Monday, September 13, 2010

Heat Awaits D-day for Dampier

If you listen to the latest sales job by Heat president Pat Riley, his pitch is that Miami will be just fine this Act_erick_dampier season at what arguably is the team's weakest position.

Riley sees a potential oasis where most folks see a pivotal position as stable as quicksand.

Sure, the Heat has about 28 feet of bodies committed to the center spot in the likes of 7-3 Zydrunas Ilgauskas, 6-9 Joel Anthony, 6-11 Jamaal Magloire and 6-10 Dexter Pittman. Each has either unique size or gifts. None is close to being the complete package that would make him the clear-cut anchor at the position.

And that's why Monday is the start of an intriguing period for the Heat. With training camp looming in a matter of days, there could soon be one big man on the market who has enough intangibles to garner a high level of Heat interest. Monday essentially opens the official bidding for the services of Erick Dampier.

Today marks the end of the 60-day period from which Dampier was dealt by Dallas to Charlotte, which can now trade the veteran center and his gold-mine of a $13 million, non-guaranteed contract. Dampier is highly likely to be released by any team that trades for him, meaning he'd end up a free-agent available at a drastically reduced price.

Here's where the Heat comes in, depending on how drastic a reduction Dampier is willing to accept.

Despite four bodies at center, the Heat still has questions at the position. Unfortunately, Riley only has the veteran's minimum of $1.3 million to offer - and Dampier already reportedly has turned down more than that in some preliminary discussions on a new deal with Charlotte.

But this is Miami. And there's known to be mutual interest. In fact, Dampier has already told at least one long-time associate in his Jackson, Miss. hometown that Miami would be at the top of his list if he's released. Dampier's camp also indicated that to the Bobcats, who are convinced he's likely headed for Miami if Charlotte can't find a trade partner.

But the Heat is not in position to trade for him, with only Mario Chalmers and rookies available to send.

Even at this advanced stage of his career, Dampier, 34, is still a productive rebounder and shot-blocker. And he's far from a liability on offense. That combination, alone, would - or should - put him ahead in the pecking order the Heat has right now. Otherwise, the Heat would have to explore the alternative options at center. The ones Riley laid out during his recent conference call previewing the Heat's training camp.

"I can't wait for all of this to sort of work out," Riley said, before lauding Anthony's athleticism and shot-blocking, Big Z's shooting and size and Magloire's rugged defense. "But when people look at the center position, they probably look at those three guys and say, 'It's not good enough.' "

Riley believes Chris Bosh, Juwan Howard and Udonis Haslem - all natural power forwards - have shown enough over their careers to step in and fill some voids at center. Especially from an offensive standpoint. None would - or should - be asked to man the center spot for extended stretches.

"So, I think we probably have more versatility at the center position than, I think, anybody in the league, to manage that position with versatility, with savvy, different kind of players," Riley insisted, before mentioning the Lakers, Celtics and Magic as teams that have a clear edge on Miami in the middle. "But we feel we have enough up front to match up with any of these guys."

At the time of those statements, it was difficult to tell whether Riley was working harder to convince himself or his audience of the Heat's optimism at center - as is. Dampier's arrival - via free agency by way of a trade from Charlotte and/or his subsequent release - would render Riley's reasoning a bit more of a reality.

(For live news, notes and updates on the Heat, follow me on Twitter @ twitter.com/WallaceNBAHeat. To post a question or join our live Heat chat each Thursday from 1-2 p.m., click here.)

 

Thursday, September 09, 2010

How The Heat's East Shakes Out

With less than three weeks remaining before the start of Heat training camp, one of the focuses today was Bulls Heat Main on where Miami will finish in a much stronger Eastern Conference mix.

I've got the Heat finishing atop the standings when all 82 are played. I'm not sure that 72 victories are in store for this team, though. The Heat will have quite a fight on its hands to challenge the Bulls record set during the 1996 season. That Tuesday night game in Milwaukee in February is no longer the gimme it might have been. That Friday tilt in Charlotte, as we've seen in the past, is much tougher than it used to be.

The bottom-feeders in the East are no longer chump-change. New Jersey won't be flirting with disaster this time around. And even the depleted Cleveland and Toronto squads will be highly motivated, albeit far less talented, when the Heat rolls into town.

Having said all of that, I was asked during today's live Heat chat how I saw the East breaking down. Honestly, I haven't yet given it much thought. When the Heat was a middle-of-the-pack team the past two seasons, it was sort of necessary to see where it might fall in the conference pecking order well in advance of the start of the season.

But with this team expected to be no lower than second in the conference, it doesn't matter as much what takes place below the top three or four teams in the East race. But for the record, I've got Miami ending up first with somewhere between 64 and 68 victories. From there, it's Boston, Orlando and Chicago.

Beyond that, it's anyone's guess. Here's the best of the best of today's Heat chat.

Most Recently Answered Questions

Questions 1 - 15 of 1331 (Page 1 of 45)

Q: We all know Anderson Varejao thrived in Cleveland playing alongside Lebron, getting a rich contract along the way. Who among those currently in the roster do you think/see would mesh well with Lebron in the same manner this season? Who fits that "high-energy" bench player mold?

Answered 09/09/10 14:07:22 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: It would have to be a guy like Udonis Haslem. The Heat has several bodies at the power forward and center spot, but there's not a lot of youth, energy and athleticism at those spots. So the choices are limited. But this type of roster and these type of double-team-commanding players would seem to benefit a step-out-shooting, rebound-hauling presence like Haslem the most among those in the mix.

Q: We can go back and forth on this but the reality is that the heat are presently hurting in the point guard/center position. While am not taking away d heat arsenal on other position, I will like to advise the miami front office to still take a second look on A.I and patiently await d Erick Dampiers waiver from the bobcat. Am even surprise that d heat is not signing one of their own "SILER" he was more of an enforcer and defensive oriented than PITTMAN.

Answered 09/09/10 14:03:34 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: I think the Heat is fairly confident in manning the point guard and center spots by committee. You'd like to be able to morph Eddie, Mario and Carlos into one guy. The same can be said of Jamaal, Joel and Big Z. But that's not a luxury the Heat has. When you load up with stars the way Miami has, you have to sacrifice elsewhere. But you need some supporting cast guys to rise to the challenge and play better than expected.

Q: Hey micheal what is your opinion on tattoos in the NBA and do u have one.Also Lebron has a tradition of getting a new tattoo before the post season every year I think he should get a crown on the back of his neck on top of his name James so that would make the king James even cooler

Answered 09/09/10 14:00:47 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: No, I don't have any tattoos. Never really seriously considered getting one. They don't tend to show up too well on us chocolate-ly-blessed guys:)My only concern what these guys are going to feel like when they turn 60 or 70 and are still inked up like that.

Q: Hi Mike, In Kobe's recent interview, he said that he would never do what Lebron did, leaving his team to go play with another superstar (although his trade request a few years ago seems to contradict that). My question is, do you think that Kobe would have swallowed his ego enough to do what Wade did, sacrificing salary, spotlight, stats and credit for winning, by recruiting talents the caliber of Lebron and Bosh? My gut says no, especially with what happened when he played with Shaq. What do you think?

Answered 09/09/10 13:57:44 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: I think the Kobe we see now is a bit different from the Kobe that fell into that ego war with Shaq. Of course, it took Kobe a few years to answer his critics in terms of being able to win one without Shap. I didn't see Kobe's interview you're talking about. But if that is indeed the context of his statements, then it is a bit hypocritical. I would give Kobe a slight pass, though, because I don't think he would have demanded a trade if the Lakers posted the best record in the league and got as far as Cleveland did the last two years. In that event, I believe Kobe would demand that the Lakers do something to bring in more help.

Q: Hey Mike, i know the Heat are missing a big piece at center. But we do have big Z, along with joel anthony who i think is one of the best shot blocking center's in the league. But i wouldn't sleep on dexter pittman either. Do you think the Heat even with the big 3 and a solid supporting cast, couldn't win a title within the next 2 years?

Answered 09/09/10 13:54:48 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: If they don't, it would be considered by many, including this team, as a failure. I'm not among those who say the Heat has to win it all in Year 1. But I think they have to have some hardware to show for all of this hype, hoopla and expectations by Year 2.

Q: What is the spill over effect when a team like this is put together? Specifically, what change or effect does it have on local writers covering the Heat, or even guys like Eric Reid and Tony F? Because I have notice that people tend to remember not just players on multiple championship teams, but also writers and commentators.

Answered 09/09/10 13:53:34 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: Great question. Those of us who are around the team daily, both home and on the road, will have a chance to chronicle the type of stories that might only come around once or twice in a career. With more attention paid to this team, it also increases the exposure a lot of us can receive beyond the local level. In many ways, we'll simply find ourselves holding on for the ride.

Q: Hey Mike, can I have your HONEST opinion? 2011 NBA playoffs Seeds 1 - 8. (I Have: 1. Miami 2. Boston 3. Orlando 4. Milwaukee 5. Chicago 6. Atlanta 7. Charlotte 8. Washington)

Answered 09/09/10 13:51:21 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: I think the top three are locks. I'd move Chicago up to fourth, Atlanta to fifth, Milwaukee to sixth, Charlotte to seventh and I can see New York, New Jersey, Detroit, Indiana and Cleveland fighting for that final spot. I feel like I'm forgetting someone. But that's how I see it.

Q: do you see the heat signing any other players before the start of the season?

Answered 09/09/10 13:49:06 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: Riley might be inclined eventually to invite a veteran or two such as an Iverson, Stackhouse, Larry Hughes or Flip Murray if there is a shortage of guards because of lingering injuries. But I don't see Pat rushing to do anything like that at this point unless it becomes necessary.


Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/qna/forum/heat_chat/index.html#ixzz0z3bkLqIN

(For live news, notes and updates on the Heat, follow me on Twitter @ twitter.com/WallaceNBAHeat. To post a question or join our live Heat chat each Thursday from 1-2 p.m., click here.)

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Roster Room For Zo? Always

Hot topics from this week's Heat live chat ... ZoFighting

Most Recently Answered Questions

Questions 1 - 15 of 1270 (Page 1 of 43)

Q: Hey Michael, I'm a huge Heat fan and as soon as Bron mentioned he was going to retire he's #23 i knew only possible cities were Chicago or Miami. But what do you think of a possible return to the sidelines by Alonzo Mourning? I know he's 40 years old now but 12-18 minutes a night is well enough for this cast? What do you think? Is February an option for return? Eddy B

Answered 08/19/10 14:05:26 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: I think Zo did some of his best work by joining the Heat's front-office recruiting team during free agency. He's also got a lot more on his plate than basketball, with all of his philanthropic work. Would it have been nice to see Timmy and Zo get the last two roster spots just to keep these guys focused on practices and on the road? Certainly. I've lobbied for it, both playfully and sort-of-seriously. But Zo insists his playing days are done. That won't, however, keep him from sneaking into a practice with his Heat guard and working out with these guys every now and then.

Q: It is time to quit hating and come to a realization that the Miami Heat are arguably the best team in the NBA. The THRINASTY is a bond created from drat day seven years ago, played together in the Olympics, and is a special relationship you will most likely never see in sports again. This is a unique situation where friendship, cap space, and family got this deal done. Riley and Wade thank you. Sit back and enjoy the show

Answered 08/19/10 14:02:26 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: Well said.

Q: hi michael very respectfully think that you do not respect the play of Carlos Arroyo on your final analysis or you have it playing in the rotation you know Carlos Arroyo has always had to shut his mouth to people like you who just think that the best players are those that are produced in the United States fortunately in recent years has shown that basketball has grown.

Answered 08/19/10 14:01:45 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: I've got no problem with Carlos. I respect what he brings to the table and wish him the best.

Q: Q: Does Carlos Arroyo have a chance this year? He did better than Chalmers last year and is good for the Latino fan base. This has nothing to do with any fan base; this is about championships. I suspect this season will start like last, with the starting job at point guard being Mario's to lose. But if Carlos has a strong showing at the World Championships with Puerto Rico, I would not be surprised if LeBron and Dwyane take note and perhaps make a note of it with Erik Spoelstra.you think of this

Answered 08/19/10 14:00:47 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: Arroyo just won't go away. Good for him. He's stubborn, and that's what the Heat needs at that position. He's not afraid to stand up and correct more established players on the team. And he doesn't make a lot of mistakes. That should keep him in the mix with the playing rotation. Unless politics get in the way.

Q: Charles was a great ball player, but now he is playing a new position and that is the loud mouth EX-Player. Charles I am a fan of yours and I am disappointed with you and your tunnel vision, you value your own opinion to much. you see thats all your talking is, an opinion. charles you are still ok with me even if it does not matter to you. charles do me a favor shut up get off Bron. every great player who has won the NBA title has had Great players playing with them..ie Magic, Mike, Bird, even you tried to hook up with the Dream. charles lets stop the Black on Black crime.. 

Answered 08/19/10 13:59:03 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: I, too, loved Barkley as a player and find him entertaining and engaging as an analyst. But this thing with LeBron seemed to go a bit too far.

Q: Hello, Michael Wallace, How will new Heat addition, Mike Miller fit in the Miami Heat's system of playing basketball on the court? Will Haslem return for his 7th season with the Heat? What do you think about the new big three of Lebron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade on the same Miami Heat team? take care.

Answered 08/19/10 13:57:11 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: Mike Miller could put up Reggie Miller type shooting numbers with this team. He might be the one who benefits most on this roster from the addition of LeBron and Bosh. There is no reason he shouldn't lead the league in three-point shooting and average about 6 assists and 5 rebounds to go with it. Miller always has been a shooter, but people don't give him enough credit for being a playmaker.

Q: Lebum is the only guy in the league that I hope gets an career ending injury...so I don't have to see the stupid faces that he makes..chalk in the air..I wish he would've taken his talents to Europe...enjoy the NBA's most hated player Miami! Come to think of it, the Heat are the Oakland Raiders of the NBA - Finally, Lebum said he's keeping track of all the negative stories and comments people have made - yeah right...he would have to get a computer with 1000 Gigabyte hard drive to store all the negative comments that fans, players, etc. have been saying. And whats he going to because of it? Stop choking in the playoffs - the opposite will happen - Lebum and his management dream team of morons/idiots will never get BIG advertising deals in the future because what BRAND wants to be endorsed by a VILLAIN...Lebum thought he could take 10 Million a year less with Miami and it wouldn't matter because of his endorsement deals...oops - I predict even NIKE drops him when they realize EVERYONE outside of Miami HATES LEBRON JAMES...I will be tossing my Nike B-ball in the trash and buying some Converse - anyone that pays Lebron James money ids getting boycotted by me...As a season ticket holder in LA - I have already given my tickets for Miami's game in LA away...I will not profit or support that BUM or his team...D.Wade and LeBum said the rest of the NBA should thank them for helping them sell tickets...EGO's are out of control - Sorry D.Wade no more T Mobile commercials for you either

Answered 08/19/10 13:54:52 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: Charles Barkley, is that you?

Q: What's going on Mike, I've heard your interview on the "Armando & The Amigo Show" and I must admit it was lively to say the least. The guys said that LeBron James would be a "punk" if he did not confront Sir Charles Barkley and I agree to a certain extent. A fight with Barkley has suspension and fine from the NBA written all over it. I know it's the right thing to do if we were on the streets but we're not on the streets anymore Mike. Lebron James is a walking multi-million dollar superstar and Sir Charles Barkley is a Hall of Famer. I highly doubt, LeBron meant that he was going to fight every single person who said something negative about him or the Heat. I'm a true LeBron James fan and I support him no matter what decision he made. I believe that he was just letting his true fans know that he is hearing all of the critics and that he won't let us down during the season. Besides he's not the only one to take mental notes. Michael Jordan took mental notes back in his day, so much so, that the media use to think that he was making them up just to get himself pumped up for the game. I'm not comparing LeBron to Jordan, personally I have always thought of LeBron more Oscar Robertson, Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan. I've always thought of Dwyane Wade as more Jordan-esque than LeBron. What I'm trying to say is would LeBron still be considered a "punk" if he called up Sir Charles Barkley and they talked over their differences. Instead of coming to blows as if they were back on the streets because I state again we're not on the streets Mike. And LeBron isn't trying to jeopardize playing next season let alone his career.

Answered 08/19/10 13:53:25 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: Well said. But at this point, I don't think there's anything else LeBron needs to say - or tweet - that would get his point across better than going out and dominating dudes on the court. Barkley is paid to be controversial at this point. LeBron doesn't need to justify anything to Barkley. Just play ball, is all I'm saying.

Q: Do you see LeBron James playing the Magic Johnson role (point guard or point forward)on this team and averaging a triple double?

Answered 08/19/10 13:50:08 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: I don't know about AVERAGING a triple double. But I think his numbers will be close enough. They've always been impressive. I think he has a chance to be far more efficient in all aspects of the game. But not even the great Magic Johnson ever averaged a triple double. That hasn't happened since Oscar Robertson did it some 40 seasons ago.

Q: Who do you believe will be the leader of this Miami Heat team? And do you believe it will take long for their chemistry to develop? I think it will be co-lead by Dwyane Wade and LeBron James with no problems. And I think Wade and James will be on the same page early on with the rest of the team to follow towards the middle of the season. Besides Wade is quoted saying that he's played with LeBron more than he's played with his own teammates.

Answered 08/19/10 13:48:03 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: Wade will be the unquestioned leader of this team. LeBron might be the best all around player on the roster, but this is Wade's team. I've compared it before the to the Yankee dynamic with Jeter and A-Rod. The difference is that Wade is still in the prime of his career, whereas Joete is on the decline.

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/qna/forum/heat_chat/index.html#ixzz0x4o8iUyK

(For live news, notes and updates on the Heat, follow me on Twitter @ twitter.com/WallaceNBAHeat. To post a question or join our live Heat chat each Thursday from 1-2 p.m., click here.)

Thursday, August 05, 2010

Answer This: Why Not Heat-Lakers Final?

Any reason why the Heat and Lakers won't meet in the 2011 Finals? Is it too late for Allen Iverson? Should  Lakers-Heat-Main the Heat be concerned about Boston after the addition of yet another washed-up O'Neal? Will Dwyane Wade beat out LeBron James and Chris Bosh to win the Finals MVP?

Just a sample of another week of remarkable questions from you guys regarding the new-look Heat. It no longer amazes me the level of national and international interest this team has generated. The questions to our Heat's weekly Q&A are coming from all over the globe.

Keep them coming, and I'll keep addressing them - if not outright answering them. Either way, we're both along for what could be a wild and crazy thrill ride this season.

Here's a preview of this week's Q&A entry, which just wrapped up a few minutes ago ...

Most Recently Answered Questions

Questions 1 - 15 of 1218 (Page 1 of 42)

Q: With Eddie House in the fold now and a slew of Big Men, maybe it doesn't seem all that crazy to bring in a T-Mac or Iverson type. TMac because he has something to prove (that he's healthy and can still play...and that he's willing to be a role player)& A.I. because he wants a paycheck and probably never thought about his legacy until injuries, age and mileage forced him to. Why not go in to the HOF as an MVP, scoring champ and NBA Finals Champ? I really don't think the big three and/or the management regime will tolerate any locker room dissension--they'd just be gone if it didn't work, right?

Answered 08/05/10 13:58:53 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: The problem with both those guys is what you just mentioned. They feel they have something to prove to the league. And on this Heat team, there won't be that many minutes to go out there with an agenda. There might be many nights of DNP-CD's (did not play, coach's decision). And eventually, that could wear on this team. No need in taking any chances with chemistry on a team that has yet to jell.

Q: DO YOU THINK MARIO CHALMERS CAN DEVELOP TO AN ELITE POINT GUARD.

Answered 08/05/10 13:57:03 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: I can't see him being Derron Williams, Chris Paul, Rajon Rondo or Steve Nash. So I guess my answer would be no. But he can be a very solid pro along the likes of Derek Fisher, Raymond Felton, etc.

Q: You probably get about a million of these a week, but I just want to go on record as saying I like you so much better than Shmira. Keep it up sir.

Answered 08/05/10 13:55:36 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: Hey, thanks. Much appreciated. Ira is an extremely hard-working beat writer who has covered the Heat since Day 1. Thankfully, there's enough room on this beat and in this town for the both of us to continue to give you guys solid Heat coverage.

Q: Can we send are center Dexter Pittman into the Euroleague with Jarvis Varnado??

Answered 08/05/10 13:54:06 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: Yes, but I can't see that happening with Dexter. I think he needs to be a big body to bang against in practice. He also can develop much better with the Heat than overseas at this point.

Q: First off, I wouldn't be that surprised if the Lakers didn't even make it back to the finals next June considering how many top-tier teams in the West have improved and how close they came to missing the Finals this past June with such a favorable bracket, but anyway, when people examine the MIA-LA matchup they always give a huge advantage to LA because of their size down low. Is this matchup problem being exaggerated though? Bynum isn't always in the game with Pau for one, and doesn't finish games with him down low. Also, isn't that what Z is for? Bosh-Z is equal in length to Pau-Bynum. I'm not saying they're equally talented, but a combo of Bosh and Z has to come close to neutralizing that alleged "huge" size advantage, right?

Answered 08/05/10 13:52:15 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: Size-wise, yes. But there are so many other factors in play there. These teams match up really well. Really, really well. That's what makes it so fun to imagine some 10 months in advance of it even having a chance to happen.

Q: did jon scheyer make the heat roster or not?

Answered 08/05/10 13:50:23 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: Not. At least not yet.

Q: hey mike why we get ju howard makes no sense why not go for rasual butler or j will over arroyo at least ha can hit the 3 point shot also u think the heat will pass the 72 win season of the bulls do u think riley will come down to coach he is got the respect to coach the big 3 i don't see that on spoelstra he has not prove anything and why is former greats like jordan and magic hating on lebron they didn't win on their own thanxs

Answered 08/05/10 13:50:09 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: Howard came in on the vets' minimum. Butler took more money to go back to the Clippers. J-Will never got beyond a flirtation. Arroyo is back and in the fold.

Q: Hi Mike. Come the time where the Heat plays the Cavs in Cleveland, first, it HAS to be on ESPN right? And what's more likely? An empty building to boycott Lebron? or a full house that will curse every Miami possession? I don't care how crappy the Cav's line up is or if there at the bottom of the standings. I'm watching that game!

Answered 08/05/10 13:48:33 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: Of course, that Dec. 2 visit to Cleveland is going to be on national TV. No other way to do it. And the building will be packed, no doubt about it.

Q: Why has Channel 6 so severely cut back on their sports coverage? On the night we were waiting to hear about Lebron coming to Miami, they didn't even have Joe Rose covering the story!! http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/6974/pissonfans.jpg I've been watching Channel 6 for thirty years and I'm disgusted. They even eliminated coverage by sportscasters and just have the news readers reading the minimal stories. At first, it was only on weekends but now it's during the week, too. Not much of a lead in to NBC Nightly News. I'm switching to Channel 4 which still has Jim Berry and Kim Bokamper.

Answered 08/05/10 13:47:42 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: OK. How did this one find my in-box?

Q: Do you think Dwyane Wade can still win the NBAs MVP award even if Lebron James and Chris Bosh are on HIS team? and if so how can he, what does he need to do, and how high are the chances/what is the percentage??

Answered 08/05/10 13:46:32 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: Man, we're getting waaaaayyyy ahead of ourselves on this one. I can't even put a percentage on them getting to the Finals, let alone who the MVP is going to be. Let's get to at least the season opener before we get to that one.

Q: first my heart goes out to HASLEM.we got backups for every position but wade's.why not a t-mac.he's a risk but he's a smart player with a big upside,little risk. 10 min to 15 min a game to help take a load off for wade.we need to save the big 3 from wearing down and make a run at the playoffs.

Answered 08/05/10 13:45:25 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: Technically, Eddie House or James Jones would be the backup at shooting guard for Dwyane. So there are bodies there at that position.

Q: Wade - Lebron - Bosh - Udonis - Chalmers is that the starting five? I knew Lebron had definitely selected Miami when he said he spoke with mom. Obviously he wanted her approval to leave Cleveland.

Answered 08/05/10 13:44:28 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: I think Udonis is coming off the bench. I'd put Joel Anthony in there at center. But again, we're still weeks, if not months, from that being anywhere near decided.

Q: Why Pat Beverly? Read he will never have the offensive and ball-handling skills needed in the pros.

Answered 08/05/10 13:43:31 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: To be honest, that signing sort of surprised me as well. Even on a partial guarantee contract. But it's hard to question Riley's moves this offseason. Dude has come up with all 7s all summer.

Q: I do understand d goal and d rhythm that d miami front office is trying to achieve but adding a player like Allen Ivenson and shaq will not cause any harm. So my question to you is ds, do u think is a good idea to add a player like A.I AND BIG DIESEL on d heat roaster?

Answered 08/05/10 13:42:30 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: No, and nope. Same as last week. ONly now, Shaq is off the board and is now in Boston.

Q: what are the chances of the miami heat winning the nba championship this season?

Answered 08/05/10 13:41:46 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: They certainly have the roster to get there. I think they at least have to get to the NBA Finals to avoid any "failure" discussion.

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/qna/forum/heat_chat/index.html#ixzz0vkvlFifP

(For live news, notes and updates on the Heat, follow me on Twitter @ twitter.com/WallaceNBAHeat. To post a question or join our live Heat chat each Thursday from 1-2 p.m., click here.)


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