SB Nation User Blog: DolPhanDave

Happy 4th of July!

DolPhanDave — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 17:45:11 -0000

I hope you are all enjoying some BBQ on America's 223rd b-day! I'll leave you with some patriotic video of D-Wade during the 2008 Summer Olympics representing for the United States of America. Have a great 4th everyone!

Artest says he is "goin' to L.A."

DolPhanDave — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:47:54 -0000

Artest says he is "goin' to L.A."

So much for Artest coming to Miami to toughen up our D. The defending champs have already begun the goal of defending their title.
All that 'Artest vs Kobe' stuff must have shown the two how much the other wants to win, something that fierce competitors can respect from one another. But....what happens if next season isn't so good? Could be the beginning of the next Shaq-Kobe deal. Either way, should be interesting to watch.

Panthers sign Jordan Leopold to 1-year, $1.75 million deal

DolPhanDave — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:13:45 -0000

More photos » by Jeff McIntosh - AP

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According to their Twitter page, the Cats signed ~~the new-Bo~~ Jordan Leopold to a 1-year contract worth $1.75 million. Skrastins got $2.75 mil over 2 years ($1.375 per), so can we assume that Leopold should be 'as good' if not better then Skras?

Meanwhile, suddenly the Cats defense isn't as bad as it was an hour ago, and neither is Randy. It's going to be a see-saw for a couple days, so don't anybody go jumping off any cliffs just yet. There is still a lot of faith in our younger D (still think Ellerby is going to be a beast), and I hear we may sign some guy named Brian Allen, who I'm told is pretty good.

We're one solid scorer away from having legitimate playoff hopes that can be dashed once again *coughTanguaycough*. Rejoice!

Heat contact Ron Artest and Allen Iverson

DolPhanDave — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:03:08 -0000

More photos » by Matt Sayles - AP

Ron Artest could bring his passion and fire to the Heat and add an element we have been missing. Toughness.

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Despite saying that the Heat would make no big moves this off-season, the Miami Herald is reporting that Miami has contacted free agents Ron Artest and Allen Iverson. Granted, either guy would help out in a big way (personally I'd prefer Artest, hands down), but this is almost a complete contradictory of what Pat Riley came out and said a couple weeks ago; that the Heat were going to chill out until the summer of 2010 and land a big name to play next to D-Wade.

Riley entered the start of the free agency negotiating period Wednesday saying he would be reluctant to spend the $5.5 million mid-level exception because the Heat already was past the league's anticipated dollar-for-dollar luxury tax on excessive payrolls. Riley also had been unwilling to add contracts that extend beyond next summer, when the Heat will have spending flexibility to re-sign Dwyane Wade and another top-tier free agent to maximum contracts.

Iverson would likely be the cheaper option as Miami could possibly sign him to the $2 million veterans exception, but that is if the former league MVP is willing to take a little less to play in D-Wade's playground. Assuming we can give Iverson a concrete role and playing time, that could be a move that would really help out the Heat. A-I is still a potent offensive threat and would give Miami one of the more electric backcourts in the NBA, but he really struggled in Detroit last year with his 'role' somewhat up in the air all season. A change of scenery and a new (and better) team could be just what the doctor ordered for Iverson.

Artest will cost the Heat a bit more, but could be more of what Miami needs. He is not looking for a 1-year deal from anyone, which already makes him coming to Miami a tougher sell after a very productive season in which his Rockets pushed the eventual NBA Champ Lakers to a 7th game in the 2nd round of the Playoffs. Still, Artest is one of the best defensive players out there and despite how I feel about him personally (after the whole fighting with Pistons fans thing), he could really help out the Heat and I'd love to see him in a Heat uniform.

Agent David Bauman said Thursday that Artest wouldn't be interested in a one-year deal from the Heat or any suitor, which might also include Houston. ''We've talked to a handful of teams, and there's some mutual interest,'' Bauman said Thursday. ``But it would be inappropriate for me to mention everyone we're looking at.''

So what do you think, Heat fans? Do we go after one of these guys or still just chill out until next summer? Remember, Dwyane Wade has said he would like to see the Heat make some kind of move 'now' instead of waiting. Even if we make no move, he still will likely stay in Miami (at least I think so), but hey....if we can win now, why not?

Poll

If you were in Pat Riley's shoes, what would you do?

Heat were offered 2nd overall pick for Beasley

DolPhanDave — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 02:36:11 -0000

Heat were offered 2nd overall pick for Beasley

Despite Pat Riley being fond of centers, he turned down the Memphis Grizzlies offer of the 2nd overall pick (which would've been used on C Hasheem Thabeet) for last years 2nd overall selection in Beasley. Good call Pat...the celing on Beas is much higher then Thabeet, and Riley is still looking to land a big name center from the free agent pool next summer.

Original reports had the Heat making that offer to Memphis, but that was quickly corrected. The same report said that Miami was offering the Grizzlies Mario Chalmers for the 27th overall pick, but again it was the other way around.

Getting to know the new guys....sort of.

DolPhanDave — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 02:10:07 -0000

Patrick Beverly

After doing some digging I was able to get some info on our newly drafted Heat employees, although there isn't that much out there. Despite that Dozier is likely the guy who some of you may have heard of because of his success at the University of Memphis over the past four years, from what I have been reading it seems that Patrick Beverly may be more of what the Heat need 'right now'.

Beverly started out his college career at Arkansas with a bang. He had an amazing freshman season, which landed him the SEC's Freshman of the Year award, and seemed like a 'for-sure' NBA talent. After another solid year, Beverly was hit with the news that he would not be allowed to play for Arkansas during his junior season. Different news outlets claimed that inside sources revealed academics as the reason for the suspension, but I couldn't find anything confirming that.

In fact, I found a quote of Beverly's directly disputing the academics story:

"It had nothing to do with academics," Beverly said. "I violated NCAA rules and what happened went over the coaches’ heads. A lot of people thought it was because of grades, but I go to class every day. I’m going overseas for a year and hopefully I’ll be able to come back and get picked in the draft. This was hard because I was working out with the team every day and getting ready for the season."

Another solid season while playing in the Ukraine and Beverly was ready to enter his name into the NBA Draft. The Heat could potentially use him as a point guard or a shooting guard, as he has good ball handling skills and can shoot the ball, especially off the dribble.

Here is an interview with Beverly from a couple weeks ago at his home gym in Chicago (hmm, not a bad thing to have in common w/ D-Wade)

ROBERT DOZIER

Robert Dozier likes to throw 'block' parties

Robert Dozier had a very successful college career with Memphis, highlighted by their 2008 trip to the NCAA Championship game. A 6'9" power forward who can shoot...sound like anyone you know? Robert has range that should transfer well to the NBA, as will his hard work ethic. He is at his shooting best when his feet are planted, but he's had trouble when rushed or forced to put the ball on the floor. His senior year he raised his field goal% from 44 to 51% due to better shot selection and showing restraint from taking 'wild' looks at the rim. He also averaged 1.6 blocks/game...nice.

His character and intelligence have been questioned in the past, with one thing in particular standing out. There were many reports (from ESPN, FoxSports etc) that it was proved Dozier cheated on his SAT's, and because of his he was rejected by several schools. He eventually took the SAT again, this time scoring a 720 (540 points less then his last test)

BREAKING NEWS: Alonzo Mourning joins Heat front office as Vice President of Player Programs and Develoment

DolPhanDave — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:52:48 -0000

More photos » by Victor Baldizon - NBAE/Getty Images

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It certainly didn't take Alonzo very long after announcing his retirement to return to the Miami Heat. Unfortunately, Zo's playing days are over, but he will still have an impact on what we see from our Miami Heat on the basketball court. Alonzo has accepted an offer to become the Vice President of Player Programs and Development. Basically, he will be a mentor to our younger players and help the team off the court without being 'a coach', which Zo said he could never do because of his lack of patience.

Don't get me wrong, I love bringing Alonzo back to be a part of the Heat, but does anyone else find the timing convenient? Right after a very busy NBA Draft day in which the Heat do nothing while their Eastern Conference competitors have made moves to improve themselves, the Heat throw this 'distraction' at you. I'm just sayin...

Heat gain two players and a pick during 2009 NBA Draft

DolPhanDave — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 05:36:14 -0000

Overall we can call it a success. We started the night with two draft picks, and ended the night with two new players and one more future pick. Not too bad...

Of course...we'll know nothing about the players we picked until September, but in the meantime here is a quick recap of the Heat's '09 draft. I'll collect some info on our new guys and get it posted sometime on Friday.

Miami began their night by drafting Marcus Thornton, a guard from LSU, with their 1st pick, 43rd overall. The Heat would then send Thornton to New Orleans for 2nd round picks in 2010 and 2012. Later on the Heat would acquire the 42nd overall pick, G Patrick Beverly from the Lakers for a future 2nd round pick and cash considerations. Beverly played 2 seasons at Arkansas before spending last year playing in the Ukraine.

Finally, the Heat took the NBA's version of 'Mr. Irrelevant (the final pick of the draft). The lucky guy is Robert Dozier, a senior forward from Memphis, who was the 60th player selected on Thursday night.

Pat Riley and Dwyane Wade back at it, Heat make qualifying offers to Jamario Moon and Joel Anthony, Michael Beasley update and more...

DolPhanDave — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 20:41:22 -0000

It seems like we're getting our fill of all the Dwyane Wade contract extension talk lately, Last week, Pat Riley came right out and said that he would not make any big roster moves until the Heat have D-Wade signed up to an extension. While speaking at length about the Heat's plans for the offseason, Riley told members of the media that he already has a proposal prepared for Wade and his agent, and will send that right to Dwyane 'one minute after midnight' on July 12th, which is the earliest date that D-Wade can sign an extension.

Again, nothing surprising here. Wade is the ultimate priority to this franchise, and this isn't Pat Riley's first time to the 'superstar' rodeo. He understands what it takes to build a team, and I'm sure that Wade knows this better then many of us.

''There can't be any major franchise changes made without his commitment,'' Riley said of Wade. ``I'm going to do the best sales job I can. What we do going forward is going to be predicated on that.''

A day after Riley made those comments, Wade came out with some quotes of his own. He is making it no secret that he wants to win RIGHT NOW, despite the amount of big names coming available next summer.

"I'm there. Why not fast track this thing anyway while I'm there and let's not give it a chance to get to 2010?" said Wade. "I'm in my prime right now, playing the best basketball I've ever played, and I feel as good as I ever felt. So let's not wait. Let's do it now if we can do it. So it's not about me signing a contract."

Hmmmm. It will be interesting to see what Pat Riley says to Wade when trying to 'sell' him on signing the extention now. It looks like Riley will be ready to make some moves to put the right guys around Wade, but wants to make sure that the main centerpiece of this team will be in place first. Understandable.

Should Riley get Wade on board by saying 'we will look to bring guys in right now, but first you have to sign', then suddenly the look of our team dramatically changes. Imagine the message it would send should Wade extend rather then opt to be a free agent next summer, while his fellow superstars (LeBron, Amare, etc..) go out and test the market. Who really wants to win? Wade showing that kind of dedication could be something that sways another big name towards South Beach *caughLeBroncaugh*. Here's a final thought by Wade...take from it what you will:

"I have a decision to make on my own, and that decision has nothing to do with anything that anyone is going to say," Wade said. "I always have the best interest of the basketball team every time I take the court. But in this stage, where you're talking about contracts and free agency, you have to think about yourself and what's best."

My take...this is Wade saying nothing. 'I love my team, gotta watch out for myself'. Nothing in there about winning, and without knowing what he considers best for himself (whether it be another ring, moving home, etc), its impossible to get anything concrete from his comments.

HEAT EXTEND QUALIFYING OFFERS TO MOON, ANTHONY

This move was more a formality as the Heat extended qualifying offers to Jamario Moon and Joel Anthony. Basically, the Heat have offered to pay them the minimum (both would get under $1 million), and can now match any offer made by another team.

As I've said before, I am all in favor of keeping Moon, but there just doesn't seem to be room on the roster for him. As for Anthony...he is a center who is solid when coming off the bench for defensive purposes. Will the Heat need a guy like that on their roster, or will they need someone in that position to provide a bit more offensively? We shall see...

RILEY SAYS BEASLEY CAN PLAY THE 3 OR THE 4

Michael Beasley has been working hard at the AAA gym this summer on his ball handling, footwork and balance. He has Pat Riley convinced that he is now a 3/4, but until I see how he fares on defense, I won't be convinced of anything. But Beasley isn't the only one getting a hard summer workout in the Heat's house, as he is joined by Daequan Cook, Mario Chalmers and Dorell Wright for a couple months of 'Pat Riley boot camp'.

Sure, it's nice to read about how hard guys are working over the summer....but this is the NBA. We aren't going to know diddily squat about how much these guys have improved until about November. With the Heat not participating in the NBA's Summer League it gives us even less to evaluate any of our talent, and I've never been a fan of the pre-season as far as evaluating your team, as minutes and pairings are usually drastically different then during the regular season.

HEAT DRAFT TALK

On the eve of the 2009 NBA Draft, the Heat are mulling over what to do with pick #s 43 and 60. There have already been a couple interesting trades, and another big one is apparently in the works. So much of what the Heat may or may not do weighs on where Pat Riley and Dwyane Wade stand, so you have to assume the two have gotten together over the past couple days to 'chat'.

For more draft talk, check out the latest from Ira Winderman.

Weekend Video's: Michael Beasley Edition

DolPhanDave — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 22:29:15 -0000

Hey guys...hope everyone is having a great Father's Day! Blogging from work today, and I've got some Michael Beasley for you. On a night where Dwyane Wade scored 55 points and stole the show against the Knicks (This is MY house!), Michael Beasley put up career high's in points and rebounds (28 and 16).

The video's can be found after the jump. The first one is Beasley's game highlights and the 2nd is his post-game interview with Sun Sports' Jason Jackson. These interviews were classic throughout the season as Beasley always stole the show.