Camping Out (Day 3) Power Play?

It's amazing how such a small line item in the Heat's 2008-09 preseason media guide could cast such a shadow over the franchise right now.

But right there, it is. On Page 8, left column. The Heat's power rotation had added a new name: Nick Arison, as in the son of team owner Micky Arison. His new title, in addition to that of limited partner, is that of vice president of basketball operations.

The timing of it all could be a coincidence. Or it could be something else. But the Heat insists that 27-year-old Nick Arison's rise to basketball administrator had nothing to do with Randy Pfund's decision to step down and pursue other NBA interests after 13 seasons with the Heat.

Regardless, the Heat is definitely a franchise in transition after last season's debacle - an NBA-worst 15-67 season that matched the worst finish in franchise history and sucked life right out of its fan base.

The timing of Pfund's decision to step down is at least curious. The  Heat is three days into training camp with a roster that might still be evolving, considering Shawn Marion's expiring contract and the team's need for a veteran point guard.

Clearly, Pfund still had work to be done. But with Heat president Pat Riley no longer coaching and now focusing exclusively on his role as president, there was an appearance in the front office of too many Chiefs and not enough Indians.

No matter what led to this decision, Pfund has a resume of which to be proud. In addition to the championship teams, playoff appearances and major signings, he convinced Riley to take Dwyane Wade in 2003. He also convinced Riley to hang onto Michael Beasley last June.

But back to the very-well-likely-unrelated Arison angle. If young Nick is being groomed, it's a wise move. Riley's contract expires in two years. And as recently as at his Hall of Fame ceremony earlier this month, Riley talked about soon cruising into the sunset and relocating to Southern California.

The young Arison certainly lacks the legend status and basketball experience of Riley. But he can certainly close some of the ground with his connections - ones that go beyond his $6 Billion dollar dad.

As a Duke grad, there's the connection to Coach Mike Krzyzewski, who just led Team USA to gold in Beijing.

Arison, who served as a team manager during Duke's most successful four-year run, also worked in a similar capacity with Team USA in Beijing. Who's to say Nick, in two years - assuming Riley walks away - won't at least check Coach K's interest in coaching and/or running the Heat's front office, Riley-style?

Coach K turned down overtures from the Lakers several years ago. But by 2010, he'd be several years older and several years closer to retirement, having never scratched that potential NBA itch.

And then there's Arison's connection to Dwyane Wade. The young Doms of the franchise are close in age and were tight during the Olympics. After Wade returned to Miami, he said Nick was the first - and, for a while, only - person he allowed to hang on to his Olympic gold medal after the deciding game.

Wade happens to be up for a new contract the same year Riley might be stepping away. And the franchise can benefit from some continuity in negotiations with Wade in that event.

Indeed, this appears to be a franchise in transition. And Randy's resignation probably doesn't have a thing to do with young Arison's ascent. But two years from now, this might be looked upon as the first step in the franchise's next front-office evolution.

Comments

[Lazarus7219]

Nick Arison -- he'll be the Theo Espstein of the NBA!
Could Pfund and Riley really be involved in a 'power play?' They've coexisted for a very long time -- if Pfund said he's just leaving to pursue other opprotunities, I'll believe him. People probably still don't think Stan Van Gundy resigned as coach to spend more time with his family.

[sushicutter]

There were 6 cooks in the Heat kitchen Riley, Andy, Nick, Ed, Randy and Tim and the smartest one just left the building. I can see the agents are smelling blood because none of the remaining cooks know how to deal with agents and Riley just wants yes men around him. Riley cannot stand the fact that he does not know the college players anymore and had to rely on Randy to get him Wade and had to be talked into taking Beasley.

[maxie]

Pfund's leaving has nothing to do with Nick Arison, and everything to do with Riley, the control freak.