Heat Check

Should LeBron play more point guard?

PHILADELPHIA -- It's hard to believe that the lineup of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Mike Miller, Chris Bosh and Udonis Haslem played together for the first time this season on Friday night.

James subbed in for Norris Cole with eight minutes and took over the point-guard duties. He had six assists in the fourth quarter and finished with 19 points, 12 rebounds eight assists.

Should LeBron play more point guard? I realize LeBron has spent a lot of time in the post and it's been a great success but it seems like point guard is natural position. Maybe the Sixers just weren't ready for it.

Other notable performances:

--Wade was 10 of 20 from the field to go along with five rebounds and four assists.

--Mario Chalmers was 3 of 4 from three-point range and had seven rebounds.

--Mike Miller had 10 points in the fourht quarter.

Overall the Heat was 8 of 13 from three-point range.

Biggest stat of the night: 9 turnovers for the Heat, a season low.

-joe

LeBron James named player of the week ... again

You've got to think that LeBron James has emerged as the frontrunner for the MVP award after earning his third Eastern Conference Player of the Week award. I mean, the season can't be but about three weeks old, right?

Actually, Sunday began the sixth week of the season. It's gone by quickly. The Heat went 4-0 from Jan.23-29 with James averaging 29 points, 7.5 rebounds, six assists and one steal per game. Of course, James will be a strong contender for player of the week once again after he did this to John Lucas on Sunday:

 

-joe

Dwyane Wade returns with bounce in his step

You knew everything was going to be OK when Dwyane Wade bounded past Landry Fields in the first half and threw down a monstrous fast-break dunk.

After two week's of rest, Wade returned from his sprained ankle on Friday against the Knicks and scored 28 points in the Heat's 99-89 victory. It wasn't a fair fight, what with the Knicks playing without Carmelo Anthony and relying on the three-point shot to make up the difference. The Knicks attempted 43 three-pointers, a record for opponents in Heat franchise history.

Thoughts:

--First, let's talk about how bad the Knicks. Man, they're bad. OK, I think that pretty much covers it.

--Wade played nearly 32 minutes and led the Heat with 19 shots. While his offensive game was impressive, his defensive work was the most encouraging sign that he is once again healthy. Wade had five steals to go along with two blocks.

--Wade and LeBron James combined for 10 dunks, the most since James joined the Heat.

--Hard to say which dunk was best, but I cast my vote for the alley-oop from Norris Cole to LeBron in the second quarter. Sick.

--Joel Anthony was a beast. He recorded five blocks and anchored the Heat's defense near the basket. The Heat outscored the Knicks 42-14 in points in the paint.

--A few thoughts on the cause and effect of Wade's return:

     --The Heat was 2 of 10 from three-point range. In game's without Wade, the Heat's three-point shooters seem to be more effective.

     --Chris Bosh clearly was off his game. After carrying the team in Wade's absence, Bosh was 4 of 18 shooting for 13 points.

--The Heat went small inside against the Knicks. Eddy Curry did not play in his first game against his old team and neither did Dexter Pittman. Udonis Haslem played more than 25 minutes and recorded six rebounds and four points.

--Mario Chalmers found himself in early foul trouble and had his worst game awhile, scoring two points on 1 of 6 shooting. Norris Cole picked up the slack despite needing to leave the game at one point to receive four stitches above his left eye. Cole had eight points in nearly 30 minutes.

DUNK OF THE NIGHT

-joe

Will LeBron play for the Cavaliers again?

Fox Sports Ohio and then our friends at ESPN's Heat Index posed an interesting question on Tuesday: Will LeBron James ever play for the Cleveland Cavaliers again?

Not unless LeBron buys the team from Dan Gilbert before he retires. Seriously, did everyone suddenly forget the letter Cavs owner Dan Gilbert penned in the wake of LeBron leaving Cleveland for Miami? Even if you think Gilbert felt compelled to do something rash lest he be blamed for letting James get away, that still doesn't mean Gilbert is going to suddenly welcome LeBron back with open arms in two or three years.

Like last season, rumors are once again finding their ways into columns with anonymous sources saying LeBron is unhappy in Miami. Fox Sports Ohio intimated that LeBron is at odds with Pat Riley because LeBron "doesn’t particularly care for the heavy-handed and disciplined style" of Riley. 

Because, you know, LeBron is a child.

I have no reason to believe that James will remain with the Heat for the rest of his career. He can opt out of his contract as early as 2014. I can see him leaving for the Lakers. I cannot see him leaving Miami to return to his hometown.

If it happens, I clearly will have misjudged the people of Cleveland.

-joe

In the absence of Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh offers another strong performance

Chris Bosh had 35 points in the Heat's 92-85 victory against the Cavaliers on Tuesday. Bosh has scored 30 or more points in three of his last five games. Of course, Dwyane Wade hasn't played during that stretch. After Tuesday's game, LeBron James said Bosh's level of confidence is the best thing to come out of the Wade's injury.

"You see a lot of good come out of some injuries," James said. "You never want any injury to our team but we seen what C.B. has done since the injury and he's back to playing like he was and getting the ball and just attacking, either with his jump shot or attacking the rim, which he did. He did pretty much everything he wanted to do in the fourth quarter tonight."

So, the obvious question is, how will Bosh adapt when Wade returns to the court? It will be an important question later this week. Wade appears to be on track to return to action for nationally televised games against the Knicks and Bulls on Friday and Sunday.

"Whatever the team needs me to do, I'm going to do," Bosh said. "We have guys on this team who need to fill specific roles and that's what makes a team.

"When Dwyane comes back I know that [shots are] going to go down quite a bit but I'm just trying to just be a good team player now and in the future."

Bosh agreed that being comfortable with his surroundings "has a lot to do with" his current hot streak. Specifically, the post play of James has helped Bosh find his place on the floor, which is 16 to 23 feet away from the basket where he can set up for an outlet pass and either drive to the basket or spot up for one of his silky smooth jump shots.

"Sometimes you can see things before they happen and sometimes the best move is that shot," Bosh said. "It's a good shot for the team and I just try to play team basketball."

Then Bosh added: "People say don't fall in love with it, but it loves me so I love it back."

The emphasis James and Wade have put on scoring near the basket has also allowed Bosh to extend his game to the three-point line, where he's shooting 30 percent this season.

"I think it's a good shot," Bosh said. "I practice it a lot and its something I can shoot with confidence, especially with Dwyane and LeBron being in the post a lot more and shooting less threes, I figure I can shoot more."

James agrees that Bosh has returned to his comfort zone in the Heat's retooled offense.

"I think it's confidence," James said. "It's who he was. I think he made the biggest adjustment with this whole situation."

REMEMBERING CLEVELAND

James was asked a somewhat leading question on Tuesday if playing Cleveland is now like playing any other team. James offered an interesting answer. He said it's still emotional to play the Cavs but not for the reasons you might think. James said he enjoys playing the Cavs because he likes sharing the court with his old teammates.

"It's always going to be some emotion to that game no matter what," James said. "Just being out there playing alongside my old teammates. We have a lot of history together. A lot of battles -- postseason, regular season, everything. When you talk about chemistry, we had a lot of chemistry. So, it's always good to see them. It's always good to play against them. It reminds me of practice."

-joe

LeBron and Bosh combine to destroy the Sixers

Here's all you needed to know about the Heat's 113-92 victory against the Sixers on Saturday: LeBron and Bosh combined to score eight more points than the Sixers' entire starting five.

Stats and stuff:

--LeBron had 28 points and Bosh had 30.

--The Heat is 6-0 without Dwyane Wade. Is anyone out there surprised more than me about this development? 

--I'll go ahead and predict another Eastern Conference Player of the Week Award for LeBron. In his last two games he has averaged 29.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists, four steals and three blocks.

--Of course, the same could be said for Bosh. Saturday was Bosh's second 30-point game in his last three games.

--Mario Chalmers quietly had an incredible game. He was all over the place defensively, clogging passing lanes and causing problems for the Sixers' guards. He had 11 points and eight assists.

--Joel Anthony played 31 minutes and scored nine points to go along with nine rebounds and three blocks. Warden!

--The Heat was 7 of 16 from three-point range.

--Mike Miller was 1 of 2 from three-point range, meaning he's 8 of 10 from three-point since his return three games ago!

--The Heat outscored the Sixers 32-23 in the fourth quarter. LeBron had 12 pts in the span of four minutes and 16 seconds to close out the game. He was 5 of 7 from the field and 2 of 2 from the free-throw line in the quarter.

--The Heat out-rebounded the Sixers 13-7 in the fourth quarter and 52-31 on the game.

--The Heat throwback uniforms honoring the 71-72 Floridians were hideous but I loved them.

-joe

Heat breaking out old Floridians uniforms for Sat. and Sun.

It'll be a throwback weekend at AmericanAirlines Arena. The Heat is breaking out the old Floridians uniforms (circa ABA 1970-72) once again for home games on Saturday and Sunday against the Sixers and Bucks.

Obviously, the only reason to resurrect something as ugly as these jerseys is to market them and attempt to sell them for profit. On Thursday, the Heat had a special pregame music video featuring the players wearing the team's new black uniforms. If basketball was played in Tron, the players would wear those black unis.

Now I'm wondering what the pregame music video will be like for Saturday and Sunday -- a LeBron James disco inferno, I'm assuming!

From the Heat's official press release:

2012 Miami Floridians Player Introduction Sequence
The team will debut a special player introduction video amid the backdrop of the 1975 smash hit “Get Down Tonight” sung by musical icon and South Florida native Harry Wayne Casey, better known as lead singer KC from the popular 1970’s group, KC and The Sunshine Band. The lighthearted video, which will air before each of the Floridians games, features HEAT players donning afros and other props as they attempt to recreate the revelry of the era. In addition, HEAT.com and TIPOFF magazine will showcase the Floridians color scheme and content, highlighting each player’s 1970’s alter ego, his personal tastes and characteristics.

The Heat announced it will also wear the Floridians uniforms for these games: Feb.5 vs. Toronto, Feb. 7 vs. Cleveland, March 6 vs. New Jersey and March 7 vs. Atlanta.

The Heat wants everyone to dress up in their best 70s-era clothing for the games. I endorse this idea and might do the same! All these alternate uniforms got me thinking, what's your favorite NBA throwback? Found mine:

-joe

EMAILS I GET: Trade Dwyane Wade for Deron Williams

From time to time on the blog, I'll be publishing emails I receive from fans/haters/insane people. Here's the first, which comes from Ryan Gunderson in Newport Beach, Calif. (Obviously, everything written in blue font is written by the author of this blog, Joe Goodman. Everything in black font is an email.)

Hi Joseph:

I'm not from Miami, not a Heat fan, actually from LA area but had an interesting (outsiders) perspective on a possibility for the Heat - and it's realistic.

We've all heard the talk about how [LeBron] and Dwayne get along great but their games don't mesh and there's the "alpha dog" questions, etc. Miami's numbers are far more impressive when Wade is out this season.

Here's an interesting thought:

If you're NJ and Miami calls you up and says we'll give you Dwayne Wade for [Deron] Williams do you take that deal? If you're NJ, you'd have a top 10 Superstar you who you recruited two summers ago signed for another 4 plus more years alongside Brook Lopez and a bunch of cap room in your new building.

If you're Miami, Williams is perfect. He knows he's on the same field as Bosh - not Lebron, he's a top 3 guy at his position and his game and Lebron's do mesh (he can shoot well from 3 as well).

You'd have to think he would sign a contract extension in Miami and I'm guessing as a team USA guy he'd love playing with Bosh and James. Also, he's 26, not 30.  Finally, he's far more a distributor than Wade which is big for two reasons: a) when you have so many "so so" reserves you need to get them as many open shots as possible (one reason I think the Lakers could use him). He and Lebron both provide that. b) Again, he's more willing to let Lebron be to the go-to scorer, Bosh would be number 2, and he would be a very good 3rd option as far as scoring. Wade is so tremendous but this solution is a plausible way for the Heat to keep a big 3 intact but have it fit a little better, if your NJ you will never get better value in return before Williams potentially walks.

-Robert in Newport Beach
________________________________________________________________________________________

Thanks for the email, Robert. The idea of trading Dwyane Wade for anyone feels a little like blasphemy. It'll never happen. Seriously, is there any other player in the NBA more synonymous with a team than D-Wade? Wade County, hello!

While you make a strong argument, I think Dwyane Wade for Deron Williams is a bad idea. To begin with, fans would revolt. 

At this point, the Heat has an obligation to its fans to keep Wade in Miami. Earned trust and fan equity is a hard thing to come by in this town, just ask the Canes, Marlins, Panthers and even the Dolphins to a degree since Stephen Ross became the owner.

Secondly, it's simply not a good deal for the Heat. Wade is a better player than Williams. Plus, if you trade Wade, who the heck is going to shoot the ball in the fourth quarters of the NBA Finals?

Another thought: LeBron James would never "OK" the deal. Anything that big would need James' blessing.

Lastly, while Wade and James are similar, an argument could be made that James is more similar to Williams than he is to Wade. Who's the better passer between James and Wade? James, obviously. If Mario Chalmers and Norris Cole both went down with injuries, who would be the player most suited to playing point guard? Answer: James.

-joe

LeBron dominates showdown against Kobe

Heat 98, Lakers 87 was Miami's second straight home victory since losing three in a row on the road. LeBron James had a monster game despite suffering from flu-like symptoms throughout the day.

James' line: 31 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, four steals and three blocks. LeBron has scored at least 30 points in eight games this season, which leads the NBA.

Other thoughts:

--The Heat locked down Kobe Bryant for most of the game with Shane Battier getting the bulk of the credit for his perimeter defending. Bryant had 10 points entering the fourth quarter and finished with 24.

--Paul Gasol and Andrew Bynum combined for 41 points but the Heat outscored the Lakers 17-4 in second-chance points.

--Eddy Curry made his debut with the Heat and received a loud ovation. Fans chanted "Eddy!" when he was at the free-throw line during the fourth quarter. Curry had six points in six minutes. Not bad.

--Joel Anthony had one of his best games this season. He had seven points, seven rebounds (including four offensive rebounds!) and a block and caused problems inside for the Lakers throughout the game.

--Andrew Bynum had the game's only double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds.

--Heat three-point shooters were 50 percent from behind the line, making 9 of 18 three-point shots. Battier led the way with three.

--The Heat outrebounded the Lakers 44-38.

--Video of LeBron's block against Bynum:

-joe

Mike Miller's triumphant return highlights Heat 120, Spurs 98

The Heat trailed by as many as 17 points in the first half but ended up winning by 22. LeBron James had 33 points, including 17 in the third quarter but the feel-good story of the night revolved around Mike Miller, who made his season debut scoring 18 points on 6 of 6 from three-point range.

Of note:

--The Heat is 4-0 without Dwyane Wade.

--The Heat scored 39 points in the third quarter, which was the second highest scoring quarter for any team in the NBA this season.

--Seventy-one points in the second half was a season high.

--Second time this season the Heat has rallied from at least a 14-point deficit at halftime.

--The Heat shot 68.3 percent in the second half, a season high, after allowing a season-high 63 points in the first half.

--The original plan was for Miller to only play five minutes. He ended up playing more than 15.

"I'm so out of shape right now," Miller said. "That's what's tough, my conditioning. But it will come."

--Miller went down in pain late in the fourth quarter holding his side. It was a scary moment but Miller said he's fine. Miller said "a dumb defensive play" aggravated his surgically repaired hernia.

"I got caught up in the air," Miller said. "You know, it's going to hurt. Obviously, it's where I had the surgery. So, one good thing about this game is I took every shot I needed to take to see where I'm at and I'm still standing, so that's the most important thing."

--Miller said he's just going to have to fight through the pain for "four or five weeks."

"My main concern was if it was going to tear again and they said the likelihood of that was slim, so I'm going to continue to battle."

--Miller joked about his bad luck over the past year.

"Like I told them, I'm not going to tell them anymore injuries. I'm not going to do another X-ray, because anything to do with an X-ray is bad news. So, they know my stance right now and I'm just going to continue to play."

--Chris Bosh scored 30 points, showing increased aggression around the basket. Bosh's highlight was a spin move around Tiago Splitter in the lane followed by a powerful one-handed dunk.

"I should be like that every game," Bosh said. "Just another shot at it. Good things happen when you're aggressive and when I'm aggressive I don't think. I think less and that's always better. Always better not to think so much and just go out and play. If they give me the shot, I'll take the shot. If I need to drive, I'll just drive."

Game higlights from NBA.com below:

-joe

Erik Spoelstra flips out

Watching your team go 9 of 16 from the free-throw line in the fourth quarter will drive anyone crazy.

-joe

Second overtime loss in a row for the Heat

LOS ANGELES -- The Heat missed 14 free throws and was 1 of 10 in overtime. There's your game. Clippers 95, Heat 89.

--LeBron missed eight free throws.

--Interestingly, the Heat wasn't very discouraged with the loss. LeBron said he was satisfied with the way the team play.

--The Heat shot 39.5 percent, a season low.

--Chalmers was 4 of 10 from the three-point range, Chris Bosh was 1 of 3 and Dwyane Wade was 0 of 2 from three-point range in overtime.

--The Heat's designated three-point shooters never attempted a three-pointer. James Jones didn't leave the bench for the second game in a row. Does anyone find this strategy odd?

--All things considered, it was a great game for The Warden. Highlight of the game for me was when he stuffed Blake Griffin's dunk attempt and sent him to the ground. Pretty much summed up the physical nature of the game.

--Really, there's no need to freak out about this loss. The Heat played well and lost its second overtime game in a row on its second night of a back-to-back. Off to Denver.

--Oh, LeBron recorded his 200th double-double.

-joe

Dwyane Wade returns for loss to Golden State

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Dwyane Wade didn't pass up a chance to play against 2-6 Golden State. Who could?!

That's what I was thinking just before the game. Afterwards, I was thinking something like, "Why didn't the Heat (8-2) resign Dorell Wright?"

Seriously, Wright makes $3.8 million this season. Mike Miller is getting paid $5 million.

ANYWAY, the Warriors spoiled Wade's return with a 111-106 win in overtime at Oracle Arena. That place isn't pretty but it sure is loud. Some thoughts from the game...

--No.1. I hate these late-night games on the West Coast. It's 2:49 a.m. on the East Coast as I type this and I've somehow forgotten how to type.

--The Heat had 22 turnovers. Not good.

--Wade was 1 of 8 in the fourth quarter and the Heat 2 of 17 as a team.

--LeBron, who's been playing better than anyone in the league over the last two weeks, only didn't attempt a field goal in the fourth quarter. WHAT THE?

--Spoelstra was mad at the end of the game. I thought he was going to head butt me when I asked him about the turnovers.

--The Heat was 26 of 40 from the free-throw line.

--Chris Bosh was 2 of 6 from the free-throw line and while he led the Heat with six points in overtime he didn't have a very good game overall.

--LeBron entered the game 0 of 2 from three-point range on the season. He was 0 of 2 from three-point range in overtime and both attempts were terrible shots.

-joe 

Wade, Chalmers sit out practice

SAN FRANCISCO -- The good news out of Heat practice today was that Mike Miller and Eddy Curry participated in the team's first full-contact practice of the season. The bad news was that Dwyane Wade and Mario Chalmers did not.

Wade (bruised foot) and Chalmers (sore shoulder) are both questionable for Tuesday's game against Golden State. Chalmers seems more likely to play than Wade, who said he was "day-to-day and hour-to-hour."

--Wade said his injury has been a little difficult to diagnose. He said it could a bruise, minor plantar fasciitis or a combination of the two.

--Wade didn't know if he would be able to play against the Clippers. Seems doubtful.

--Miller said he felt good after practice and that he's ready to play but the team is going to hold him out a little longer. He's not playing on Tuesday.

--Curry joked that he hasn't "felt this good since high school."

--After practice, LeBron James put in extra work on his post game with Wade throwing James passes with his back to the basket. Mickell Gladness, Dexter Pittman and Chris Bosh joined with James giving pointers to Gladness and Pittman.

--Keith Askins was excited about tonight's BCS national championship.

-joe 

LeBron named Player of the Week ... again

SAN FRANCISCO -- The NBA named LeBron James its Eastern Conference Player of Week on Monday. This is the second week in a row James has been named player of week.

James averaged 31 points, 9.3 assists, 7.3 rebounds and 1.33 steals per game in the four games between Jan.2 and Jan.8. The Heat went 3-1 during that stretch with victories against Atlanta, Indiana and New Jersey. James has been named Eastern Conference Player of the Week 33 times, which is a record.

James shot 60.7 percent from the field in the second week of the season. In the first week, James shot 59.8 percent from the field and averaged 29.6 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game. In the eight games James has played this season, he has shot at least 55 percent from the field. James is the only non-center to accomplish that feat in franchise history.

Shaq holds the team record for shooting 55 percent or better in 11 straight games. Shaq also did it in nine straight games twice and eight straight games once.

-joe

POSTCARDS: When in San Francisco, take time to smell the redwoods

SAN FRANCISCO -- So, here is today's story on the Heat. CLICK ME!

Other than traveling from New York to San Francisco and writing the story about how the Heat is pretty much the best team in the NBA right now, I had the day off on Sunday. Well, half a day thanks to a direct flight from JFK to SFO.

ANYWAY, with my half a day, I ventured out and hiked around Muir Woods. I realize walking around and staring up at coastal redwoods has nothing to do with the Heat (other than the fact that staring up at human redwoods is what I do every day), but this is my blog, so I can write about whatever I want. I'll be writing some "postcard blogs" from time to time and this is the first.

Muir Woods was named after the great naturalist and adventurer John Muir. Basically, Muir hiked around and wrote about it. Here's what he said about Muir Woods after it was named in his honor: "This is the best tree-lovers monument that could possibly be found in all the forests of the world." I believe the message got out, because of the few hundred people I walked past during the excursion, I was pretty much the only guy from this country.

Muir Woods is nestled in a small valley near the coast just north of San Francisco. If you've seen the last scene of the new Planet of the Apes movie -- "Caesar is home." -- then you've seen Muir Woods. The majesty of the place is breathtaking. Needless to say, being surrounded by the smells and shadows of the largest living organisms I've ever seen had a profound effect on my sensibility. It's humbling. Like reading Shakespeare for the first time, or watching LeBron soar through the air at 100 mph and dunk a basketball. This is the best there is, kiddo! 

The upshot of hiking around Muir Woods on Sunday afternoon was missing Tim Tebow's big win against the Steelers. Hey, sometimes you've got to marvel at God's handiwork rather than watch football (no offense, Tebow.) Caught a nice sunset overlooking the Pacific Ocean after the hike. No wonder they call it the Golden Gate Bridge!

--Check back later today (probably around 6 p.m.) for updates from the Heat's practice.

-joe

Barkley having fun with Heat on SNL

 So, this is a couple days old now but I figure it's worth posting anyway because I know how much Heat fans love Charles Barkley. [sarcasm, people]

Barkley hosted SNL on Saturday and had a little fun with the Heat during one of his skits.

 -joe

HEAT 101, NETS 90: Dominating defensive performance

NEWARK, N.J. -- A few post-game thoughts before the circus heads for the west coast...

--The Heat held the Nets to 33.7 percent from the field and 30.3 percent from three-point range. This dominating defensive performance was summed up in one play when The Warden rejected Mrs. Kardashian at the rim during a dunk attempt.

--The Heat shot exactly 50 percent (38 of 76) despite going 5 of 15 from three-point range.

--LeBron's 22 points in the first quarter set the league mark for the season. James was 7 of 7 from the field and 8 of 9 from the free-throw in the first quarter.

--The Heat had 34 points in transition. 34!

--Norris Cole looked good in his 30 minutes. He had nine points, six assists, three rebounds and three steals.

HEAT 116, HAWKS 109 3OT: As expected, the best game of the year

Who would have guessed that the Heat's best game was going to come without LeBron James and Dwyane Wade in the lineup?

A few quick post-game thoughts:

--Terrel Harris!

--Chris Bosh played impressively without James and Wade. Bosh battled against Josh Smith and Al Horford throughout the game and finished with 33 points and 14 rebounds.

--Bosh called his three-pointer at the buzzer "a lucky shot."

--Sometimes I feel like Spoelstra wants to choke Chalmers one minute and then hug him the next. Chalmers had a great game. He scored 13 points after regulation and ended with 29 points. Spoelstra said Chalmers grew up on Thursday, running the offense without Wade and James and making good decisions (most of the time!).

--Terrel Harris!

--The Hawks were 0 of 7 from the field in triple overtime.

--The Heat won despite having a 14-point third quarter.

--Terrel Harris!

--Either LeBron James and Juwan Howard wore matching jackets or James borrowed Howard's jacket for the game.

--Shane Battier, who had a HUGE! block against Joe Johnson at the end of double overtime, played 48 minutes. Before the game, Spoelstra said he didn't want Battier to play more than 30 minutes. After the game, Battier joked the Spoelstra lost "all credibility." "What's next?" Battier said. "Is he going to tell me that Santa Claus doesn't exist?"

--Terrel Harris!

-joe

HEAT 118, PACERS 83: LeBron and Wade head to Atlanta in pain

Well, looks like it's time for Chris Bosh to carry the team.

Dwyane Wade and LeBron James are both questionable for Wednesday's game against the Hawks, which could leave Bosh the only healthy member of the Big 3 to face the team that handed the Heat its only loss of the season.

Wade missed Wednesday's game against the Pacers due to pain in his left foot and remains day-to-day. LeBron picked up the slack for Wade on Wednesday but then sprained his ankle in the third quarter leaving his status for Thursday in doubt.

Thoughts from Heat 118, Pacers 83:

--Seriously? The Pacers have six players on the all-star ballot? What the?

--Joel Anthony (along with Wade, James and Bosh, of course) was selected to the all-star ballot. What the?

--The Heat held the Pacers to one field goal in the second quarter, setting a franchise record for field goals by an opponent in a quarter. The Pacers shot 6.7 percent, which is also a new Heat record.

--Who says James Jones can't be a starter? Looked pretty good to me. He was 4 of 5 from three-point range in the first half.

--Mario Chalmers and Norris Cole are really pushing each other to perform at their best. Chalmers had another great game (14 points, 3 assists, 6 rebounds, 1 steal in 30 minutes) and Cole chipped in 10 points and five assists (mostly in garbage time).

--Cole had six turnovers. Needs to clean that up.

--Danny Granger was 2 of 13 from the field and 1 of 7 from three-point range. What an awful game. I remember him playing much better against the Heat last season.

--Udonis Haslem continues to quietly play like a beast inside. He had 10 rebounds off the bench and is averaging 10 rebounds per game (a team high).

--Dwyane Wade wore a nice suit on the bench.

--James Jones had a trucker hat on before the game. This is a picture of that trucker hat:

-joe

Heat guard Dwyane Wade doubtful for Pacers

In an effort to rest his sore left foot before a long road trip, Heat guard Dwyane Wade is doubtful for Wednesday night’s game against the Indiana Pacers.

“Just trying to be as smart as I can right now,” Wade said.

Wade bruised his foot last week against Charlotte. He left the game in the first half but returned to in the fourth quarter and made game-winning shot. He then played the next night (last Thursday) in Minneapolis. The foot has bothered him ever since and his offensive statistics have dropped. On Monday, Wade was 1 of 6 in the fourth quarter of the Heat’s first loss of the season.

“I haven’t had my lift because I haven’t been able to explode,” Wade said. “Obviously as athletes you play through pain but as athletes you got to take a look at it.”

Wade said the “plantar facsia area” of his left foot (the tissue directly under the heel) is causing him problems.

“It’s the kind of thing that’s day-to-day,” Wade said. “It feels good one moment, it doesn’t the other. Like I said, I think the back-to-back the other day kind of hurt me and made it real sore. Probably as sore as it’s been, so at this moment it’s about taking time and being smart and seeing how my foot is going to feel.”

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra didn’t officially rule out Wade for Wednesday’s game but both he and Wade indicated that rest is probably the remedy for Wade’s foot bruise.

“We want to make sure we nip this in the bud so it doesn’t linger,” Spoelstra said.

-joe 

Dwyane Wade's block party pacing all NBA guards

We all know D-Wade has been struggling offensively for the last couple of games but that hasn't stopped his effort on the defensive end. Wade leads all guards with 12 blocks in six games. John Wall is second among guards with eight blocks in five games. Overall, Wade currently is tied for ninth in the NBA in blocked shots with Serge Ibaka, Marcus Camby and Pau Gasol. Wade has blocked a shot in each of the Heat's first six games.

Here's a video of Wade's 12th block of the season:

-joe

HAWKS 100, HEAT 92: Wade and Miami slowed by zone defense

What is this zone defense and where did it come from?

That's what it felt like watching the Heat on Monday. OK, that's a slight exaggeration, but you get the point. For stretches, the Hawks' zone befuddled the Heat. The Hawks' athletic defenders kept the Heat out of the lane, slowed down the pace of the game and handed Miami its first loss of the season.

Expect the Pacers to try and do the same on Wednesday. And, of course, expect more zone on Thursday when the Heat plays Atlanta at Philips Arena.

"They came out hot," Hawks guard Jeff Teague said. "We threw the zone at them and it slowed them down a little bit...They are tough to cover man-to-man."

A few thoughts from the game:

--Tracy McGrady was a good pick up.

--The Heat shot 38.9 percent in the second half. Wade was 1 of 9. Maybe his foot is hurting him a little more than he's letting on.

--Wade was 1 of 6 in the fourth quarter.

--Never mind the Heat's inability to deal with the zone. What happened to the Heat's defense in the fourth quarter? The Hawks were 5 of 7 from three-point range and shot 60 percent from the field.

--The Heat had three fast-break points in the second half and 10 for the game. Miami entered the game averaging more than 25 fast-break points, a league high.

-joe

Touchdown Miami, again

Fast-forward to 1:45 in the NBA TV highlights for D-Wade's touchdown pass to LeBron on Sunday. Miami had 30 fast-break points and leads the NBA in fast-break points.

Brought to my attention by a Twitter friend, here's an eerily similar highlight from last season against the Bobcats.

 Pretty nice but still a notch below Wade's 90-foot alley-oop to James last season against Indiana.

-joe 

HEAT 129, BOBCATS 90: Post-game notes and stuff

So this is what everyone was expecting at the start of last season.

The Heat is 5-0 for the first time in franchise history after Sunday's 39-point bludgeoning of the Charlotte Bobcats. Seriously, how did the Heat almost lose to that team last Wednesday? A better question: How bad are the Bobcats if they outrebound the Heat by 20 and still can't win?

We found out on Sunday. Very bad.

--The Heat shot a season-best 60 percent. The team has only done that 12 times in franchise history.

--The 129 points scored by the Heat represented the fourth time in five games the team has scored at least 100 points. The Heat has won 28 straight games when breaking 100.

--The 39-point victory tied for the third largest in franchise history.

--Chris Bosh scored 24 points and had 10 rebounds, giving him 30 double-doubles with the Heat. He has 269 for his career.

--Wade scored 22 points and became the first player in franchise history to reach 14,000 points for his career.

--Wade has blocked at least one shot in each of the Heat's first five games.

--LeBron is shooting 59.8 percent from the field. He was 6 of 10 on Sunday for 16 points.

--Chalmers had a season high in points (16). He was 4 of 4 from three-point range.

--Point guards Chalmers and Norris Cole combined for 32 points and 14 assists.

--Norris Cole had 16 points and nine assists in 20 minutes.

--No one played more than 29 minutes.

--The Heat had 33 assists: LeBron (5), Wade (6), Chalmers (5), Cole (9).

--The Heat entered the game leading the league in fast-break points with 24.2 per game. The team had 30 on Sunday.

GAME MVP
Mario Chalmers: Was 4 of 4 from three-point range. Chalmers is 9 of 12 from three-point range on the season.

UNSUNG HERO
None

-joe

LeBron pops The Question at birthday/New Year's party

So, LeBron is getting hitched. Here's a link to Miami.com and Herald writer Fred Gonzalez's story about the party where LeBron proposed. Plenty of great details, CLICK ME!

Here are some pics of the birthday cake, which were provided by the Divine Delicacies Custom Cakes, www.ddcakes.com. The final picture can be found on Miami.com.

-joe

Heat 103, Timberwolves 101: Wade does it again and other stuff

MINNEAPOLIS -- Leave it to Dwyane Wade to upstage LeBron James on his birthday. A few post-game thoughts, but first:

--Excellent screen by Bosh on the play. Ricky Rubio, welcome to the NBA.

--If you notice closely, Wade actually stumbles while running to the rim. LeBron had to adjust the weight of his lob and Wade reached behind himself while in the air to finish the play. In this one play you had two of the LeBron and Wade's signature traits as basketball players on display: James' vision and Wade's ability to balance and right himself in the air. 

--If you thought the Heat's sideline-out-of-bounds play looked familiar, you were correct. The Celtics used it to defeat the Heat two years ago.

--James attempted his first three-pointer of the season in the fourth quarter. He missed. Wade still hasn't attempted a three-pointer.

--Norris Cole played 30 minutes. Mario Chalmers played 14. Interesting, to say the least.

--The Timberwolves outscored the Heat's bench 57-21; the Heat's starters outscored the Timberwolves starters 82-44.

--Ricky Rubio (12 pts, 12 asts) is the real deal.

--Bosh said he struggled in the first half because the Timberwolves were playing off him. He found his shot in the second half.

--Looks like the Heat has finally found a point guard who knows how to throw an alley-oop. Cole tossed back-to-back alley-oops to James in the third quarter.

GAME MVP, LEBRON JAMES
Wade might have made the final four points, including the game winner, but James once again carried the team. He was two rebounds shy of a triple-double: 34 points, 10 assists, 8 rebounds.

UNSUNG HERO, JOEL ANTHONY
Anthony had eight rebounds (three offensive) in less than 24 minutes.

PARTING SHOT
James Jones played less than three minutes and the Heat was 3 of 14 from three-point range. Should Spoelstra find more minutes for the Heat's most consistent three-point shooter?

-joe

Minny test

After watching the Heat struggle just to get past the Bobcats, it's clear any game can be a difficult one on the road for Miami.

Friday's against Minnesota could be quite interesting, then, because the T-Wolves have potential coming from just about everywhere.

For starters, you can expect an early dose of Darko Milicic, who has a big height advantage over Joel Anthony and an effective hook shot.

Kevin Love can stretch the defense with his three-point shooting, which hasn't been very good yet this season (1 of 7 for the year) but is a legitimate part of his game.

Then you throw in the scoring ability from the wing with Michael Beasley and rookie Derrick Williams, the three-point shooting of Wesley Johnson, the gnat-like, floppish annoyance of J.J. Barea (although a hamstring injury might keep him out of the game) and the passing ability of Ricky Rubio, and it adds up to a team that could score with the Heat -- especially after you just saw Miami give up 60 points in the first half to the Bobcats.

The Target Center was pretty amped in Minnesota's opening game against OKC, which ended in a close loss for the Wolves. And this second home game should have a similar, if not more intense, atmosphere.

LeBron James should be able to put together a good game, though, given that either Beasley or Johnson will defend him early, with only Anthony Tolliver as a decent defensive option off the bench. The Wolves have been going small often in the backcourt, with some combination of Barea, Rubio and Luke Ridnour playing together. That means either a small defender on Wade, or a helpless rookie (Rubio) for segments of the game.

Should be fun.

Heat steals one in Charotte

Well, might as well come out and say it: The Heat had no business winning Wednesday's game in Charlotte.

The Heat struggled offensively -- trailing 60-45 at halftime -- but rallied behind its defense. The Bobcats scored 10 points in the third quarter and shot 36 percent in the second half.

GAME MVP, LEBRON JAMES
Sure, Dwyane Wade hit the game-winning shot but he played poorly for most of the game. James led the Heat with 35 points and set the tone on defense to begin the second half. (Wade was in the locker room icing his foot at that point).

UNSUNG HERO, SHANE BATTIER
His defense on Boris Diaw in the second half helped tip the balance of the game.

PLAY OF THE GAME
Easily it was Chris Bosh's poster on D.J. White. Nice left-handed dunk.

Off to Minneapolis...

-joe

COLE-BLOODED!

Norris Cole stole the show in the Heat's home opener. 20 points, including the last nine! Where the heck did this kid come from?

"He makes them all time in practice," Dwyane said.

OK. Practice. Fine. Whatever. But against the Celtics in his first home game? Cole-blooded! But lets fast-forward past all the superlatives and get to the good stuff. I asked Norris after the game if he's better suited at coming off the bench right now than starting. (Because, you know, we're all thinking the same thing, 'When is this kid going to send Mario Chalmers back to the bench?') Cole got a little testy that I would even indirectly imply such a thing.

"Yes, I think it does suit me right now," Cole said of his reserve role. "I'm stilling learning, I still can get better and this is what's best for the team."

When asked why Chalmers wasn't in the game at the end, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said, wryly: "Did you watch the last six minutes?"

Spoelstra collected himself:

"It wasn't at all any kind of indictment on Rio. He came back after struggling at the beginning of the third quarter and he did settle down and make some plays. So, that was good to see him show some resolve and some toughness after going through a tough stretch."

So, any thoughts on Cole and Chalmers are welcomed but to add another level to the discussion, does anyone think LeBron should have been taking those shots at the end?

-joe

What should James Jones' role be this season?

James Jones played 19 minutes in the season opener and was 3 of 5 from three-point range. His barrage of threes in the third quarter helped break the game open. For a player who sat out The Finals, it was a good way to start the season.

So, here's the question: How much playing time should Jones command this season? When Mike Miller and Shane Battier return to the starting lineup, Jones' minutes will decrease. Should he become a full-time towel waver again or should he take minutes away from Battier and Miller?

-joe

LeBron's message to fans

Here's what LeBron James had to say about Sunday's sellout for the Heat's first preseason game after the lockout:

"To see how many fans came out for a preseason game, I give a big shoutout to those, our fans tonight. They were unbelievable tonight. We didn't expect that much as far as attendance. To show up in the way that they did, shows how much we missed them and how much they missed us. We respect that."

-joe

Heat 118, Magic 85: What's burning?

So, pretty much the only thing to be gleaned from Sunday's preseason opener was the obvious fact that Dwight Howard is going to play like garbage until he's traded. That said, here are three things to consider going into the Heat's final game of the preseason.

1. Is Joel Anthony the answer? Anthony started on Sunday but registered four fouls in seven minutes of action. Those were his only stats other than a turnover.

2. Mario Chalmers had a great game a few days after rookie point guard Norris Cole scored 21 points in the Heat's scrimmage. Coincidence or is Cole pushing Chalmers?

3. Any thoughts on Dexter Pittman are welcome. He had six points in 13 minutes and wasn't afraid to stand up to Dwight Howard after the two become tangled under the basket. Pittman seems pretty tough but he's also out of shape. He's listed at 285 pounds but he appears to be well over that.

-joe

Pat Riley news, Baron Davis clears waivers and other stuff

Clearing the notebook from Pat Riley's news conference:

--Let's start with Pat Riley's immediate future with the team. Apparently the long lockout helped reinvigorate the Heat's president. He gave no indication of retiring anytime soon and said he's happy running the team alongside Nick Arison, the team's new vice president of basketball operations and heir apparent. Riley works year-to-year for owner Mickey Arison.

"I love what I’m doing here," Riley said. "The Arisons have been great to me."

Any thoughts on how long Riley will remain president before he semi-retires, turns the reins over to Nick Arison and serves as an advisor to the team? Putting the over/under at two more seasons.

--Riley made it clear that the Heat is still in the market for two more players. Immediate needs are point guard and center.

"This is a destination place and we hope that we can get one or two more," Riley said. "We have 13 slots filled. We have two slots that are open, so we’re going to maintain them with our flexibility."

Point guard Baron Davis cleared waivers on Friday night, meaning the Heat can sign him. Something to keep in mind over the next few days. Davis currently is recovering from two bulging discs in his back.

--Riley said using the amnesty clause on Mike Miller was never in the Heat's plans. 

"We love Mike," Riley said. "We want Mike to play for us and make jumpers and help us just like he did in the playoffs. He’s had just a horrible run of bad luck with injuries and we hope this is the last one and that he and LeBron [James] and Dwyane [Wade] and Shane [Battier] can be a formidable, versatile, perimeter combination."

--Riley on LeBron seeking out Hakeem Olajuwon during the offseason:

"He couldn’t have met with a better man, a more honorable man, a guy who’s really humble but also is somebody if you listen to him will give wisdom and also some insight into playing down in the post. That’s what [James] was looking for. I thinking seeking out that kind of advice is good but both of those guys (James and Wade) have to step up this year and be better than they were last. They have to be."

--There's no easy or quick fix for the Heat's immediate needs inside. Riley is hoping everyone just plays "a little bigger."

"Not having [Zydrunas Ilgauskas] and Jamaal [Magloire] and Erick [Dampier], we do lose the bulk and the size and the length but also that’s where the improvement — we hope Dexter comes in and we’ll see what Eddy can give us — but we’re looking and we’re waiting for something to develop but guys are going to have to do more. LeBron and Dwyane and Chris and Udonis, Shane, Mike Miller — everyone is going to have to do a little bit more; play a little bigger. And that’s where it’s going to come first."

-joe

The band's back together for the start of training camp

The Heat's roster is taking shape hours before the start of training camp is set to begin and it's not going to be all that different from last season's team.

Mario Chalmers and James Jones will resign with the team and Juwan Howard is expected to stick around as well. The latest free-agent moves puts the number of players on the Heat's roster at 14, or one shy of the league maximum.

Chalmers announced his move on Twitter and Jones made his deal public later in the morning. Not expected to return from last season are free agents Mike Bibby, Erick Dampier and Jamaal Magloire. Magloire is headed to Toronto and Bibby might join the Knicks. Center Zydrunas Ilgauskas is retiring.

The Heat's new additions to the team are free agents Shane Battier and Eddy Curry.

-joe

Does the Heat have enough without mid-level center?

So, camp begins today and the Heat struck out on signing a center with its full mid-level exception. Sam Dalembert didn't take the bait and the Heat wasn't in a position to trade for a big name like Nene.

Instead, the Heat is taking a flyer on center Eddy Curry, hoping the once overweight big man is ready to take his career seriously. Is it enough? Remember, team president Pat Riley indicated last season that it was the Heat's top priority to sign a center with its mid-level exception.

It appears Riley did the best he could with the limited resources at his disposal. The addition of Shane Battier provides a top-notch defender to the mix and that could be important come playoff time. For example, if the Heat meets the Bulls in the playoffs again, Battier could guard Bulls forward Loul Deng, which would allow LeBron James or Dwyane Wade to conserve energy.

A retrospective example: If the Heat had a defender like Battier in last season's Finals, things might have turned out differently. Instead, James couldn't keep up with Jason Terry and, conversely, James didn't have enough left in the tank to close out the series.

At least, that's one guess as to what happened to James in The Finals.

Of course, free agency is far from over and the Heat could potentially still reel in a quality center willingly to take less money to chase a championship. Options are limited at this point, though.

The Heat's other area of need heading into free agency was the point guard position. All signs point to Mario Chalmers resigning with the Heat, but if a larger offer sheet than his qualifying number is placed in front of Chalmers, there is a very real chance he would take it. The Heat would then have to match the offer or, worse case scenario, go searching for a starting point guard at the start of camp. Carlos Arroyo, anyone? (According to the latest speculation, the Knicks are interested in Arroyo.)

Expect it to be worked out by Friday afternoon when practice begins. If Chalmers is absent, that means another team has offered him a contract and the Heat would have three days to match it.

As for the original question: Does the Heat have enough without a mid-level center? I'd say yes. For me, this free-agency period isn't nearly as important to the Heat as some would like you to believe. Give me Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh and I like my chances.

-joe

Fly Wade

Dwyane Wade was back in Miami on Wednesday, but not yet on the Heat practice court.

He was debuting his latest shoe, the Jordan Fly Wade 2, which is actually pretty sleak, if you ask me. It's a lot more simple than some of the more colorful, decorative shoes out there. He compared the design to an Aston Martin, and he chose a matte finish that gives it a modern, stylish look.

After talking about his new product, Wade did get into some basketball talk, and had some interesting tidbits about his teammates and his approach to the season.

With a shortened preseason and a condensed regular season, he said he knows he can't afford an injury early on, like last preseason. So he's hoping for more 5-on-5 basketball work and less conditioning work, which he told his head coach. Wade is already leaner than he was last year, with his body fat dropping below four percent.

He also said he has tried to add a new element to his game, as he does every year, but wasn't specific. He did say he wanted to be a more consistent shooter from distance, and very much wanted to improve his FT shooting.

As for his teammates, Wade said he thinks the team can hit the ground running after a year of getting to know each other...

"After having a year of all of us, I’m sure the Miami Heat is going to come with something different," Wade said. "They’ll understand what the players like, how we play together and how we can be more effective and efficient playing with one another.

"I’m sure they’ve broken down EVERY number and we’re going to come back with something that will help us be better early on."

On his summer communicating with LeBron James, Wade said they've spoken a lot about last season and a new approach to this season...

"We’ve always been tight," Wade said. "But after going through a year together. After going through losing in the Finals together, we had different conversations during the summer.

"We spent some time together. Obviously, he was busy doing his thing and I was busy doing mine. But our families came together, we came together at different times, vacationed together. We were in the same city working and would meet up.

"We had different conversations, and I think looking back, having his conversation (Tuesday) on ESPN, you could tell that some of the things we talked about this summer resonated, and he kind of looked at that, and he’s grown. He’s grown from last year, he’s grown every day."

Wade said he wanted LeBron to play more like the playful, fun-loving guy he naturally is and let Dwyane be the angry one...

"I don’t play like him," Wade said. "I’m always straight faced. I smile every now and again on the court, but I said let me look like the mean one and play the way you play. But we did talk about that.

"We were on vacation and talked about that. We didn’t run away from losing in the Finals. We looked at it and said, ‘Why did we lose? How did we lose? What can we do different? How can we be better as leaders?’

"That was one thing I kind of wanted for LeBron was to get back to being LeBron and not try to be somebody that everybody wanted him to be, in a sense. Let me be the mean mugger"

As for Chris Bosh, Wade said he expects a more vocal Chris and one who's not afraid to get his...

"I think Chris is already more comfortable," Wade said. "He sees things a little differently.

"He’s going to be a different player. He’s going to be more vocal. He’s going to talk to us more and let us know how we can help him out. I think we are going to see a different him in that aspect. Not when it comes to bullying guys in the post – that’s not Chris. But in the games I think you’re going to see a different Chris, a little more vocal, a little more comfortable and confident.

"I thought he did great (in last season's playoffs). I don’t think he got enough credit for it. Chris played very consistent. In each round, I think he got better.

"I think he was the most consistent out of all of us, if you want to say it. I had a terrible Chicago series. LeBron didn’t have a so-hot Dallas series. I think he’s going to be play better this season."

 

Dissecting the Heat's schedule: No New Orleans trip? WTH, Stern!

OK, first things first. Let me give a big thank you to the NBA for sparing the Heat (and me) trips to Houston and Sacramento. As the old NBA saying goes, the only thing worse than Houston is Sacramento.

Now the bad news: No N.O. As in, no NOLA. As in, no Crescent City. As in, no New Orleans. As in, no trip this season to the city that speaks to me like a brother!

WTH, Stern!

No Port of Call hamburger and Huma Huma. No Frenchmen Street. No jazz. Suddenly, this whole NBA thing got a lot less cool. OK, that's ridiculous. This NBA thing is way cool. I love the NBA and I can't wait for the season to finally start! But, you get the point. I'm going to miss that trip to The Dirty, dadgummit.

OK, Rant over. Let's dive into this grueling 66-game schedule and think it over.

-The Heat plays 18 back-to-backs, including a franchise record seven home back-to-backs. The best home back-to-back? I'm leaning towards Bulls-Hornets on Jan.29-30. Of course, that could change if Chris Paul is traded.

-The Heat has one back-to-back-to-back, which falls in the middle of a six-game road trip. The trip ends against the Cavaliers, which I'm sure makes folks in Cleveland happy.

-For the firt time in franchise history, the Heat plays its home opener against the Boston Celtics.

-The Heat plays on New Year's Day for the second straight season, this time against Charlotte. Miami is 4-0 all-time on Jan.1. Soon to be 5-0.

-March is a tough month. The Heat plays just six home games.

-April seems tougher, with eight games in 11 days during one stretch.

-The HEAT plays six times on ABC, 10 times on ESPN and nine times on TNT. All totals are the maximum allowed. The Heat is on NBA TV twice but could land on NBA TV seven more times if fans vote to watch the Heat as NBA TV's Fan Night game.

-Six cities that won't get a chance to boo the Heat this season: New Orleans, Houston, San Antonio, Memphis, Sacramento and Phoenix.

-Six teams that won't be making a trip to Miami this season: Minnesota, Utah, Portland, Denver, Golden State and the Los Angeles Clippers.

LEBRON'S TV INTERVIEW
LeBron was on ESPN on Tuesday, once again semi-regretting The Decision. Enough already. He's altered his image for eternity. Miami loves him. Everyone else hates him. Let's move on.

MILLER IN THE HOUSE
Mike Miller was at AmericanAirlines Arena for the first time on Tuesday since undergoing hernia surgery. He walked on a treadmill, which is pretty much all he can do right now. Heat co-captain Udonis Haslem seemed pretty adamant on Miller staying in Miami. "As far as I'm concerned, Mike Miller is here to stay," Haslem said.

We'll see.

-joe

Treatment for Haslem's foot was hard to find during lockout

NBA players recovering from injuries were among those most affected by the lockout. Players such as a Heat forwards Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller were not allowed to work team trainers. For Haslem, it made for a frustrating rehabilitation process.

Haslem's foot injury (fractured Lisfranc) requires a special tape job before each workout. During the lockout, he had trouble finding trainers who could do the work properly. Heat physician Harlan Selesnick gave Haslem the name of the name of the procedure to properly tape his foot and Haslem went looking for trainers who could do it. Haslem used trainers at UM and in Portland when he went and worked out with Dwyane Wade for a week.

"A lot of people really didn't know how to do it," Haslem said.

Haslem said on Friday that he was in pain for an entire year do the injury.

"I wouldn't wish that on anybody," Haslem said.

-joe

Chris Bosh has muscles and other things you won't believe (or maybe you will)

When I first walked into the Heat's practice gym on Thursday, I was immediately surprised by how much muscle Chris Bosh has stacked on his frame. No, seriously, the guy looks pretty jacked. I mean, he's not Karl Malone or Charles Oakley or anything, but there's no question Bosh dedicated himself this offseason amid all the other responsibilities he had on his plate (getting married and being a newlywed and now he's expecting his second child, so it goes).

An aside: Bosh wouldn't say how much weight he's gained or even how much he bench presses. He did tell me that what he used to bench was "pretty heavy" and now it's "really heavy." Those Georgia Tech guys. Always so precise about their measurements.

"I say it’s probably a 50-pound difference — 60- to 70-pound difference," Bosh said. "No, I’m serious. I’m not joking."

Yes, before you ask, Bosh says he'll play center if need be.

So, reporters watched Bosh, Udonis Haslem and James Jones shoot jumpers for about 20 minutes and then came the day's big shocker. Mike Miller is hurt again. This time, he had hernia surgery. If you're counting, that's four surgeries for Miller since he arrived in Miami last year (two thumbs, a shoulder and now hernia). I caught up with Mike on the phone and he obviously was down about the injury but was also refreshingly upbeat at the same time.

The kneejerk reaction to Miller's injury is to assume he's gone -- that the Heat will use its amnesty exception to free itself of Miller's contract. I'm going to avoid jumping to conclusions for now. I'm fairly confident that no one else will do the same but Haslem seemed hopeful that Miller could be an important part of the team despite the recent setback.

Still, there was a lingering feeling that Miller's days might be numbered.

As for Haslem, he had a little fun with reporters (me and Mike Wallace) when we asked him about trade rumors. Haslem played dumb and asked what rumors were swirling around the league. I told him that there's a rumor that could send him to Denver in a package deal for Nene. Haslem's response was spot on:

"If I was going to go to Denver, they should have let me go last year. [WILD LAUGHTER] I could have got the extra $14 million. [DORKY REPORTERS LAUGHING AWKWARDLY] I should have just signed that last year and got the extra $14 million. You know, then sending me now for $14 million less. Now I feel cheated. That’s all. [MORE LAUGHS] I don’t pay attention to it. I didn’t know until you guys just told me." 

Seriously, does anyone really believe that the Heat is going to deal UD one year after Dwyane Wade and LeBron James both took less money to keep him? If UD was dealt, fans would feel betrayed and so would the players. Not going to happen.

Still, UD defended his value to the team.

"I haven’t heard [the rumors] here and I haven’t heard it from my agent but the bottom line is I make this team better. So, it’s up to the people upstairs to make those decisions. I make this team better. The decisions that are being made, I can’t control that. But the bottom line is, I make this team better.

"The decisions that’s being made, I can’t control those.  I can’t control the rumors, I can’t control anything. I make the team better and whatever decisions bounce around, I only worry about what you can control. The rumors, can’t control. The trades, you can’t control. What you can control is how hard you work to get back from injury like I had to do. When I came back from injury, what I brought to the team. What we did to get through the Chicago series. That’s all I can control. I can’t control anything else."

UD makes a good case for himself. But, the way I see it, he's understating his true worth. UD brings team chemistry, toughness and familiarity to the team that cannot be measured in a box score. (Ahh, but let me stop before I start sounding like a coach.)

That chemistry was apparent when Haslem talked about Miller. UD clearly was upset about Miller's latest injury. (They're good friends, you know.) In hindsight, it made for an interesting shootaround, considering Jones could be one of the free agents the Heat picks up if it waives Miller. (Of course, everyone loves Jones, too.) Jones said he's open to returning to the Heat.

Dexter Pittman arrived at the practice facility after Jones, Haslem and Bosh were finished. The big center might have put on a few pounds since last season but not much. He'll lose it by the time the season begins. The Heat's coaches told Pittman before the lockout that he would play a more important role in his second season in the league. (He didn't really play a role last year. He was in Siberia or some cold place playing in the D-League.)

We'll be back at the arena on Friday. Dwyane Wade and LeBron James are back in town after the flag-football fun, so we'll see if they show up.

Oh, Mario Chalmers worked out in Las Vegas on Thursday. No word yet on when he's returning to Miami. Also, Juwan Howard worked out Thursday but declined to speak with reporters. The Warden was also in the house.

-joe

Hooray! NBA is back!

Players and owners agreed to a tentative deal to end the lockout early Saturday morning.

Want instant drama? The Heat will begin the season on Christmas Day against the Mavericks in Dallas. That means the Mavericks will receive their championship rings and raise the championship banner in front of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh moments before the season starts.

If players and owners ratify the deal (a formality, it seems), free agency and training camp will begin on Dec. 9. The Heat has work to do. Point guard Mario Chalmers is a restricted free agent and the Heat must weigh the option of using the new CBA's amnesty clause to cut a player (possibly Mike Miller) in order to reduce payroll against a new, beefed up luxury tax.

The Heat must also sign draft pick Norris Cole and go searching for a point guard or center with its mid-level exception.

-joe

Chalmers organizes exhibition in Alaska; Wade might not play

Mario Chalmers has organized an exhibition basketball game to be played in his native Anchorage, Alaska, on Dec. 1.

In other words, MARIO CHALMERS has organized, arguably, the most logistically challenging exhibition game of this long offseason. Congrats to him. I mean, never mind getting to Alaska. Being there this time of year is miserable. The low tonight in Anchorage is two degrees.

Chalmers has commitments from some of his buddies around the league and Carlos Boozer (the other Alaskan). No doubt a good time will be had by all when Chalmers gets together with Michael Beasley,  Daequan Cook and James Harden.

Chris Bosh and Dexter Pittman will play in the game but Dwyane Wade told Chalmers he might not make it because of his responsibility as a parent. Sounds like a good excuse to me to get out of going to Alaska in December.

On Thursday, Wade did say that he might consider playing overseas if the season is lost. (He said this in August as well.) I seriously doubt Wade will ever play in a league overseas but I'm assuming he'll be bringing his boys if he does so.

PICTURED: Sources confirm that this Heat dancer will not be playing overseas or going to Alaska.

-joe

Chris Bosh weirded out by lockout; Shaq talks some smack

The Associated Press caught up to Chris Bosh on Tuesday at the Miami-Rutgers game. Here's what he said:

"It's still kind of weird not playing, because I've always played in November. So it's feeling real out of place and I still can't see it. But I think we're all aware of what could possibly happen. We don't see it happening like that, but what can you do?"

What can you do? Seriously, Chris? You can AGREE TO A DEAL! The rent is TOO DAMN HIGH! I like  WRITING IN ALL-CAPS to emphasize a point.

Also from Bosh:

"If you look at the free agents coming up in the same situations, with Chris Paul, Dwight Howard, Deron Williams, they can control their own fate," Bosh said. "They have the power to control that and I think that's a great thing. In any job you want freedom to negotiate. With us doing what we did and Carmelo (Anthony) going to the Knicks, I think that has a lot to do with it. Hopefully we can keep that and guys can come and go and make the deal that's best for them and their family."

One important thing Bosh wasn't asked on Tuesday: If he had a comeback for Shaq after being dissed in the future Hall of Famers' book. Shaq thinks Bosh is overrated. (Book excerpt first reported by the Palm Beach Post.)

“Some guys come into the league without a ton of props, so there’s not a whole lot of pressure on them. Then they sign a big deal and all of a sudden they’re thrown into the spotlight. Chris Bosh is like that. He’s getting all this attention, so he starts believing he’s really good. C’mon now. We know better. He’s a player who can put up some numbers, but he’s not an elite player. He was in Toronto eight years and they were never a factor, never a playoff team. Don’t get with those other two guys and start pounding your chest. I ain’t buying it, and I’m not the only one.”

Shaq, as you've probably gathered already, has always had a warm spot in his heart for Bosh. He once called him the "RuPaul of big men." Also, there's a rumor floating around the league that Shaq will have a nightly Bosh joke on TBS -- "Just Bosh'n around" -- when he joins the broadcast after the lockout.

To paraphrase, here's what Bosh thinks about when he thinks about Shaq:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-joe

Heat players lose $8 million in salary with first missed paychecks

So, Heat fans, anyone out there having trouble paying the bills lately? Is the rent TOO DAMN HIGH!?! Check out these numbers.

Players missed their first paychecks on Tuesday. Here's a breakdown of how much each player lost, based on the commonly used contractual formula that each player is paid 1/110th of their total contract each game. These figures include the eight preseason games that were never played and the regular season's first six games. (Players are paid per game. And, obviously, we can debate the merits of these numbers all day based on a new CBA, prorated salaries and everything else. But, you get the point: It's a lot of money.)

LEBRON JAMES
Total 2011-12 contract: $16,022,500
Per game: $145,659.09
First paycheck: $2,039,227.27

CHRIS BOSH
Total 2011-12 contract: $16,022,500
Per game: $145,659.09
First paycheck: $2,039,227.27

DWYANE WADE
Total 2011-12 contract: $15,512,000
Per game: $141,018.18
First paycheck: $1,974,254.54

MIKE MILLER
Total 2011-12 contract: $5,400,000
Per game: $49,090.90
First paycheck: $687,272.72

UDONIS HASLEM
Total 2011-12 contract: $3,780,000
Per game: $34,363.63
First paycheck: $481,090.90

JOEL ANTHONY
Total 2011-12 contract: $3,600,000
Per game: $32,727.27
First paycheck: $458,181.81

EDDIE HOUSE
Total 2011-12 contract: $1,399,507
Per game: $12,722.79
First paycheck: $178,119.07

MARIO CHALMERS (Restricted free agent/team option)
Total 2011-12 contract: $1,091,100
Per game: $9,919.09
First paycheck: $138,867.27

DEXTER PITTMAN
Total 2011-12 contract: $788,872
Per game: $7,171.56
First paycheck: $100,401.89

Total amount in lost wages: $8,096,642.74

Also, the Heat's dancers (pictured) are losing money.

-joe

Three game-changing rules

Here are three rules in the owners' now-rejected proposal that, if altered, would've probably resulted in this deal going to a vote, as opposed to the disaster we have on our hands at the moment:

First, this one, which essentially says non-taxpaying teams can't use non-taxpayer exceptions if it will put them over the tax, and they cannot go over the tax threshold at any point during that season. Essentially saying, if you use these exceptions, the tax threshold is now a hard cap number.

A team in any season that uses the Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception or the Bi-Annual Exception, or that in year 3 or after acquires a free agent in a sign-and-trade, cannot at any time thereafter have a team salary at any point during that season in excess of the Tax level; provided, however, that a team with a team salary below the Tax level would be permitted prior to October 15 to engage in a transaction using either of the foregoing exceptions or a sign-and-trade that would result in its team salary exceeding the Tax level by no more than $5M, so long as it engages in other subsequent transactions to bring its team salary below the Tax level on October 15 and its team salary does not exceed the Tax level at any time thereafter.

 

It's fairly self-explanatory why players would be against that one, because it would limit their options if, say, the Knicks are willing to pay the tax to acquire them but wouldn't be allowed to use a mid-level exception to do so. But, the counter-argument to that is, "Why do you have to play for the Knicks?"

Under this proposed CBA, the minimum payroll would increase for every team, meaning there's money being spent everywhere, and the league wants to at least attempt to create some sort of competitive balance.

Second, there's this simple one, which reduces the minimum player salary:

Minimum player salary scale reduced from amounts shown in 2005 CBA for 2011-12 in proportion to overall system reduction (i.e., approx. 12% lower than under the 2005 CBA). Scale grows by 3.5% in future seasons.

Basically, if the union believes it's fighting for every player, not just the big-money players, then this rule seems unacceptable. Not only are minimum-salary players making the least money, obviously, but many of their contracts aren't guaranteed unless they reach a certain date of the season. Too much at risk for these players to be taking this level of a pay cut.

Lastly, there's another simple one:

All salaries for 2011-12 to be prorated in proportion to the number of 2011-12 regular season games that are canceled.

Now, this is 100 percent conjecture on my part, but I believe if these rules were altered, the players would have very likely put the deal to a vote.

For them, it has basically come down to freedom of player movement, and that's something of a joke because there are ways around every system.

For example, that whole extend-and-trade restriction where players would have to wait 60 days before getting a contract extension wouldn't be a deterrent if a player really wanted to head elsewhere.

What Carmelo did last year would still be possible in this deal. What the Heat did last year would still be possible. In fact, the Heat would've had an added $2.5 million exception to work with after signing the Big Three and hitting the salary cap number.

As for the additionally punitive luxury taxes, there probably would've been three or four less teams willing to dive into the tax under these rules. And it's likely none of the highest-spending teams would be willing to dive into the highest of tax levels. But it's unlikely that would've been a deal breaker.

Makes you wonder whether it's worth even threatening to lose the season for this.

It's completely fair for the players to want to negotiate further. But the risk of losing so much more at this point is probably too large. That's why going this route is so dangerous.

They're betting that those middle-of-the-road owners who David Stern convinced to accept last proposal will cave even further. But it's likely they'll go the other way and get in line with the hardliners.

If that happens, good luck even getting this deal back on the table.

(Another) Big day!

First, apologies for the extended down time during the summer, etc. Call it NBA lockout depression.

Second, thanks to Joe Goodman for jumping back aboard the blog.

Now, to some of the things that have been floating around in my head today, as the NBA players meet in New York to decide how to handle this newst proposal from the owners and see just how real this latest ultimatum is from David Stern.

If the league is essentially trying to restrict movement for the highest-paid, or "superstar" players, I'm not certain that puts all 30 teams in better position to win championships. In fact, it might keep certain franchises in extended ruts until they're lucky enough to draft a franchise-changing talent.

Here's just one example: Let's say, hypothetically, Tim Duncan retires from the Spurs in the next year or two, and that franchise gets stuck in mediocrity. San Antonio is a small market, yes, but it's also a respected enough franchise that a big-name player to seriously consider going to in free agency.

By discouraging a superstar from going in that direction, and with so few truly elite, franchise-elevating players to go around, that would leave the Spurs basically hoping just to make the playoffs, or tanking a season with its fingers crossed that it can score one of those great players in the draft, which is certainly no guarantee.

Sure, the Spurs have won some titles in the past 15 years, so it's hard to feel sorry for them in that scenario, but replace them with the Suns, Sixers, Hawks, Blazers -- any decent team in a decent city -- and you'll have the same story. Does that really help them "compete for a championship," as Stern keeps repeating is the goal, or does it just make luck more of a factor in terms of the draft? Sounds like the latter to me.

When you allow players like LeBron James or Chris Paul to be more mobile, you're essentially sharing the wealth of championship possibilities. Think about it: Cleveland had legitimate "championship aspirations" for probably five of the seven years LeBron was there. It was that franchise's poor decisions, along with a few head-scratching performances from LeBron that didn't bring a ring there.

Almost the same thing in New Orleans. Paul was MVP caliber, particularly in the 2007-08 season. That franchise didn't spend or make moves designed to truly compete for a title. It was happy appeasing its fans and making money off Paul's ability. The fact that CP3 wants to go to New York has more to do with the fact that that franchise wants so badly to win a title, and not necessarily because it's in New York and he can be marketed better. I mean, he's a North Carolina kid.

Even once you get lucky in the draft, you need smart decision makers in your franchise to make it a true contender. Even Kobe Bryant wouldn't have won titles four and five if the Lakers didn't fleece the Grizzlies for Pau Gasol. Is that an indication that the previous system was broken, or that the Grizzlies weren't nearly as interested in winning as the Lakers were?

I guess my point is that the owners should stop selling this as a competition issue and just admit they want to make more money by putting limits on how much they spend overall. Add that to the new BRI split, and these guys are getting everything they want while making it look like it's for the betterment of the league and its fans. That's nonsense.

That said, players really have no choice but to take this deal or lose the season. The reason Stern keeps saying this is the last deal before a "reset" deal is put in place is because this is as far as the hardline faction of owners will allow him to go.

If the players say, "we want to negotiate a few more details" just to put the onus on the league to decide, all that does is let the owners who are willing to lose a season have the final say. Stern has clearly twisted enough arms to this point, and it's doubtful he'll be able to do anymore before those owners take over. Thanks, MJ.

Other quick thoughts: If contraction is real possibility, it's probably something the better players in the league wouldn't mind happening. Remember LeBron wondering aloud last season what it would be like if Kevin Love was on another team because T-Wolves didn't exist? That would only make the league more competitive and more interesting.

What I don't understand is why it would be forced into this CBA unless there are a handful of owners who've already decided they're going to sell their teams in the next few years.

Last thing is this, and it goes back to the league trying to limit movement. If players want to move to the bigger markets, a salary hit from the NBA isn't going to restrict them. I think we've learned, both from actions and from numbers that sports business people have researched, that players are willing to lose money in NBA salary to change teams because they'll make even more money through marketing deals when they play in New York, L.A., Chicago or Miami. So getting rid of extend-and-trades and limiting sign-and-trades will only get players to find new ways out. It won't force them to stay put.

I'm gonna stop typing now so I can officially cross my fingers for the rest of the day.

Hints of bad news from players around the league

Players are meeting Monday in New York to discuss the league's latest offer for a new collective bargaining agreement. David Stern said a 72-game season could begin on Dec.15 if players accept the deal. Schedules would be retooled and The Associated Press reported Friday that the Heat would open the season at New York.

At first, I had high hopes that the players would accept the deal and the season would begin in mid-December. Hey, we would miss 10 games but a 72-game season sounds fun. There likely would be some back-to-back-to-back games, which would add a new dynamic to the regular season. My excitement was tempered, however, when I started reading the comments of a few players around the league about the NBA's proposed deal.

To players, the NBA's latest proposal isn't much different than the last. Here are some examples:

Danny Granger, Indiana Pacers player rep
“From what I’ve seen and heard, the counter offer is the same they presented us a week ago, making a few minor changes that in the big scheme of things really did nothing to the deal," Granger told the Indianapolis Star. “I would expect the proposal to be rejected after all the players learn more about the deal. The next step I don’t know.”

Nazr Mohammed, Oklahoma City (from Twitter)
"This deal is so bad that it amazes me that the league would bring this to the table after all the concessions we have already made..."
-
"...The revised proposal is worse than the last offer. Players should contact the union, call ur Rep or go to a meeting. U gotta see this!!!"
-
"Some of the info that's out there is correct but those aren't the issues. The additions to the proposal makes it impossible to accept..."
-
"...Those issues aren't being talked about. When I saw them it made me laugh out loud that were even being proposed. You will see."
-
"If this deal is accepted...I advise guys to stay in school and get ur degree, Master's if possible. U might be able to make more $ that way than playing in the NBA in ur 1st five years. Being the 1st pick of the draft would mean nothing."
-
"Trust me when I say that I want a deal and that this proposal would not effect me much but it would kill the young players. I'm just [willing] to fight with them if that's what they want. I would hope that a veteran would do the same for me when I was a young player."
-
"I don't want to #Decertify but we may be forced to do it if this is their best and final offer. Can't lie I'm very sad 2day."

-joe

Should the Heat keep Mike Miller?

The new collective bargaining agreement calls for an amnesty clause that will allow teams to dump players who aren't performing up to their contracts. The Heat's most likely amnesty candidate is forward Mike Miller, who recently put his house up for sale.

So, what exactly is the amnesty clause? It's basically a one time, get-out-of-jail-free card. Under the new CBA, teams will most likely be able to cut a player and most of his contract (75 percent has been reported) will not be factored into the salary cap or luxury tax. In other words, there will be a lot of shuffling the first week of the season ... if there is a season, of course.

A few big-name players likely will be cut from teams, including Baron Davis (Cleveland), Gilbet Arenas (Orlando), Rashard Lewis (Washington) and Brandon Roy (Portland). (Before you ask, yes these players would immediately become free agents.) Anyway, the Heat will likely take a long look at releasing Miller, who is under contract for $24 million over the next four seasons. 

Two freakish injuries to Miller's thumbs, a history of concussions and an injured shoulder limited Miller in his first season with the Heat. He had offseason surgery on one thumb and the shoulder after having surgery on the other thumb just before the start of last season. Should the Heat release Miller? That's the tough question facing Pat Riley.

Under normal circumstances, the answer would be an easy one: Miller would stay based upon the size of his contract. I mean, the Heat's ownership has plenty of money but it's not about to throw away nearly $25 million just because Miller had one bad year. But these are not normal times for the Heat. Far from it. This is the Big 3 Era and the Heat wants to win the title this season, especially after losing in the Finals to Dallas. The Heat could cut Miller and use the cap space to bring in a healthy shooter.

Still, a strong case can be made for keeping Miller. He's a fierce competitor who battled through injuries last season and gave the maximum effort. His shot might have been off, but his defense, rebounding and basketball acumen shined at times in the postseason. What if Miller bounces back this season and regains his form as one of the game's best three-point shooters? All things considered, it might be in the Heat's best interest to keep him.

-joe

The Dwyane Wade-Tim Tebow connection

Dwyane Wade recently donated his body to science to test the harmful effects of Gatorade. Very heroic. Here's the link to the story: CLICK ME!

I kid, I kid ... I think.

Funny, after reading it, one thing occured to me: The Associated Press is now apparently writing ads for Gatorade disguised as news stories.

In all seriousness, Gatorade is bad for you. Don't drink Gatorade. You know what Wade really drinks after games? Fish oil. No kidding. He downs bottles of the stuff weekly. The Heat's entire locker room smells like the Deerfield Beach pier.

Why is Gatorade bad for you? I don't know, exactly. Something about molecular assassination or your kidneys. I do, however, have anecdotal proof that it falls somewhere in between bathtub gin and lead-based paints in the slow-poison department.

Several former Florida Gators refuse to drink the stuff. I mean, seriously, could you think of a bigger indictment? Mike Miller -- proud Gator -- does not drink Gatorade.

Then there's Mr. Gator himself, Tim Tebow. Tebow did one of these same "scientific tests" (code name for advertising stunts) for Gatorade during the Super Bowl a few years back. He stripped down and put on the breathing tubes and whatever other movie props Gatorade was using to make him look like a lab rat. Anyway, Tebow won't touch Gatorade anymore either.

Seriously, if Wade really wants an edge on the court, he'll donate some of his salary for a center who can score.

-joe

LeBron grabbed in Mississippi

So, LeBron played in another exhibition game on Tuesday night. This one was in Mississippi.

Mississippi, exactly. You know these guys are hard up for some bball when it comes to that. Of course, it wasn't really Mississippi. As in, Mississippi's Mississippi. It was suburban Memphis. But whatever, the point is James scored, like, a gazillion points and dunked a lot. Wait, no, that really isn't the point either.

This video is the point. Wait until the end. Pretty funny if you're into the whole being-punked-by-LeBron thing. Gotta give the woman props, though. After LeBron left here hanging, she just reached out and grabbed him. Mississippi, y'all.

-joe