"The Matrix" going to Cleveland?

The Cavaliers have had ongoing discussions with the Miami Heat about an Anderson Varejao and Wally Szczerbiak for Shawn Marion trade, a league executive familiar with the discussions said. Miami has had discussions with several teams lately on Marion, including the Toronto Raptors and Sacramento Kings, sources say, but Cleveland could deliver the most intriguing proposition.

For the Heat, Szczerbiak has a $13 million expiring contract, and Varejao has a player’s option on $6.2 million. He’ll likely opt out. This leaves Miami with a chance to negotiate a new contract with Varejao, or let him lapse and allow the Heat even more cap space for the summer.. Still, Cleveland is 20-4 and hesitant to mess with the chemistry. Nevertheless, the Cavs are trying desperately to win a championship with James prior to 2010 free agency.

Brown loves to play big lineups with Varejao on the floor, but Marion could give the Cavs the versatility on defense that he did the Suns. In the same series, Marion could cover Tony Parker and Tim Duncan. Against the Celtics, Marion could spend time on Rajon Rondo and Kevin Garnett. For the Cavs, it’s something to consider as the days and weeks churn toward the Feb. 17 trade deadline.

- Source: Yahoo! Sports

Trade Shawn Marion for Emeka Okafor?

It's no secret that restricted free agent, center-forward Emeka Okafor is not happy with the Charlotte Bobcats. Okafor wants to be traded to another team. Sources say Okafor is ready to move on and if the Bobcats want the best value from him, they should arrange a sign-and-trade with the Miami Heat and get Marion. Marion's uptempo style and tight defense will help the Bobcats in many ways. They will be smaller but faster and more athletic. The Heat should consider this trade because they are in desperate need of a center. It's a win-win for both teams.

Pat Stepping Down

Just heard some news that Pat Riley is stepping down as the head coach. An official announcement today at 4pm ET. Who will be the next head coach? Some are saying Erik Spoelstra (currently the assistant coach).

May 20th NBA Draft Lottery '08

Mark your calenders Heat fans. May 20th is the day if your team is lucky or not to get the number 1 pick. The top 2 players getting the most buzz right now is Derrick Rose and Michael Beasley. The Miami Heat has a 25% chance for the No.1 Pick, 21% chance for the No.2 Pick, and 17% for the No.3 Pick. You can even try to roll your dice by yourself. Go to this link ESPN Mock Draft Generator and try it. Out of the ten times I try, I got 4 times No.1 Pick, 2 times No.2, 2 times No.3, and 2 No.4 pick.

The last 3 years, the worst teams in the league "DID NOT" get the No.1 pick with the most ping-pong balls. It actually sucks! It only happen 2 times since 2000, Cleveland in 2003 and Orlando in 2004. Here's the Year-by-Year Lottery Probabilities provided by ESPN Year-By-Year Lottery Probabilities. To view more on previous results Click Here.

Wade Still A Superstar?

There's been a lot of questions floating around about Dwayne Wade still a superstar? My answer is "YES." Ok, I admit that I'm a big fan of Dwayne Wade but let's put that aside and be realistic here. Dwayne had TWO surgeries last season and do you really think that after the surgeries, you expect him to be fully recovered in matters of less 6 months? Heck NO! You would need at least 10+ months. I mean he missed some games beginning of the 2007-2008 season but that is still not enough time. Of course he's going to be less explosive; even if it's Michael Jordan I would say the same thing. There's no way you can judge him at a 60% health. The only way that this question should come up again is after 2 years and when he's 100% fully recovered. Otherwise, it's dumb for anyone to ask that.

Heat Finally Waive Parker

Hey, let's all say "It's about damn time!" When the Heat first signed him, we all knew it was a desperation move. We were lacking in PG because Quinn lacks experience, J-Will was unsure about his health, and GP was retiring. But they should have sign Earl Boykins. I know he's a small guy but he's quick and he can shoot; or let's put it this way, anything is better than Parker.

Anyway, we finally got rid of this loser. We don't have to pay a guy that sits his ass at home and taking up roster space.

Wade Done For The Year

Just got some breaking news, Dwayne Wade done for the year. He is having surgery on his knee but believe to be able to come back in 30 days but doubts he will. Please come back as this story develops.

Riley to scout college players

If the Heat finish last in the NBA this season which Pat Riley is planning on doing, the Heat can not fall below the 4th pick. But the chances of getting the 1st pick is not high either. Pat is probably going to watch Michael Beasley & Derrick Rose play for sure. But what happens if we fall below the 2nd pick? Who will be our 3rd or 4th option? I've been hearing Jerryd Bayless (from Arizona), Eric Gordon (from Indiana), DJ Augustin (from Texas), Roy Hibbert (from Georgetown), and DeAndre Jordan (from Texas A&M); those are some of top players in this draft. So do we need a PG more than a C? Marcus Banks is doing a pretty good job at the PG position right now. If we lose Derrick Rose and Michael Beasley, we should definitely draft Jerryd Bayless and trade Marcus Banks/Blount for Zach Randolph since Banks has been showing some good trade values. What kinda lineup do you guys see next season?

No plans to leave Miami, says Wade

"Wade's unhappy...Wade's going to opt-out and go to Chicago, Wade stressed about Heat's future" and so on...I want to say this, "Wade is happy in Miami" at least for now. When he was asked about his future in Miami, he simply says this "Why would I want to leave and let someone else come in and get the glory for taking Miami back?" He definitely doesn't care about what the critics, reporters and writers. Some said he will be out of Miami as soon as he has the option to opt-out. But all are "SPECULATIONS."

I would have to agree with Wade; it's just the business of the game. When the time comes and his contract is up, then we'll talk. But for now, he has at least 2 more years left and the only thing he wants to do now is concentrate on fully recover from his surgeries, win games & silence the critics next year.

"No deal!" says Parker

Smush Parker is STILL with the Miami Heat. Apparently, Smush rejected the Heat's latest offer. "An offer was made and they turned it down - a very good offer," Pat Riley said. Parker's agent, did not return a message Sunday evening. When asked if Parker would return to the team this season and Riley said, "No."

Parker is definitely dragging the Miami Heat. I don't know if he is upset with the organization and purposely drag this team, but it's definitely not good for both sides.

Wright's season is over...

This season has been a nightmare and now there's more bad news. Dorell Wright had his season ending surgery today after Sunday's loss at Sacramento. Wright was out with 9:40 left in the second quarter, and was helped off the court by teammates. He was examined in the locker room and initially said Wright suffered a hyper-extended knee. Wright had a season ending surgery to repair a torn tendon in his left knee.

This is horrible. Wright was shown improvements but his season is now over. Just when he has a chance to show his potentials, he now has to wait.

Wade's Future

With a horrific record of 11-45, is this the right time to say "Rest?" With Wade playing nowhere near 100 percent, Wade has no plans to sit out and continues to play at his usual 35-40 minutes a game. Riley had offered Wade to sit out but Wade said he would continue to push through the discomfort out of respect to his teammates. He also said he will be participating the summer Olympics.

But should he continue playing with his sore knee and shoulder? The answer is "No" because he needs to get back to the old Flash we all accustomed to. Next year will be a exciting year for the Heat. If we are lucky to get a Michael Beasley or Derrick Rose type of player here; a lot will change and he needs to be ready. There will be a lot of off-season moves this summer with huge names, so there's something to be excited about. But we understand because there's still season ticket holders that wants to see them win. But I still think he should sit out maybe with 5-10 more games remaining because I want to see Flash is Flash again next year with a new team.

Parker Out Soon

*Update On Parker* 3/2/08

According to sources, there was no word on an agreement by Saturday night on guard Smush Parker. They continued to negotiate a potential contract buyout. I will definitely keep you guys in the loop as we're all anxious to see him pack his bags.

(2/29/08) It looks like Riley is working on a deal that will kick Smush Parker out the door. A buyout is in the works indicated by Pat Riley before the Seattle game. The buyout is set to be completed by Saturday 11:59pm deadline for Parker to retain playoff eligibility with another team.

Finally, the Heat is working on a buyout to get this bum off the Heat team. Many Heat fans including myself, had been wishing to either trade him or buy him out. Heat fans...your wish will come true soon.

Marion's First Win

The Miami Heat torched the Sacramento Kings Tuesday night as they finally cut their 11 game losing streak. It is also Shawn Marion's first win as a Heat member. You can tell from Marion's post-game interview that he needed that win. Marion's great in the 6 games averaging 17.8 PPG & 10.5 RPG. Tonight was also Haslem's first game coming back from his high ankle injury. Haslem was back to his PF position so that pushed Marion back to his natural spot. Dorell Wright did not play for some reason. Through out the whole game, the Heat was up about 3-7 points until they smoked the Kings during the 3rd quarter, leading as much as 25+ points. After that, the Kings never caught up and so the Heat beat the Kings 107-86, their first blowout game of the season. Thursday's game against one of the top 5 teams in the league, the LA Lakers. This will be a tough game for the Heat but let's hope we can grab a win.

Cook to D-League?

Looks like Pat Riley is considering demoting Daequan Cook to the Iowa Energy of the D-League. Riley is says time in the D-League could help give Cook boost. When Cook made his debut he played well (first dunk in Boston, dunked Posey). Several games later, he made a 3-pointer that sent the game to overtime. Heat fans were excited & energized about Cook. But he quickly became a streaker shooter, missing a lot of shots and Riley benched him. Now, Pat Riley is planning on sending Cook to the D-League for a month in hopes to energize him and maybe come back to play the remaining of the season.

The Riley Experiment "Now's the time!"

Now that Haslem is back from his high ankle injury, where will Marion be place at? Marion at his natural SF or replace Haslem's PF? In the next few games, I expect Riley to shake up the roster and experiment. Most likely Haslem will start and Wright coming off the bench. If there's a time to experiment the roles of each player, "Now's the time!" Marcus Banks has been pretty good coming off the bench. In some instances, he plays good D and getting steals. I think it would be a good idea to have him start a couple of games and see what he brings to the table. J-Will "MIGHT" not be here next year, and for sure Smush Parker will be either traded or bought out.

I like to see this lineup: Blount, Haslem, Marion, Wade, Banks for a few games. This sounds like a running team but is it effective? I don't know. But it's worth the experiment. We've seen Chris Quinn coming off the bench pretty good, Dorell is getting better, Barron & Anthony are inexperience, but all of this is evaluation period. This is good because there will be adjustments and decisions to be made this off-season. With the remaining of these games, I expect Riley to take full advantage and rebuild the Heat fast.

Defenseless Heat

After watching the Heat getting torched by the Houston Rockets Thursday night, one of the biggest problems that this team had since the beginning of the year is "Defense." There are numerous games when the Heat are up by 5+ points with 5 minutes to go in the 4th quarter just melts down. Their poor Defense and Rebounding had cost them and it is why they are 9-43. But it is also that this team is just bad. Should this continue with the last half of the season; expect Pat Riley to make definite big changes to improve their Defense this off-season.

Heat Shopping for Big Man

The Heat are known to be looking for a big man in the wake of Shaquille O'Neal's departure, and Nene for Jason Williams' expiring contract would work financially and positionally for the Nuggets, who need payroll relief and a point guard. Source

Wade Wants Rebuilding Fast

In 3 years Wade has the option to opt out. Building through the draft takes 2+ years and Wade may have no patience for that. "We're looking to come into next summer and really do some things," Wade said. "Whatever we do in the draft is what we do, but we're looking to get veteran guys." Palm Beach Post

The Heat has been linked in trade talks are Warriors forward Michael Pietrus, Grizzlies Mike Miller & Memphis Kyle Lowry. What about Smush Parker? Riley is definitely going to do something about that. What about a trade or a buyout? "The Heat also approaches the trading deadline hopeful of putting an end to the situation with point guard Smush Parker, who has been on paid leave from the team since a November run-in with a valet-parking attendant. Should a Parker deal not be found, a buyout or an action of reinstatement by the players' union could be the next step." Sun-Sentinel

Marion already said he'll stay put for the Heat. But with Pat Riley's genius mind, he may be able to work something out with Marion and offer him a long term deal. That may give the Heat some more cap room to bring another player.

Pat Riley believes the race to rebuild is full speed ahead for the Heat. "We're going to turn this around as fast as we can," Riley said. Palm Beach Post

Trade Deadline This Thursday

There are some speculations that the Heat might still be shopping. One of the latest rumors are to either send Jason Williams or Ricky Davis in exchange for Mike Miller.
Memphis wants the expiring contracts so they can open up cap space for this summer's free agents. Pat has always denied about trade rumors and always say "We are not in discussion with any team right now." So the chances of this happening may be significantly high. Come back as this story continues to develop.

Is Riley done trading?

The Heat MIGHT not be done just yet. Does he continue to make moves to clear up more cap space? Maybe package a Mark Blount & Udonis Haslem and ship out Blount's contract? The Heat might be setting themselves up for this upcoming off-season with many potential free agents. I do not have the list but some of these players will be Iverson, Arenas, Jamison, Brand, Okafor, J.O'Neal, etc...* Don't forget we also have a our top 5 pick in the draft.

Source by ESPN

2008 Free Agents Restricted

Key: ETO = Early Termination Option; P = Player Option; T = Team Option; '07 QO's = BOLD

Atlanta: Josh Childress, Josh Smith, Salim Stoudamire, Mario West
Boston: Tony Allen
Charlotte: Jermareo Davidson (T), Ryan Hollins, Emeka Okafor
Chicago: Luol Deng, Demetris Nichols, Ben Gordon, Viktor Khryapa
Cleveland: Daniel Gibson, Dwayne Jones
Dallas: Jose Juan Barea
Denver: Yakhouba Diawara, J.R. Smith, Von Wafer
Detroit: Alex Acker, Walter Herrmann
Golden State: Kelenna Azubuike (P), Andris Biedrins, Monta Ellis, C.J. Watson
Houston: Carl Landry, Steve Novak (T), Kirk Snyder
Indiana: Stephen Graham (T), David Harrison, Andre Owens
L.A. Clippers: Paul Davis, Shaun Livingston
L.A. Lakers: Ronny Turiaf, Sasha Vujacic
Memphis: Andre Brown, Juan Carlos Navarro
Miami: Chris Quinn, Dorell Wright
Milwaukee: Ersan Ilyasova, David Noel, Awvee Storey (T)
Minnesota: Ryan Gomes, Craig Smith, Chris Richard, Sebastian Telfair
New Jersey: Nenad Krstic
New York: Randolph Morris
Orlando: James Augustine
Philadelphia: Louis Amundson, Andre Iguodala, Shavlik Randolph, Louis Williams
Phoenix: None
Portland: None
Sacramento: Justin Williams
San Antonio: None
Seatle: Mickael Gelabale, Robert Swift, Delonte West
Toronto: Jose Calderon, Carlos Delfino
Utah: C.J. Miles, Paul Millsap (T)
Washington: None

2008 Free Agents Unrestricted

Atlanta: Anthony Johnson, Tyronn Lue, Lorenzen Wright
Boston: Eddie House, Scot Pollard, James Posey (P)
Charlotte: Derek Anderson, Earl Boykins, Othella Harrington (T), Jeff McInnis
Chicago: Chris Duhon
Cleveland: Devin Brown, Shannon Brown, Ira Newble
Dallas: DeSagana Diop, Devean George, Eddie Jones (P), Juwan Howard
Denver: Anthony Carter, Allen Iverson (ETO), Eduardo Najera
Detroit: Primoz Brezec, Jarvis Hayes, Lindsey Hunter, Flip Murray
Golden State: Matt Barnes, Austin Croshere, Baron Davis (ETO), Patrick O'Bryant,
Mickael Pietrus, Chris Webber
Houston: Steve Francis (P), Dikembe Mutombo, Bonzi Wells
Indiana: Jermaine O'Neal (ETO), Kareem Rush
L.A. Clippers: Elton Brand (ETO), Sam Cassell, Dan Dickau, Corey Maggette (ETO), Quinton Ross, Aaron Williams
L.A. Lakers: Trevor Ariza (P), Chris Mihm (P)
Memphis: Kwame Brown, Casey Jacobsen, Stromile Swift (P)
Miami: Earl Barron, Ricky Davis, Luke Jackson, Alonzo Mourning, Smush Parker (P), Jason Williams
Milwaukee: Royal Ivey, Michael Ruffin, Jake Voskuhl
Minnesota: Michael Doleac, Gerald Green, Theo Ratliff
New Jersey: Malik Allen, Darrell Armstrong, Jamaal Magloire, Bostjan Nachbar, Antoine Wright
New Orleans: Ryan Bowen, Melvin Ely (P), Jannero Pargo (P)
New York: Fred Jones, Stephon Marbury (ETO)
Orlando: Carlos Arroyo, Keith Bogans (P), Keyon Dooling, Maurice Evans, Adonal Foyle (P), Pat Garrity
Philadelphia: Louis Amundson, Andre Iguodala, Shavlik Randolph, Louis Williams
Phoenix: Grant Hill (P), Shawn Marion (ETO), Sean Marks, Eric Piatkowski, Brian Skinner
Portland: James Jones (P), Raef LaFrentz (ETO)
Sacramento: Ron Artest (ETO), Kenny Thomas (ETO), Beno Udrih, Dahntay Jones
San Antonio: Brent Barry, Francisco Elson, Michael Finley, Robert Horry, Damon Stoudamire, Jacque Vaughn (P)
Seatle: Mickael Gelabale, Robert Swift, Delonte West
Toronto: Juan Dixon, Darrick Martin, Rasho Nesterovic (P)
Utah: Jason Hart (P)
Washington: Gilbert Arenas (ETO), Antawn Jamison, Roger Mason

Shaq trade in serious talks

***Latest Update***
Shaq will be flying Wednesday to Phoenix for exam. If successful, he maybe a new member of the Suns. Marion is also reported to be fine with this trade.

MORE sources from ESPN ESPN Shaq Trade Rumor



This source was reported by Sun-Sentinel. Sun-Sentinel

"The courtship that began with a diesel truck motoring up to AmericanAirlines Arena in July 2004 soon could have The Diesel headed back out of town.

Numerous sources, both those close to the Heat and some aware of NBA personnel moves, confirmed Tuesday that the Heat is engaged in talks to trade center Shaquille O'Neal.

An industry source close to the situation confirmed Tuesday night that there is a deal being discussed that would send O'Neal to the Phoenix Suns for forward Shawn Marion and guard Marcus Banks.

The source, who initially viewed the deal as implausible in light of the Suns' fast-paced approach, said he now could see it come to fruition within 48 hours, if it comes to pass at all.

The Heat has had interest in both Marion in Banks in recent seasons, linked to each in various trade speculation.

Marion is enticing both because of his athletic, well-rounded game, as well as having a contract that has only one additional season, at $17.8 million for 2008-09 on his deal.

Unlike O'Neal, who has two additional seasons, at $20 million per year left on his contract, an acquisition of Marion could allow the Heat to enter the free-agent market no later that the 2009 offseason, and possibly as early as this coming offseason, should the versatile forward chose to opt out of his contract this summer for the lengthier deal elsewhere.

Banks has three additional seasons on his contract beyond this season, at an average of $4.5 million per year. While he has proven inconsistent in his time with the Celtics, Timberwolves and Suns, his presence could ease the expected departure of Heat point guard Jason Williams, who becomes a free agent this summer.

Suns coach Mike D'Antoni was evasive on his Tuesday radio show on Phoenix station KTAR.

"It'll be until it won't be," D'Antoni said of the rampant speculation of an impending deal. "As soon as nothing happens, it goes away."

Days after Heat coach Pat Riley said "there's no truth" to an ESPN report that said the team was quietly shopping the center, one of O'Neal teammates said Tuesday "there are some rumblings" regarding O'Neal leaving the team.


While O'Neal underwent a second MRI Tuesday on his inflamed left hip, someone with knowledge of the situation said the center mostly has been biding his time in light of the Heat's 9-37 record, the personal distraction of a pending divorce, and the hope of ending his career in a winning situation.

O'Neal said last week that he was confident a deal would not be sprung upon him, that Riley would work with him, with that process apparently under way.

"I've been in the league 15 years," O'Neal said. "I've seen it all, been through it all. I've just got to sit back. We have the type of rapport that hopefully they would call me."

While O'Neal's current statistics continue to have him as one of the more productive centers in the Eastern Conference, his play has significantly declined since he helped lead the Heat to the 2006 NBA title.

O'Neal turns 36 next month, having missed significant time in each of his seasons with the Heat.

Should O'Neal be dealt, it could entice center Alonzo Mourning to push forward in returning from the devastating knee injury he sustained in December, possibly for a midseason comeback in 2008-09.

Word of the possible O'Neal trade came just hours after guard Dwyane Wade said it was clear that something had to change.

"We can't forfeit the rest of the season," he said. "I've never been a guy to point fingers and blame [others]. I'm also a part of the problem. I don't know what it is."

The Heat goes into tonight's game with the league's worst record and has lost 19 of 20.

"It is never fun when you're losing," Wade said. "It is hard to find the joy in being down 15 or 20 every game.""




This source was reported by the Miami Herald. Source Here

"The Heat has told center Shaquille O'Neal's representation that it is talking about trading him and he should be prepared for the possibility of a deal, according to two officials close to the situation. Phoenix has discussed sending forward Shawn Marion and point guard Marcus Banks to the Heat in return for O'Neal.

Asked for confirmation, one of O'Neal's representatives said O'Neal has been made aware that discussions with Phoenix are serious and ongoing, but that a deal was not definite.

Dallas also has been mentioned as a potential destination, though the Heat had not immediately informed O'Neal of that possibility.

O'Neal, 35, was shocked by the turn of events, an associate said. O'Neal helped lead the Heat to the 2005-06 championship, but Miami has struggled since, losing in the first round of the playoffs last season and opening this season with a league-worst 9-37 record.

After this season, Marion can opt out of the last year of his contract worth $17.1 million. If Marion opts out, trading O'Neal would give the Heat substantial salary cap space this offseason, when potential free agents include Gilbert Arenas, Baron Davis, Elton Brand, Antawn Jamison, Ron Artest and Corey Maggette.

Marion, 29, is a four-time All-Star and considered one of the NBA's most athletic small forwards. Marion, 6-7, is averaging 15.8 points and 9.9 rebounds.

Banks, 26, is averaging 5.2 points and 1.0 assists. After this season, he has three years left on his contract worth a total of $13.4 million.

O'Neal, who has been out with a hip injury, has two years left on his contract after this season. He will be paid $20 million each of the next two seasons.

On Tuesday, coach Pat Riley said O'Neal was scheduled to have a magnetic resonance imaging exam on his ailing left hip, which has kept him out the past six games.

''We just want to back it up and see, after two weeks, what it shows,'' Riley said.

Riley gave no indication as to when O'Neal would return to the lineup. Riley said O'Neal must strengthen his legs before returning to action, and that the center will be one of six players to miss Wednesday's game at Detroit.

Heat officials were on their way to Detroit and could not be reached for comment."

If the strategy is to open up cap space and bring another really good player to the Heat next year, this may very well be true. Phoenix may be desperate enough to believe Shaq has 1 or 2 more years left in him and try to win a Championship in Phoenix this year.

2008 NBA Mock Draft - The Next Shaq?

**Updated 2.18.08** 2008 NBA Mock Draft by nbadraft.net

1. Miami - Michael Beasley
2. Minnesota - Derrick Rose
3. Seatle - Brook Lopez
4. Memphis - Jerryd Bayless
5. New York - Eric Gordon
6. LA Clippers - DeAndre Jordan
7. Charlotte - Donte Green
8. Milwaukee - Nicolas Batum
9. Indiana - Hasheem Thabeet
10. Chicago - Russell Westbrook
11. Phoenix - Danilo Gallinari
12. Sacramento - OJ Mayo
13. Portland - Darrell Arthur
14. Houston - Roy Hibbert
15. Philadelphia - Darren Collison
16. New Jersey - Tyler Smith
17. Washington - Kevin Love
18. Toronto - Jason Thompson
19. Cleveland - Patrick Patterson
20. Orlando - DJ Augustin
Continue...

Diesel pulling out of Miami?

A check with the NBA office this week confirmed that should O'Neal announce and sign retirement papers after this season, bypassing the final two years on his contract, his future salary would be wiped from the Heat's salary cap. Immediately, that would give the Heat the space to, say, add a Luol Deng or Elton Brand, with enough space left over to address at least one or two additional needs — and still sign that lottery pick. Wade. Deng. Haslem. University of Memphis point guard Derrick Rose. And spare change for the very type of complementary players the Heat lacks this season. Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Shaquille O'Neal has proven to be many things in his four seasons in South Florida. Could he next be the Big Benefactor, willing to walk away from the $40 million owed on his contract over the next two seasons? It certainly is a reach, longer than those Size 23 sneakers, wider than those biceps at full flex. But it also is the easiest way out for the Heat for at least two more years. Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel

It was just eight years ago when O'Neal expressed distress over seeing Knicks center Patrick Ewing, at the end of perhaps an overstayed career, being booed at Madison Square Garden during the playoffs. "What they did to him is wrong," O'Neal said at the time. "I would just quit. I know for a fact I won't be playing at 38." His current contract says otherwise. O'Neal did not make himself available for comment Wednesday. Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Are You a True Heat Fan or Bandwagon?

The Heat are in a slump right now. So let me ask you a question: Are you a True Heat fan right now or has jumped off the bandwagon? Look, if you're a True Heat fan you should be cheering for your team (Good or Bad), watch or attend 60-70% of the game, or simply smack your buddy in the head and say "I LOVE MY HEAT!!!" If you're 1 out of the 3 then you are a bandwagon. If you are 2 out of 3 then you are a real fan. But if you are all 3, then you are a "TRUE CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT THEM" Heat Fan!

Wade Not Saying He's Staying or Leaving Yet

With a disastrous season and currently own the worst record in the East, Wade is not saying any words of departure after 2 years. He never said anything about staying or leaving either. So that leaves a question mark for all Heat Fans. Read this section from Sun-Sentinal:

"I signed a three-year deal and I'm not worried about anything until my contract comes back around," he said. "So right now, my only objective is to make the Heat as good and as competitive as it can be. And when the time comes for us to renegotiate, we'll renegotiate."

he's only saying that he's not worried until his contract is over but whether or not he's staying or leaving it all depends on the Miami Heat's results on how well this team is after 2 years. Let's look at another scenerio. Lebron sign a similar 3 year contract and the Cavs are a subpar team right at .500. The Cavs also did a bad job to strengthen the team this off-season. Now, if you ask the same question to Lebron, I'm pretty sure he will say the same thing as Wade. In the end, they all want a maximum contract deal before their prime and I believe Wade will most likely stay in Miami and get his maximum contract deal; whether the Heat's going to be good or bad.

Heat Players Giving Up On Riley?

Are the Heat players tired of Riley? Maybe...if you watch the way they are playing now. If one backup player admitted that they don't want to hear him already, maybe he should step down now and find another coach. If players start losing faith in a coach, you know they don't play as hard.

Reported by Miami Herald.

Pat Riley said he doesn't believe Heat players have stopped listening to him, though one backup player admitted, ''There are times you don't want to hear him.'' Udonis Haslem agreed with Dwyane Wade that some players (not them) might not know all the defensive schemes. If true, that's unacceptable, but Riley said he doesn't think that's true.

Pat Riley Likely Won't Return

Looks like Pat Riley is thinking about stepping down after this season. With the team struggling & in desperate roster change, Pat Riley said he will instead focus on his role as a team president. Here's the Report by Ira Winderman | South Florida Sun-Sentinel

MINNEAPOLIS - After committing in the offseason to coaching the Heat through 2009-2010, Pat Riley is leaning toward stepping aside after this season.

With his team struggling and in need of a significant roster overhaul, Riley said it might be in the franchise's best interest if he focuses solely on his role as team president.

"But that's after this season," Riley stressed, as he looked ahead to Tuesday night's game against the Timberwolves at Target Center. "That's not now."

Riley, 62, said he was torn by the commitment he made to owner Micky Arison to hold the dual roles over the remaining two-plus seasons on his Heat contract.

"Sometimes, just with me, I feel like now, more than ever, I might be butting heads with both jobs," he said. "And I've revisited that over and over again."

Several NBA coaches have final say on personnel decisions, ranging from the success of San Antonio's Gregg Popovich to the failure of New York's Isiah Thomas.

But Riley said he now sees why the majority of teams divide the responsibilities.

"I was much better, I believe, just as a president," he said, "because I wasn't having to deal with the personalities."

Just over a year ago, Riley left the team for six weeks to undergo knee surgery and a hip replacement, with assistant Ron Rothstein guiding the team back into playoff contention.

Riley insisted there would be no such break this season, but backed off considerably from the statement he issued on Aug. 18, when he said, "I'm going to coach another three years, the terms of my contract. … I don't want to be a one-and-done guy every year. I have three years left on my contract and I will coach those out."

At the time, Riley thought the Heat would return to title contention. Instead, it has sunk to the bottom of the league, in part because of front-office decisions that have stripped the team of much of its 3-point shooting, defensive grit and quality depth.

"As a coach," he said, "there's a real personal attachment that I have had with players that is not as objective on the other side."

Given the opportunity by Monday's deadline to clear the Heat of two non-guaranteed contracts, Riley retained forward Alexander Johnson and center Joel Anthony, leaving his roster at the league-limit of 15 and denying the team the opportunity to try out prospects on 10-day contracts.

"I grow very close to guys, young guys that might not be performing for me, because I've always been that way," he said. "That's how I sort of related to guys as coach."

Riley has spoken of selecting his successor from his staff, with Erik Spoelstra, 37, considered the front-runner among the current assistants. Riley also is particularly close to longtime coach Mike Fratello, the former Heat television analyst who has been out of the league since being dismissed last season by Memphis.

Riley's anticipated enshrinement into the Basketball Hall of Fame would be in September, a ceremony that could provide closure to a coaching career that produced four championships with the Showtime Lakers in the '80s and a 2006 title for the Heat.

"I think this has to be addressed," he said of a full-time return to the front office. "It has to be addressed by me in an honest, objective way."

Wade Wants Out of Miami in 2 Years?

Today's interview with Stephen A Smith said Wade will be out of Miami if the Heat is still playing as bad as this year's season. He said people that knows him well all believe that he will move back to his hometown Chicago.

Here's the audio clip

I personally believe he will leave too if the Miami Heat don't improve next year and the year after. But of course these are only speculations. The Heat CANNOT afford to lose Wade...