Summer League begins for Miami; Udonis gets first offer

by David Dwork on Jul 12, 2010 3:15 AM EDT

The hot topic on Sunday around the NBA is that apparently there are a few teams questioning whether or not there were any ‘tampering' issues when the Heat signed their big trio. By the end of the day though, the issue had been downplayed enough that nobody should be concerned.

I think the problem was when commissioner David Stern said that he would investigate the Heat to see if any illegal tampering acts took place, but only if/when either Cleveland or Toronto ask him to. According to ESPN, both teams are not planning to make that request at this time. Even if they did, I highly doubt anything illegal went down.

The subject is surely to come up during an NBA owners meeting set to take place today. Heat VP Nick Arison is going to represent owner (and his dad) Micky Arison at the meeting. I'm sure Big Nick is ready to handle whatever some bitter owners may throw his way.

Another very serviceable player made it known that he'd take a pay cut to join the movement in Miami. While speaking on NBA TV, free agent Jerry Stackhouse said that he would be willing to play for the veterans minimum if the Heat would consider signing him.

Playing at the tail end of his career, Stackhouse wants to win an NBA championship before retiring. He could be thinking that the 2010-11 season will be his last, and if that's the case then making such a public claim doesn't seem all that crazy. Last year with Milwaukee he played pretty well in a reserve role.

In 42 games, Stackhouse averaged 8.5 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 20+ minutes a game. He shot 41% from the field, 34% from downtown and 80% from the charity stripe. Considering that he's basically put his cards on the table and told the Heat he'll do everything they need if they will sign him, its hard to imagine that Riley wouldn't seriously consider making an offer to Stackhouse.

One thing that came out today that Heat fans didn't like was that the Dallas Mavericks have made an offer to free agent Udonis Haslem. 3-years $20 million to back up Dirk Nowitzki and compete to get out of the 2^nd round in the Western Conference. How much does the money mean to Udonis?

I can't blame him for leaving if it's a significant difference then what the Heat can give him, but I don't think it will be the case. Pat Riley said on Friday that he was very happy about the offer Miami was going to make to Udonis, and hopefully he still feels that way after seeing how much he is going for on the open market.

SUMMER LEAGUE UPDATE

Last night the Heat kicked off their 2010 Summer League schedule with a 77-72 win over the New Orleans Hornets. Leading the way for the Heat was undrafted signee Kenny Hasbrouck, who had 24 points on 10-for-15 shooting. Power forward Shavlik Randolph had 18 points and 6 boards but the story of the night came from another undrafted signing, Jon Scheyer.

The former Duke standout hit a big trey in the final minute that brought the Heat from down by 1 to up by 2, a lead they wouldn't relinquish. Scheyer also hit a pair of free throws to heap seal the win. We'll keep an eye on him throughout the summer league and into training camp because if his college game can translate to the NBA he could be a real asset to the Heat.

Someone who did not play very well was Dexter Pittman. The 300lb center scored 5 points on 0-for-4 shooting (5-of-8 from the foul line), with just 3 rebounds in 24 minutes.

Jarvas Varnado, drafted along with Pittman in 2010, went 2-for-2 from both the field and the foul line, scoring 6 points and blocking 2 shots in 19 minutes.

Next game for the Heat will be Tuesday night at 10:30 against Golden State.

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Comments

Selfishly I hope Haslem chooses with his heart instead of his wallet – He is an amazing asset to the Heat team.

Hopefully Varnado and Pittman are just rusty – be interesting to see how they play in the remaining games…

"Great effort springs naturally from great attitude" - Pat Riley
"Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships" - Michael Jordan

by PsyKoMunKy on Jul 12, 2010 5:01 AM EDT reply actions

If I were him

I definitely would skip Dallas and stay in Miami – he was part of the CS-Team back that beat Dallas in the finals – now I would be shocked if Udonis would sign with the Mavs and skip his chances of winning another title… Dallas BTW won’t be strong enough with or without Haslem to beat the Lakers in the West… but money is money

by greenmech on Jul 12, 2010 5:20 AM EDT reply actions

GDI Stay in Miami!

I really really really really hope that Haslem stays in Miami for two reasons 1)That was the team Miami Heat defeated for his first and only NBA championship ring(many more to come if he does resign w/ the Heat) and 2)Some of my friends will brag about the fact Haslem signed with “his” team, Dallas Mavericks.

Stackhouse! I completely forgot about that guy. He’ll be a very nice addition to the team coming off of the bench. Makes shots when open. Solid shooter at the line. Will be a huge plus for us.

haslem-and-stackhouse-to-miami.com

Really nice to see production from our rookies. Hopefully after the summer league we can sign two to three of them instead of fishing around in the market for players we already have.

by The One Who Wears The Crown on Jul 12, 2010 7:53 AM EDT reply actions

I only saw the first half. . .

but I like what I saw from Hasbrouck. Scheyer was pretty good as well, but it looks like he needs to get used to the NBA range 3-pt line. I hope Kenny can be a serviceable backup PG.

by tedhill on Jul 12, 2010 8:37 AM EDT reply actions

Patrick Beverley did not have a great game, but he looked outstanding on the defensive end. He looked very quick a disruptive. Also, I got the feeling that if Pittman slims down to 275 lbs, he will be a beast.

by #1Heatfan on Jul 12, 2010 9:37 AM EDT reply actions

I think Haslem stays

There is certainly going to be a difference between the Heat’s offer and his best offer and it normally would be enough to justify the jump. In this case it seems that something very special is about to happen in Miami and for a hometown guy that might be just enough to stick around at a discount. He’s made good money and will continue to make good money. Maybe the increased spotlight on this team creates some outside money for him to make, not nearly what he’ll need to leave on the table but enough to make up a significant amount of the difference. I suppose it comes down to how hard he looks for outside opportunities. He could also make some up though investment in local business and self promotion with the Big 3, restaurants or local endorsement. They can help him make the money up by attaching themselves to him in some local endorsements.

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This league will soon fear the Fins

by special agent wildcat on Jul 12, 2010 10:29 AM EDT reply actions

Yea I really dont see UD passing up a chance to play with The 3 Kings on his home team Heat.

"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the "present." -Master Oogway-
"One often meets his destiny on the road he takes to avoid it."-Master Oogway-
yeah i figure if I study high, take the test high, get high scores! right? -redman-
The official Kory Sheets clan leader!!! LaRon Byrd the next Phenom out of Miami!!!

by Weecho85 on Jul 12, 2010 10:58 AM EDT reply actions

Some interesting names...

I was looking at the free agent list and there really are a lot of decent options out there. Eddie House, Marquis Daniels, Vlad Radmonavic were a few outside shooters I wouldnt mind seeing brought in or just bringing back Q, but Z, Brad Miller, and Haslem should be the targets to bring in for size I think

by GO_BUCS on Jul 12, 2010 11:26 AM EDT reply actions

haha, read on ESPN that

CP3, Carmelo, and Amare are thinking about teaming up next year. IMO that’d be great, and I’d be cool to have that Heat v. Knick rivalry back.

by Tetris on Jul 12, 2010 1:36 PM EDT reply actions

Yeah we'll see about that

It was CP3 who actually said at Melo’s wedding, “We’ll form our own big three.” Would be a nice sight to see. Would probably actually provide us with a “challenge.”

by The One Who Wears The Crown on Jul 12, 2010 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions

Big 3

MIAMI
KNICKS
CELTICS

that’d be wicked pissah

BIG 3: SF GIANTS, NY JETS, MIAMI HEAT
HATED 3: LA Dodgers, NE Patriots, MIAMI DOLPHINS
BIG 3 Players: Dwyane Wade, Brian Wilson, and Shaun Ellis

by Newcomb29(EDGE) on Jul 12, 2010 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions

Just like Fins Pats Jets

2009 NY Phin PhansFantasy League Champion
2009 Best Regular Season Record in NYPPL.
2010 The Jim Mandich NewsFlash Award Winner.

""It only ends once. Everything that comes before is just progress"

by Patssuck456 on Jul 16, 2010 1:19 AM EDT up reply actions

Yea, it would be nice to have that rivalry

But I seem to remember that LeBron was definitely going to New York a few years ago. We all know how that turned out.

by #1Heatfan on Jul 12, 2010 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions

Bleacher report is garbage!

Has us picking up AI Shaq and McGrady

BIG 3: SF GIANTS, NY JETS, MIAMI HEAT
HATED 3: LA Dodgers, NE Patriots, MIAMI DOLPHINS
BIG 3 Players: Dwyane Wade, Brian Wilson, and Shaun Ellis

by Newcomb29(EDGE) on Jul 12, 2010 1:52 PM EDT reply actions

i think theres no way Haslem leaves... especially with this opportunity

by xquiles21x on Jul 12, 2010 1:53 PM EDT reply actions

I really hope he stays, it will be very hard to replace him.

Also, I hope the coaching staff keeps Wade and Haslem (assuming he stays) as the captains instead of making Wade, Lebron, and Bosh the captains

by #1Heatfan on Jul 12, 2010 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions

However

You really cannot fault Haslem for taking that kind of money. He isn’t a star player, so a few mil means a lot to a player like him. I just hope the Heat can present a competitive offer.

by #1Heatfan on Jul 12, 2010 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Hmm

Good game from Hasbrouck and Randolph last night.
Pittman was garbage!
Scheyer was ok.
Not sure if any of you heard but Quentin Richardson has reportedly agreed to a multi year deal with Orlando.
So much for resigning him.
Word is the Mike Miller deal should be completed with us between today and tomorrow.
He is in Miami doing his anual fear.
I guess we should sign Mat Barnes at backup two guard since Q Rich is gone and Rich will replace Barnes.
I don’t think Fish will sign with Miami in all honesty.
Bring back Jason Williams into the fold or maybe Hasbrouck or Scheyer can start depending on who fits better.
I still say Magloire at starting center.
starting 5: Jason Williams or Hasbrouck,Wade,LBJ,Bosh,Magloire
bench: Chalmers,Mike Miller,Barnes,Haslem,Joel Anthony,Hasbrouck,Pittman,Vernado

by thedeeofdees on Jul 12, 2010 4:47 PM EDT reply actions

Haslem stays!

Haslem turned down Dallas offer and signed a four year deal with the heat.

by thedeeofdees on Jul 12, 2010 5:05 PM EDT reply actions

REALLY LOVING HOW THE HEAT ARE GET PEOPLE IN PLACE

So with Chalmers an the add of D. Wade,L.James,n C.Bosh resigning of Haslem and signing Miller all we need are the Draft players to come along I really love Dexter Pittman weighting 308 (right now)6"11 1/2 Center from Texas with Wade,James,and Bosh now on the team they will get him in the best shape of his life and he will be the big man we will need this year. We have some summer league people off the roster that i think would help this team this year is Patrick Beverley weighting 175 6"1 PG from Arkansas not sayin that cuz he went to my home state just sayin he is a baller a good passer/scorer and one hell of a defensive player to me he is like Rondo but wit a better outside shot and Jon Scheyer is a 6"5 SG from Duke( man i hate them) He is one Hell of a Shooter anywhere on the court he needs help wit his defense n getting stronger but around the trio his game will fix the team perfect. So with the people we have already n these three players we would have a championship team wit just a few more role players but no big names and we set. Lets Go Heat!!!!!!

by Dirtyt80 on Jul 13, 2010 12:16 PM EDT reply actions