Training camp officially underway as most of team should be on the court today

by David Dwork on Dec 10, 2011 2:00 PM EST

Friday was the first time that Heat players could formally practice together, though none of the new additions or verbal commitments could join the team. It was actually a pretty surreal scene as only six players could participate in workouts: The Big 3, Udonis Haslem, Joel Anthony and Dexter Pittman.

Today it will be a bit more crowded inside the Heat practice gym at the AAA though. Returning players James Jones, Mario Chalmers and Juwan Howard should be there, as well as newcomers Shane Battier, Eddy Curry and draft pick Norris Cole. That means there should be 12 guys practicing, with sharpshooters Eddie House and Mike Miller sitting out due to injury.

House had a scope done on his knee and is expected to miss all of training camp. Miller is coming off of hernia surgery, though we don't know yet if it will keep him sidelined the full two months that it could take to heal from that kind of procedure, though Erik Spoelstra did call this a ‘minor setback', and also said that Miller need not worry about the Heat utilizing the one-time amnesty provision on him, saying that "he can feel confident about returning."

With enough guys to actually play some 5-on-5 today, and all but 3 of them returning from last season, Coach Spo will start to remind them of what happened last June, "Blitz them...see how much they recall." I'm sure that will be unpleasant for many of the players, but it has to be done in order for the team to move past it.

One positive thing that the Heat has going for it this camp is that so many of the players are returning. Last season there were only 5 players who had been on the previous years' roster, and the team basically had to start fresh, but this year there are 11 guys who were right there last summer feeling the pain of losing the NBA Finals.

This time around, they will have a years worth of work and experience to build on. Chris Bosh said it best "We don't have half a new team or 10 new guys like the other teams have. So we can pick up where we left off." With two weeks until the season opener on Christmas Day in Dallas, lets hope they do just that.

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is anyone else closely following the Billups situation?

I think he is a perfect fit for this team. He got amnestied so now he goes through waivers for teams under the salary cap. He is saying that he may retire rather than get claimed by a team he doesnt want to play for. this could increase the chances of him becoming an unrestricted FA as well as the chances of us signing him. And the best part is that he makes $14.5 mil either way this season, so he should be willing to sign for the min. I know it is a long shot, but if we could find a way to get both Billups and Dalembert, I would be pumped…

In Pat we Trust
"Sorry if everyone thought we were going to go 82-0" - Dwyane Wade
"A nickel ain't worth a dime anymore." - Yogi Berra

by #1Heatfan on Dec 10, 2011 3:39 PM EST reply actions

I doubt we could get Dalembert but, Billups sounds like a nice addition. I believe we could use some more shooters though

We Bout To Let These Haters Know..
This Heat Thing, IS MORE THAN HYPE

by 1-THE H3ATLES-6 on Dec 10, 2011 4:57 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Billups may find his way here

But we may be able to get some bargain centers once everything shakes out- maybe J Oneal (ugh) gets bought out if traded to NOH, maybe Okafor gets amnestied

There’s no shot at getting Dalembert, the Heat can only use the vet minimum
http://twitter.com/#!/IraHeatBeat/status/145606713255530496

I’m just frothing at the mouth of this 4 wing small ball Heat team though. Big 3 + Battier/Jones(or Miller when he gets back)… so much ownage

by Seraph042 on Dec 10, 2011 8:03 PM EST up reply actions

The Clippers just submitted a bid for Billups.

I dunno if we can still get him though. I think Billups doesn’t have a say in the bidding and he’ll just automatically go to the team with the highest bid, but if we really want him, I guess the only way to get him is via trade. Oh well. Desperate times call for desperate measures. Let’s sign Gilbert Arenas once he’s cleared waivers :)

OH! Those are really cool! (OH! Those are really cool!)
I can't wait to see what kind of shoes Michael Beasley wears! (I can't wait to see what kind of shoes Michael Beasley wears!)
OH! I love Michael Beasley's hair! (I can't wait to see Michael Beasley play defense!)

by (o.O) on Dec 12, 2011 8:11 PM EST up reply actions

I believe he has cleared waivers

already. Probably deciding which team to go to already. I hope the Heat are talking to his agent just to do their due diligence.

by ilamuku on Dec 13, 2011 2:40 AM EST up reply actions

I, for one, am desperate.

Turns out, Baron Davis is still on the Cavs roster, so I guess the only available PG out there is Arenas. I might go as far as saying that him playing alongside our superstars could finally revive his career or at least get him hitting threes again. Some might not agree since Arenas has gained such an infamous stigma over the past few years and the people of Miami will definitely have a hard time embracing someone with his background, but hey, at this point in time, any talent is good talent. I really am disappointed that the Heat didn’t sign Dalembert. It was supposed to be the most obvious move for them.

by (o.O) on Dec 13, 2011 11:40 AM EST up reply actions

I like Arenas as a player, but not on this team...

he is not a great passer or defender plus he needs the ball and a lot of shots to be productive. That simply doesnt fit with our team, IMO…

In Pat we Trust
"Sorry if everyone thought we were going to go 82-0" - Dwyane Wade
"A nickel ain't worth a dime anymore." - Yogi Berra

by #1Heatfan on Dec 13, 2011 3:02 PM EST up reply actions

I see your point.

Hm. How about Stuckey? Or Landry? I don’t know much about the possibility of the Heat signing them, but I think they’re solid options.

by (o.O) on Dec 13, 2011 7:28 PM EST up reply actions

Team Heat

I would love to see Billups and another 7 footer (Dalembert, Nene) get picked up seems like we have 2 many players at same position…..

by Bbett on Dec 10, 2011 8:47 PM EST reply actions

I am please about 11 players returning and the acquiring of Battier.
But will Eddy Curry be half the player he was when he was a beast?
Dalembert should have been got but it shows both he and Nene are liars when they talk about it ain’t about money, rather winning.
Now then Billups would be a good pickup for the heat indeed.
Why was Juwan Howard resigned?
Why!
I rather the heat have signed Aaron Gray rather than Curry!

.Heat Tri-nasty is inevitable!

by thedeeofdees on Dec 11, 2011 6:49 AM EST reply actions

why do yall keep talking about Dalembert and Nene, ITS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN

@ thedeeofdees When was Curry a beast? He is worse at rebounding than Joel and dont even try to block shots. I do like the pick up only because Curry shouldnt take many of Joels minutes.
Billups would be nice but Chalmers is going to get major pg minutes, I want to see Norris Cole and maybe Patrick Beverley get the back up minutes. Does anyone know Beverley’s status?

LETS GO HEAT!!!!!!!
Joel Anthony is the man
do YOU believe in TEBOW

by sparker2513 on Dec 11, 2011 7:38 AM EST reply actions

I agree

If Curry was at his best we would be saying he isn’t a good fit
But for the vet minimum, it might be worth the risk.

by Seraph042 on Dec 11, 2011 2:49 PM EST up reply actions

TeamHeat

Chalmers is good but Billups is a difference maker, Curry and Joel not enough at Center position we need rebounding???? But if this is the team we got let’s go!!!!

by Bbett on Dec 11, 2011 11:27 AM EST reply actions

The center talk is overblown

People forget that the Heat held opponents to the lowest FG% at the rim (~58%) last season and were 3rd in overall rebounding rate, behind Chicago and Orlando. IT. IS. OVER. BLOWN.

Not to say having a true center wouldn’t be nice, but with LeBron Wade and Bosh (3 great rebounders at their positions) it’s not as important. Plus, Mike Miller is an excellent rebounder if he ever gets out on the floor (remember the Chicago series?)

by Seraph042 on Dec 11, 2011 2:43 PM EST reply actions

Eddy Curry

It remains to be seen what he can bring to the table but Riley certainly took his time in evaluating him and his conditioning. If he can live up to his potential he will contribute.

It is a little disappointing though that our two weaknesses have not been addressed in a more satisfactory way. Joel Anthony and Eddy Curry at center. A rookie and Mario Chalmers at point. I was hoping for some Riles magic and see Billups and Nene.

And how did Dallas get Lamar Odom? Why would LA deal him to a Western Conference rival – the very team that knocked them out of the playoffs last year. It doesn’t make sense. Especially if Superman lands in New Jersey. I’m with Kobe on this one.

And why would Stern approve the new Paul deal and not the three team trade that he vetoed earlier. The first deal looked better to me!!!

And how good will New York’s front court be this season?

Thank God for the NBA!!!

1+3+6=how many rings???

by Dollar Man on Dec 12, 2011 1:17 PM EST reply actions

I was hoping for Dalembert, Battier and (ever since the amnesties started happening) Billups or at least Baron Davis meself.

I think Odom requested for a trade. But I think LA also wanted the trade exception to get Howard. Also, the new deal to get Paul to the Clips was canceled. New York is gonna be really hard to beat in the front court, but we have guards and wings aplenty. Pacers seem to be getting better and better with adding West, Boston is gonna be down for sure, and if Howard goes to the Nets instead, Orlando will join Boston and NJ will climb up the playoff bracket. Chicago might get Rip, which would make their team just a wee bit better. I can’t stop myself from saying stuff. 76ers might settle for mediocrity again. They should rebuild, use amnesty on Brand and trade Iggy to a contender. The Bucks and Bobcats probably will settle for mediocrity for a while too. While at the bottom, the Raps and Pistons seem like a mess to me, the Wizards look okay to go up a few spots and the Cavs are poised for a developing season. Oh, and the Hawks will be content with another middle bracket playoff seed and a 1st round exit for the nth-straight season.

Gosh, I love it when the season is on. Though I’m disappointed with us not plugging that gaping hole at the middle, I’m still excited. LET’S GO HEAT!

by (o.O) on Dec 12, 2011 2:39 PM EST up reply actions