That's not Charlie Bell's nickname, as far as I know, but it comes close to rhyming and I couldn't think of anything else to write.
So anyway, here's why Bell, assuming the Bucks don't match the five-year offer, is a smart move, and doesn't necessarily signal any sort of major trade before training camp.
First, he can shoot. I'm not sure exactly what his percentages from distance are because something was apparently wrong with the world wide web when I tried to find it (I have since alerted the world wide authorities), but I know it was pretty good on a team where he didn't get the same looks he'll get with the Heat.
Second, he is tough and can defend, at least as far as I can recall, dating back to his days at Michigan State. And we know how much that can mean to this team, especially against teams like the Bulls.
Third, you're talking about five years at a very, very reasonable rate throughout the life of the deal. If Bell turns out to be a reliable option off the bench, and there is every indication he has that ability, then he will be a bargain at an average of less than $4 million a year. Just look at what the Heat would have had to pay to keep Jason Kapono, and he probably would have come off the bench for Riley.
Fourth, it provides the Heat with some stability at the guard spot beyond this season. Jason Williams' contract runs out after this season, and you would assume that he would probably end up somewhere else after that unless he stays at a discounted rate. So that means the Heat won't be desperate to find another guard and can be selective when you consider that the team would have Smush Parker and Bell already under contract (I'm assuming Bell can play some point, even though I don't really believe it). That's also why I don't think this signals a trade. Yes, this would put them over the tax by about $7 million, but that just could be the price the team has to pay to not only get some much-needed depth this season but also add some security beyond this season.
I also have a hard time believing that, before he has seen either Parker or Bell play a minute for his team, that Riley is willing to trade J-Will and go with those two guys as his top point guard options (no disrespect to my man Chris Quinn, who I think can do some things in this league). Even if you add a Ron Artest or Mickael Pietrus, if you don't have J-Will, you don't have a guy that can create pace and get you easy baskets in transition. And that was crucial to the success of this team in '06.
So this isn't a bad rotation to go into a season with:
PG Jason Williams, Smush Parker
SG Dwyane Wade, Charlie Bell
SF Dorell Wright, Penny Hardaway (seriously, he's healthy), Antoine Walker
PF Udonis Haslem, Antoine Walker
C Shaquille O'Neal, Alonzo Mourning
And if you need 'em, Daequan Cook, Chris Quinn and Michael Doleac.
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