A few observations from Red & Black scrimmage

by David Dwork on Dec 16, 2011 1:45 PM EST

Here are some observations from last nights Miami Heat Red & Black scrimmage held at the American Airlines Arena. In case you missed it....the Heat won.

Joel Anthony in the first 2 minutes had a foul, a missed FG and 2 blocks.
Dexter Pittman had flashes of good play, but still has plenty of work to do. Much improved footwork from last season though.
Norris Cole is great dribbling the ball. Very fast. Also a strong defender. Confident shooter. Mature 23 year old. Good nose for rebounding.
Udonis Haslem was back playing his usual game. Hard work down low, rebounding, defense, blocking shots. Game-high 23 points.
Impressed with the team D as a whole. Everyone looks very comfortable, very few mistakes. Good positioning.
LeBron James' offseason work with Hakeem Olajuwon seems to have paid off. He worked in a post a lot and looked good doing it.
Juwan Howard had a lot of energy, spring in his step. Amazing how he keeps playing at such a consistent level. Udonis Haslem said that Juwan has found the "fountain of youth".
Shane Battier did not play but already seems to be a fan favorite. "We want Shane" chants rained down from the seats.
DNP: Battier (quad), Miller (hernia), House (knee), Curry (hip)

Next up...Preseason game #1 on Sunday night against Orlando.

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Alright,

Feels great to get that first W

If we can't laugh at ourselves, Packer fans will call us crybabies and we will be forced to kick their tooth in. I really don't want to go to jail (again).

by Alittlemore_cowbell on Dec 16, 2011 2:13 PM EST reply actions

I thought the pre season game was on sunday, not saturday...

by implicit on Dec 16, 2011 10:07 PM EST via mobile reply actions

It is on Sunday…thats my bad. Fixed in post.

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by David Dwork on Dec 16, 2011 10:58 PM EST up reply actions

Norris Cole was fun to watch

Dude was just super aggressive and confident
Of course it’s a glorified practice but I’m excited to see how he adjusts playing against NBA length

by Seraph042 on Dec 16, 2011 11:36 PM EST reply actions

What the… 23 points of Udonis Haslem?

by ap3604 on Dec 17, 2011 2:15 AM EST reply actions

No news on Spo's extension?

Don’t get me wrong I like Spo and how’s he’s finally managed to earn respect from the players but shouldn’t we have waited on his contract extension AFTER The season.

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

by 1-THE H3ATLES-6 on Dec 17, 2011 9:05 AM EST via mobile reply actions

no because than the media would be talking how we might not bring him back and the possibility of Pat replacing him all season...

It would be a distraction. and Spo is honestly one of the best young coaches in the league (especially defensively). I much rather be a team like the Steelers that hires coaches from within and sticks with them than a team that changes coaches every few seasons. Plus, what available coach is better than than Spo, the only ones that come to mind are Pat and Phil Jackson. Jackson is retired and I honestly think Pat is to old to deal with the daily grind of being a head coach (especially this season). I much rather stick with Spo for the long haul…

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 17, 2011 9:22 AM EST up reply actions

True. Now that I think about it he is the best fit

But I think the whole distraction thing is overblown

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

by 1-THE H3ATLES-6 on Dec 17, 2011 2:45 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

I honestly think the distraction may be a bit overblown, but not by much...

I dont want Spo coaching too scared to be aggressive because he is thinking he may lose his job if any one decision doesnt turn out well. I rather have him confident enough in the commitment we have made for him to make any decision he feels is best for the team. Also, there have been situations in the past where players tune out the coach because they think he wont be back the next season. I wouldnt want that to happen either (although, with the leadership on this team, I dont think it would)

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 17, 2011 7:01 PM EST up reply actions

Glad that Cole is showing promise, glad Pittman is improved.
Hopefully Curry will be ready for Christmas day season opener.
Joel Anthony is garbage!
Pittman will impress….

.Heat Tri-nasty is inevitable!

by thedeeofdees on Dec 17, 2011 5:45 PM EST reply actions

I really hate to say it, but Anthony is IMO, our best center. Indicating that the whole position is garbage...

I’m happy that we added Battier, but I cant help but think we would have been better off signing Dalembert. Too late now i guess…

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 17, 2011 6:55 PM EST up reply actions

Anthony = best Center option

makes me puke. Battier is OK but need a real center, to me they both backups.

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by miamigirl54 on Dec 18, 2011 1:33 PM EST up reply actions

Team Heat

Yeah Battier was a nice pickup but not a need now Center is a need not even a great center just a decent one but Joel is a good role player

by Bbett on Dec 17, 2011 10:08 PM EST reply actions

anyone else

feel like we should’ve went after a center in the ‘off season’ ? All the Chris Paul stuff, Dallas got Odom, I’m just sayin…

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by miamigirl54 on Dec 18, 2011 1:33 PM EST reply actions

Yea we def. should of went after a center

But regardless we have enough to win this thing so i’m not stressing it too much. We’ll see how Joel tonight; he bust his ass day in and day out i know he’s improved.

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

by 1-THE H3ATLES-6 on Dec 18, 2011 2:41 PM EST up reply actions