Forward Progress

It didn't come as much of a surprise that Heat forwards Udonis Haslem and Dorell Wright agreed to attend Thursday's end-of-the-year celebration for 300 area kids from the Heat Academy, an after-school program sponsored by the franchise.

After all, Haslem and Wright didn't have far to go to get from the training room (where both are rehabbing season-ending injuries) to the arena floor (where the celebration took place). Not much traffic in that commute these lonely postseason days at AmericanAirlines Arena.

But this wasn't about convenience. It was about commitment and class (which both players showed by taking part in the festivities) and progress (which both players insist they are making on the road to recovery). Haslem said he is regaining strength and flexibility in his surgically repaired left ankle, but there remains some stiffness.

"I'm able to shoot and jump, but I still have a little discomfort, so I probably have another couple of weeks of (daily, steady rehab)," Haslem said. "But I'm not going to be in a rush. Well, I am, but I'm not. It's a long summer, and I just want to get back on the court in some way."

Haslem, who missed the season's final 22 games, misses the game so much he joked last month that he would play summer league ball just to get back on the court again. He clarified his comments on Thursday, saying he was only half-joking.

"I want to play," Haslem said. "So, it's like a 50-percent joke, 50-percent serious type of thing."

Don't bet on seeing Haslem on the court in Orlando alongside the likes of rookies, draft picks and other tryout types. He very well might be the last veteran in the league to consider himself above such a meaningless task. But UD's already been there, done that and has an authentic, game-worn, general NBA reversible jersey to prove it (pictured above). Stepping out on a limb a bit here, but I'd say he's made it and in the clear when it comes to having earned his keep in the NBA.

Wright, who missed the final 26 games after having knee surgery, said he is about a month away from resuming basketball-related drills.  Wright tore the meniscus in his left knee during a March 2 game at Sacramento, when he was making a defensive play in the lane.

The timing of the injury was unfortunate for Wright, a restricted free agent this summer. But he doesn't regret making the effort that led to the painful result.

"It was just another disappointment that came with everything else that happened this season," Wright said. "But that's part of the game. Accidents happen. There's no way to prevent them if you're out there playing hard. And that's what I was trying to do. Play hard."

Ironically, the Heat lost its three best defensive players to season-ending injuries, with Alonzo Mourning the first to go down with torn knee ligaments in December. And all three are at one stage or another in their respective rehabs.

Of the three, who could the Heat least afford to do without as the team transitions to a more up-tempo pace next season? Haslem's consistent production? Wright's athletic and versatile promise? Zo's steady presence?

It's a tough choice. But I'm leaning toward a surprising pick: Zo's presence, specifically at the defensive end, if he can make it back from that devastating injury for one final season. Playing at a faster pace means more transition baskets for both teams. And the Heat's biggest and most offensive problem last season was its glaring inability to defend the rim. Even Zo would admit that he can't do much of what he used to do in his younger days. But he's a specialist at doing that.

-Michael Wallace

Comments

[Shawn]

Is there any truth to the Heat making a run @ TJ Ford?

Would love to see anyone of these lineups;

Ford
Wade
Wright
Marion
Beasley

or

Rose
Wade
Wright
Marion
Center ?

9/11 was an inside job. wtc7.net

[Ralph]

We want more Stacey Dash!!!!!