan, and Dwight Howard. That would be a championship team. But we know that won't happen, so for the next year or so keep dreaming. . .

kaynak : NBA

Chicago Bulls' GM offers little NBA Draft clue to Miami Heat

2008-06-25T01:02:00.000+03:00

With Heat President Pat Riley not talking to the media, with other NBA executives wondering, and with Chicago Bulls General Manager John Paxson not showing his hand, Thursday's NBA Draft remains a mystery for the Miami Heat.

Paxson, whose team holds the No. 1 selection, addressed the media earlier today outside of the Bulls' practice facility.

As has been the case since Chicago leapfrogged the Heat to emerge with the top overall selection during the NBA Draft lottery, Paxson remained noncommittal when it came to the debate between University of Memphis point guard Derrick Rose and Kansas State forward Michael Beasley.

"We're probably leaning a certain way," Paxson acknowledged. "But as I've learned in this business, over the next 48 hours a lot of things can happen. There's information we're waiting on that we've been trying to get on both guys that we'll get either today or tomorrow. Not that it will change anything, but it's all part of the puzzle."

Paxson said it is not a matter of gamesmanship with the Heat, which drafts at No. 2.

"You don't have to call a name until Thursday night," he said. "We're not trying to be coy. But it doesn't serve any purpose to today say what direction we're going to go."

Paxson said Beasley probably would be able to produce quicker in an NBA setting.

"The interesting thing is we're talking about two totally different types of players, two different positions," he said. "Beasley, there is no doubt he's going to come in the league and score. Derrick Rose is another kid who may not start off as fast as Beasley."

Paxson said there has to be patience with a young point guard.

"Whether it's us or Miami, I think the same thing applies for Derrick," he said. "Michael on the other hand, I've said this since the beginning, he's just a natural scorer. It's an interesting debate."

Yet Paxson said there is no debate, or at least no serious issues, when it comes to Rose's quiet demeanor or Beasley's outgoing personality.

"The things that people said about Michael Beasley, the character stuff, he's a good kid," Paxson said. "We're still talking about two 19-year-old guys. They have different backgrounds, but they're not bad people at all.

"I know we can't go wrong either way."

Addressing the media today in New Jersey, Nets President Rod Thorn said the league also is uncertain of the Heat's direction.

"A lot of people think Miami is not going to take Beasley if they stay at two," Thorn said, with the league-wide assumption being the Bulls will eventually settle on Rose. "I think they've been very impressed with Mayo, or trade it as the case may be."

kaynak : NBA

Heat superstar Dwyane Wade says rehab has 'no problems' so far

2008-06-17T15:03:00.002+03:00

Dwyane Wade still believes his knee will be ready for the Beijing Olympics.

The Miami Heat guard, who missed the final 21 games of last season because of chronic soreness in his surgically repaired left knee, said Sunday that he's been playing 5-on-5 games for about a week with "no problems."

Wade is spending much of his off-season rehabilitating in Chicago, with eyes on both getting a spot on the Beijing-bound team - USA Basketball will finalize its Olympic roster later this month - and ensuring that he's fully healthy when the Heat open training camp in late September.

"Just trying to get my timing back because I haven't played since March," Wade said at a promotion for the annual Zo's Summer Groove, a charity event in South Florida that Heat teammate Alonzo Mourning has asked Wade to help headline this July. "But 5-on-5 went well and I'm looking forward to next week, going back to my second week of 5-on-5 and the competition picking up more. I'm doing my job of trying to bring more competition down to Chicago."

Indeed, he's enlisted some all-star help.

New Orleans guard Chris Paul will be in Chicago this week for the scrimmages, Wade said, and he's asked another good friend, Carmelo Anthony of the Denver Nuggets, if he's willing to come play later this month. Like Wade, both Paul and Anthony are expected to be at USA Basketball's selection mini-camp in Las Vegas during the last week of June.

It's been a long process for Wade, who had surgeries on his left knee and left shoulder on May 15, 2007, and never felt 100 per cent at any point last season.

"I'm feeling good. I've been working real hard," Wade said. "I'm feeling whole and I've just got to keep it up. I've just got to keep the process going and not take any steps backwards."

Wade spoke out Sunday on several other topics, including:

-He isn't certain that the top two picks in the June 26 NBA draft will go to Michael Beasley and Derrick Rose, as just about every draftnik out there has predicted. Wade said it wouldn't surprise him if another one-and-done collegian, O.J. Mayo, merited some consideration for one of the top two spots.

"Name-wise, I think Rose and Beasley have, of course, the more fanfare after what they did in college this year," Wade said. "But Mayo is a good player as well. And you've got to look at your teams. You've got to look and see what you really need. And I think the reason he's creeped up in is because he's a combination of a lot of different things and he can really help a program out right away. So I think it is a three-man race."

The Chicago Bulls have the No. 1 pick in the draft, and Wade's Heat have the No. 2 selection.

Mayo, by the way, works out at the same gym where Wade does his off-season work in Chicago. The Heat scouted Mayo at a workout Saturday.

-Last week's wild rumours out of Chicago suggesting Wade could be traded to his hometown Bulls didn't surprise him, either.

"It isn't anything but talk," said Wade, who did his best to shoot down the rumours last week as well. "My focus is what we're going to do next year for the Heat, what we're going to do in the draft, what we're going to do during free agency to get us better."

kaynak : NBA

Miami Heat works out four, including former Boston Celtic Justin Reed

2008-06-17T15:03:00.001+03:00

Amid its deliberations over its No. 2 pick in the June 26 NBA Draft, the Miami Heat continued Monday its workouts of veteran free agents who did not finish this past season in the league.

The latest foursome to work out at AmericanAirlines Arena were former Santa Clara guard Doron Perkins, who spent this past season playing in Belgium; former Fresno State forward Quinton Hosley, who played this past season in Turkey; former Mississippi State center Marcus Campbell, who spent the end of this past season in Italy; and former Boston Celtics and Minnesota Timberwolves forward Justin Reed, who spent this past season with Bakersfield of the NBA Development League.

The Heat must wait until July 1 to work out free agents who finished this past season in the NBA. The team already has younger veterans, such as forward Stephane Lasme and center Joel Anthony, working on its practice court.

The Heat will field a July summer-league entry in Orlando of young returning veterans, rookies and veteran free agents such as the four it worked out Monday.

kaynak : NBA

David Fizdale returns to the Miami Heat as an assistant coach

2008-06-17T15:01:00.000+03:00

The Miami Heat hired David Fizdale as an assistant coach Friday, bringing the 34-year-old back to where he began his NBA career.

Fizdale was an assistant in the Heat video room during the 1997-98 season - starting in almost the same position that new Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra did 13 years ago. He spent the past five seasons as an assistant with Golden State and Atlanta.

"He has proven to be a great teacher and has helped develop a number of young players in his 10 years of coaching on the professional and collegiate level," Spoelstra said. "Additionally, his belief and familiarity with our culture is an added bonus."

Fizdale has also worked as an assistant coach at Fresno State and the University of San Diego, his alma mater.

kaynak : NBA

Draft Watch: Miami takes close look at Mayo

2008-06-10T11:25:00.001+03:00

The most significant NBA workout to date took place Saturday in Chicago at Tim Grover's A.T.T.A.C.K. Athletics Center.

Miami Heat president Pat Riley, general manager Randy Pfund and other Miami staff were there for a private workout with O.J. Mayo -- the first NBA team workout for Mayo.

Mayo has been in Chicago for weeks, working out with Grover and Heat star Dwyane Wade. Over the course of the past few weeks, Wade and Mayo have become fast friends.

Friday night, the Heat staff took Mayo out for dinner in Chicago. The next morning, Mayo squared off against Western Kentucky's Tyrone Brazelton for more than an hour.

Grover ran the workout, which began with a number of drills followed by several one-on-one games between Mayo and Brazelton. It ended with the Heat asking Grover to run a series of alley-oop plays for Mayo, apparently to allow the Miami contingent to gauge his athleticism.

According to sources inside the gym, Mayo had an excellent workout. He shot the ball very well (around 70 percent, according to one observer) and dominated Brazelton in the one-on-one workout. He also had a few spectacular dunks in the alley-oop session.

The workout only solidifies our report, on the night of the draft lottery, that the Heat would seriously consider taking Mayo instead of Michael Beasley if Derrick Rose were not on the board.

According to sources close to the Heat, some members of the Miami front office think Mayo is one of the most NBA-ready players in the draft and would make an excellent complement to Wade in the backcourt. The budding relationship between Mayo and Wade doesn't hurt things.

"I've gotten an opportunity to see O.J. and go to lunch and dinner with him, because that's what we do in Chicago, because we're like family," Wade told the Miami Herald. "He's a good kid. He's shocked me. He's been getting hype since the 6th grade. So I'm thinking he's going to have the big head and have a big posse with him. But he doesn't roll like that. And I like to see that.

"I think the reason (Mayo has) crept up in it is he's a combination of a lot of different things, and he can help your program right away. So, I think it's a three-man race. And you're talking about Rose, Beasley and O.J."

If the Heat decide they prefer Mayo to Beasley, the big question will be what to do at draft time. The most obvious choice is to take Mayo with the No. 2 pick, but given how much Beasley is wanted, the Heat should be able to get some serious offers for the No. 2 pick.

Both the Minnesota Timberwolves (No. 3) and the Seattle SuperSonics (No. 4) would love to move up to No. 2. But sources say neither the Wolves nor the Sonics have anything the Heat really covet, assuming the teams wouldn't include Kevin Durant, Al Jefferson or Jeff Green in a deal.

The Memphis Grizzlies are the most obvious trade partner. As noted last week, an offer of the No. 5 pick, Mike Miller and Kyle Lowry in exchange for the No. 2 pick would be very tempting to the Heat. They also likely could pawn off Mark Blount as part of the deal.

But there's no guarantee Mayo would be available at No. 5. While neither the Wolves nor the Sonics seem keyed into Mayo at the moment, they have been talking to other teams about trading their picks. To name just two teams, the Knicks and the Clippers would love to move up in the draft to get Mayo.

If the Heat could land both Miller and Lowry for the No. 2 pick, could they settle for someone besides Mayo? If Lowry went to Miami to run the point, the Heat could focus on getting a big man like Kevin Love, Brook Lopez or Anthony Randolph.

Whatever might happen, don't expect it to happen quickly. Before the Heat do anything, they have to be sure of what the Bulls are going to do. If Rose is going to be on the board at No. 2, the Heat will just wait and take him.

In fact, after the workout with Mayo, the Heat hopped on a plane to L.A. to go through the same routine with Rose at a private workout. The Heat will do something similar with Beasley as well, although nothing has been announced.

You can expect all three to be invited to Miami closer to the draft for another round of workouts and interviews.

kaynak : NBA

Heat star Dwyane Wade greets contest winners at Pompano Beach park

2008-06-10T11:23:00.000+03:00

Pompano Beach residents get $25,000 Staples Inc. check to improve Mitchell/Moore Park

Thousands of community members showed up sweaty and screaming to get Dwyane Wade's attention Monday afternoon at Mitchell/Moore Park.

"I want to thank you for participating, for pulling together," the Miami Heat star said before presenting a giant-sized $25,000 check to Pompano Beach city officials to revitalize the park. "I know it's hot outside, so I want to thank you for showing up."

They had all gathered to celebrate winning the second annual Staples Inc. Dream Park Challenge by casting 99,000 votes on the company's Web site and beating out 17 other Broward and Miami-Dade cities.

Officials passed out free drinks, snacks and T-shirts while the marching band from nearby Blanche Ely High School played in the background.

Wade smiled and nodded from the stage at Shelida Gammage, 39, who had been yelling louder than the fans surrounding her in the crowd.

She immediately responded by smacking her companion in the arm, "Why didn't you take a picture when he was waving at me?"

The majority of the prize money would go toward improving the tennis and basketball courts, Mayor Lamar Fisher said. Staples company officials also presented the city staff with a $2,500 store gift card.

"I think the city should be proud of themselves for coming together," he said. "It was a tight race."

kaynak : NBA

Cellular South is Title Sponsor For NBA Preseason Game

2008-06-10T11:22:00.001+03:00

Cellular South announced today that the company will be the title sponsor
of the Cellular South Classic, a National Basketball Association (NBA)
preseason game featuring the New Orleans Hornets and the Miami Heat at the USA
Mitchell Center in Mobile, Ala., on Thursday, October 23, 2008.

Both teams boast some of the most talented and exciting professional
basketball players in the world. The New Orleans Hornets feature NBA
All-Stars Chris Paul and David West and perennial three-point shooting
champion Peja Stojakovic, while the former world-champion Miami Heat have
Dwayne Wade, one of the most dynamic players in the league.

"As a longtime member of the Mobile community, we are extremely proud to
bring a high-profile event like the Cellular South Classic to this region,"
said Jim Richmond, Director, Corporate Communications, Cellular South.

Mobile Mayor Sam Jones said hosting an event involving one of the most
recognizable brands in the sporting world will help boost the city's
continuing efforts to attract high-profile events and programs. "Tourism and
entertainment are two key economic development areas for us and we are excited
about hosting the game this fall," Jones said.

The game will be played at the University of South Alabama's Mitchell
Center. The 29,000-square-foot facility can house more than 10,000 fans for
basketball games. "We are very excited to host the October 23 NBA exhibition
basketball game featuring the New Orleans Hornets and the Miami Heat and are
even more delighted with Cellular South's continued support of the community,"
said Victor Cohen, Arena Manager for the USA Mitchell Center. "The Cellular
South Classic is just another way the company keeps us connected and
listening."

Blue Ridge Sports & Entertainment, a Winchester, Va.-based event
management and sports marketing corporation, worked with NBA and Cellular
South to schedule the exhibition game in Mobile. "We are thrilled to bring
the NBA to Mobile and look forward to working with Cellular South and the USA
Mitchell Center on this tremendous event," said David Gardiner, President of
Blue Ridge Sports & Entertainment, the game's organizer. "We have two
outstanding teams playing -- the Hornets advanced to this year's Western
Conference Semi-Finals, while the Heat won the NBA Championship in 2006."

Tickets for the Cellular South Classic, which start at $26 each, are on
sale now and available at http://www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster
outlets, the USA Mitchell Center ticket office (2195 Mitchell Center Dr.,
Mobile, AL, 36688), or by calling 251-434-0033. A limited number of VIP seats
are available.

Local Ticketmaster outlets include: Mobile Civic Center, FYE music and
Hank Aaron Stadium. For more information, call 251-461-6047.

*** Note: Individual player appearance and participation is determined solely
by the New Orleans Hornets and the Miami Heat. ***

kaynak : NBA

Alonzo Mourning wants to keep playing for Heat

2008-06-04T04:18:00.000+03:00

Miami Heat reserve centre Alonzo Mourning — once the property of the Toronto Raptors — isn't ready to call it a career after all.

Mourning, who retired Jan. 14, admitted Monday that he wants to play one more season.

"I want to come back and play another year," Mourning said. "I just want to get my body right to do it."

Mourning, 38, has not played since tearing his right quadriceps and a patella tendon in his right knee trying to block a shot during the first quarter of the Heat's protested 117-111 overtime loss to the Atlanta Hawks last Dec. 19.

Prior to being hurt, he averaged 5.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.8 blocked shots and 16.0 minutes in 24 games.

Mourning is the franchise leader in games played (568), points (9,310), rebounds (4,714), blocked shots (1,583) and minutes played (17,311).

But his contract with Miami expires June 30.

"I need to get my body where my mind is," Mourning said. "I still, in my mind, feel I can contribute."

Had a kidney transplant

Mourning made headlines at the start of the 2000-01 NBA season when he was diagnosed with focal glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) — a degenerative kidney ailment.

He had a kidney transplant on Dec. 19, 2003, receiving a kidney from his cousin, Jason Cooper, and later returned to the NBA.

The seven-time all-star has averaged 17.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.8 blocked shots, 1.1 assists and 31.0 minutes in 837 games (686 starts) over 15 NBA seasons with the Charlotte Hornets, New Jersey Nets and Heat.

Mourning was acquired by Toronto from New Jersey along with Eric Williams, Aaron Williams and two first-round draft picks for Vince Carter on Dec. 17, 2004.

But he refused to report to the Raptors, and later negotiated a buyout on the more than $17 million US he was owned on a four-year, $22.6-million US contract he signed with the Nets on July 16, 2003.

Mourning was drafted second overall out of Georgetown by the Hornets in 1992, and was chosen NBA defensive player of the year in 1999 and 2000.

kaynak : NBA

Heat centre Alonzo Mourning hasn't ruled out return to the NBA

2008-06-04T04:17:00.000+03:00

For months, Alonzo Mourning insisted this season would be his last in the NBA.

Unless, of course, it isn't. Mourning, whose season ended when he suffered severe knee and leg injuries in a game last December, said Monday if his body gets healthy, he'd like to come back and play one more season before finally calling it a career.

"I want to come back and play another year," Mourning said, while appearing at Miami Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor's charity golf event. "I just want to get my body right to do it.

"I need to get my body where my mind is."

Mourning has said several times previously that a return wasn't out of the question - but Monday's comments may have been his strongest yet.

It's not entirely up to Mourning; his contract with the Heat ends June 30, and he almost certainly wouldn't want to play for any other team.

"I still, in my mind, feel I can contribute," Mourning said.

Mourning, 38, averaged 6.0 points and 3.7 rebounds in 25 games this season for the Heat.

kaynak : NBA

Mourning leaning toward return to Heat

2008-06-04T04:16:00.001+03:00

Alonzo Mourning is pushing toward a comeback with the Miami Heat next season, according to a report in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel on Monday.

The 37-year-old Mourning, who entered his 15th NBA season by saying it would be his last, saw it cut short when he tore the patella tendon and quadriceps tendon in his right knee on December 19.

The newspaper reported that Mourning spoke at Jason Taylor's charity golf tournament and seemed set on returning to the NBA.

"There's no mystery," Mourning told the newspaper. "I've said I want to come back and play another year. I just want to get my body right to do it. I need to get my body where my mind is."

The veteran center told the Sun-Sentinel it all depends on how his body reacts to the rehabilitation.

"(I am) enjoying the time off, resting my body, going to get my body ready for another year, possibly," said Mourning, who would return to Miami, which has the No. 2 overall pick in this month's draft. "Time is pretty much going to dictate that."

Mourning suffered the tear in his knee as he raced down the court and planted beneath the rim to block a shot in the first quarter of the Heat's 117-111 overtime loss to the Atlanta Hawks.

Since being drafted second overall by Charlotte out of Georgetown in 1992, Mourning played in 837 games for the Hornets, Miami and New Jersey. He began his second spell with the Heat in 2004.

Mourning owns career averages of 17.1 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. The seven-time All-Star won one championship with Miami in 2006.

A two-time Defensive Player of the Year, Mourning defeated the odds just by stepping on the court in recent years. He was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease in 2003 and returned for the 2004-05 season after a transplant.

kaynak : NBA

Veteran Center Mourning Hints At Returning To NBA

2008-06-04T04:15:00.000+03:00

Davie, FL (AHN) -- Alonzo Mourning on Monday hinted of a return to the NBA next season, after being limited to just 25 games this year due to leg and knee injuries.

The veteran center is raring to play again and complete the season without any injuries, saying it would all depend on his body's conditioning. He added he would like to play for one more year before he wraps up his NBA career which started in 1992.

The Heat still owns Mourning's contract until the end of the month and it remains unclear if the shot-blocking center is open to the idea of playing elsewhere.

He has played for Miami the last four seasons, including the 2006-07 campaign where he posted 8.6 points and 4.6 rebounds a game while starting for then-injured Heat center Shaquille O'Neal.

The 38-year-old Mourning has career averages of 17.1 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.8 blocks a game.

kaynak : NBA

Miami Heat testing the waters with No. 2 pick

2008-05-30T04:32:00.000+03:00

While the NBA playoffs march on with the Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons all gunning for the championship, the business of developing the next champion -- or the chance to at least compete for the title -- goes on behind the scenes at the league's predraft camp in Orlando, where about 60 players are trying to improve their draft status.

Derrick Rose from the University of Memphis is almost certainly going to be selected No. 1 by the Chicago Bulls, which leaves Kansas State's Michael Beasley at No. 2 for the Miami Heat.

Well, not so fast, is the buzz coming out of Florida this week.

"I'm not sure Beasley is a Pat Riley kind of guy," says one team official. "There are starting to be some red flags on him. But he is so talented they may have to draft the talent."

However, according to some personnel types around the league, Miami is beginning to test the waters on the value of the No. 2 pick.

Of course, that's routine. In 1997, the Spurs listened, if only a little bit, when Rick Pitino, as coach and president of the Celtics, offered practically his entire team for the No. 1 pick that would be Tim Duncan.

The thinking is that Riley is concerned about drafting someone as apparently immature as Beasley.

There is a terrific Washington Post story from a year ago making the rounds. It details Beasley's journey to six high schools in five states and quotes him saying he was "just killing time" in high school. Basketball factory Oak Hill didn't ask him back after he averaged 21 points and 12 rebounds during the 2005-2006 season. And he admitted to the newspaper that he wore pajamas to the school cafeteria, threw sticks at teachers' houses, organized late night hide-and-seek games after curfew and signed his name all over campus in graffiti contests.

Beasley's antics were described as mostly playful, but they also crossed over to practices where he'd sometimes mock the coach.

Look, it's mostly kids coming into the NBA. Ask the Bulls about Joakim Noah , who was charged last weekend in Florida with marijuana possession, carrying an open container of alcohol (how else could he drink it?) and various traffic violations. But this is a Pat Riley team, and Miami is a city where most NBA teams try to come in late and leave early so their players don't get in trouble. Now Beasley's going to live there?

Conventional wisdom says the Heat will take Beasley because of his amazing talent. But Riley doesn't do conventional wisdom.

He traded for Shaquille O'Neal when no one thought it possible, and traded away Shaq when no one thought it possible. He was supposed to take a center, Chris Kaman, with the fifth pick in 2003 after losing Alonzo Mourning, but he surprised many by taking Dwyane Wade. The Bulls were among the surprised, as they thought Wade would be there for their No. 7 overall pick.

The Bulls ended up taking Kirk Hinrich, who some personnel executives around the league say could be traded to accommodate Rose. More on that later.

Miami will be feeling teams out, and here's one deal that makes sense.

Riley long has had a flirtation with Elton Brand, whom he tried to sign in 2003. When the Clippers matched the offer, the Heat moved on to Brand's Clippers teammate Lamar Odom. Brand's Riley-initiated contract expires after next season, and many wonder whether Brand will return to the Clippers.

This could be the Clippers' opportunity to get something in return for Brand. It's questionable whether Miami will want to re-sign Shawn Marion, acquired in the Shaq deal, after next season. So perhaps Miami deals the rights to the No. 2 pick and Marion for Brand and the rights to the Clippers' No. 7, which the Heat supposedly would love to use for O.J. Mayo. While it's uncertain Mayo would slip that far, this is one to watch.

The Bulls' situation with Hinrich, say personnel executives throughout the league, also is worth watching. Perhaps as many as eight lottery teams -- the Heat, New York Knicks, Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks, Charlotte Bobcats, Indiana Pacers, Portland Trail Blazers and Golden State Warriors -- could use a point guard. Hinrich may not be the classic "one"; thus the Bulls' interest in Rose. But Hinrich is good enough to have been invited to play for Team USA. Consider him a Danny Ainge type, a guard who can do a little bit of everything. He can shoot, defend even the bigger shooting guards and run the offense. He's not at the level of a Chris Paul or Deron Williams, but he has been to the playoffs three of the last four seasons and is too good to sit behind a kid.

If you need a point guard, would you rather take someone like Texas' D.J. Augustin, regarded as the draft's second-best point guard despite being undersized, or trade for Hinrich?

Toronto Raptors point guard T.J. Ford also may be in the trade mix, but he remains a serious medical risk with spinal cord issues. The Raptors are looking to package Ford in a trade along with some of the team's expiring contracts. They intend to re-sign and start Jose Calderon at point.

Other pieces would be required to match salaries, but here's some speculative possibilities for Hinrich:

• Miami for Shawn Marion
• Indiana for Jermaine O'Neal
• Golden State for Al Harrington
• Portland for expiring contracts, like that of Raef LaFrentz, so the Bulls can get into the free-agent market over the next few years for Brand or Wade
• Charlotte for Jason Richardson (he and Gerald Wallace play similar roles); perhaps the Bulls throw in a veteran like Andres Nocioni for new Bobcats coach Larry Brown
• Milwaukee (would Scott Skiles want to coach Hinrich again?) for a contract they want to dump, like Bobby Simmons', with Yi Jianlian thrown in
• New York. Actually, it seems they're saving cap space to make a run at LeBron James in two years.

The Cleveland Cavaliers also are desperate for a point guard, though the talk around the NBA is they want an All Star-type player to pair with James and may be pursuing Jermaine O'Neal.

Only one team will be happy at the end of the season. But this is when optimism abounds for the rest over the possibilities for the future.

kaynak : NBA