With the Olympics approaching in a couple of weeks, tonight's exhibition between the USA and Canadian men's basketball teams serves as an intriguing appetizer for Heat fans.
On display will be Heat guard Dwyane Wade, who will be playing in his first sort-of-meaningful game 
since he was shut down in March to address knee problems. With LeBron James expected to be held out of tonight's exhibition, Wade could see significant action - perhaps even as a starter.
Also on display will be Heat center Joel Anthony, who is expected to be in the starting lineup for Canada. With Sam Dalembert's recent dismissal from the team, Anthony is expected to have a more prominent role for Canada. The Heat's decision to allow Anthony to participate in Canada's Olympic bid was a smart one. And the team's decision this month to guarantee his contract for next season was an even smarter one, considering Miami's low numbers at the center spot.
In Wade's case, this is an opportunity to showcase his return to health. He certainly looks a lot less bulky than he did much of last season. Or maybe it's just that new bald dome he's sporting. Either way, his participation is sure to have Heat fans crossing their fingers and hoping for sustained health.
In Anthony's case, the hope is that he continues to develop along this rapid pace. A year ago, it was fair to question if he even belonged on the Heat's summer league team. His hands were bad, his timing worse and his offense non-existent. A year later, he's posting double-doubles for Canada and has followed up on a strong finish to the season - one that included an impressive late-season outing against Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard.
I asked Joel, whose most developed NBA talent is his shot-blocking ability, earlier this summer how he would respond defensively if Canada were to face Team USA and if Wade were to drive at him in the lane. Anthony's response? "It'll be just like at practice when we're out there. He'd do what he does best, and I'd try to do what I do (best) and stop him. It'll be a great opportunity."
This and That ...
... The Heat announced another pickup from its summer league roster. The team named Chad Kammerer as an assistant coach on Friday, continuing an offseason staff makeover that began with Pat Riley leaving the bench to work in his role exclusively as team president. Kammerer, the son of Heat VP of player development Chet Kammerer, had worked in the Heat's scouting department. He also spent the past few seasons as an assistant on the team's summer league entry. Erik Spoelstra took over for Riley in April and the Heat hired David Fizdale from the Hawks as an assistant.
... While No. 1 draft pick Derrick Rose has reached an agreement on a shoe endorsement deal with Adidas, Heat forward and second overall pick Michael Beasley continues to negotiate with companies for his own deal. Adidas had been one of at least three shoe companies Beasley has been in talks with on a deal. But several industry analysts believe this year's draft class lacks some of the endorsement appeal of previous classes and might struggle to land the same lucrative deals handed out in recent years.
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