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http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/s...s-utility-heat
Heat Q&A with Ira Winderman
Sun-Sentinel.com
Posted August 11, 2005, 5:00 PM EDT
Ask Ira!
Sun-Sentinel Heat writer Ira Winderman answers YOUR questions! You can read his latest comments below. To submit your question, e-mail askthepros@sun-sentinel.com. Your name, city and state MUST be included with each question!
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Q: Do you think it would be wise for the Heat to sign Brian Grant? Mike Gould, Chesterfield, MO
A: Mike, I can't see any downside to it. Just like with Zo last season, the price of the NBA minimum salary would be right (and actually count less against the tax and salary cap). The way I look at it is it would free Michael Doleac for a trade while also providing someone in the middle for those 20 or so games I expect Shaq to miss this season now that he has his new contract. And at the end of games, against bigger opponents, I can't envision a better defensive duo than Zo and Grant against the likes of Ben Wallace and Rasheed Wallace.
Q: What are the chances of Michael Finley and Allan Houston joining the Heat? Jeff Moretti, Miramar, FL
A: It would seem to be a perfect fit for Finley, who could slide in at small forward. Based on his recent injury history, I think Houston would be cast more in the type of role Steve Smith held at the end of last season.
Q: Can you believe Pat Riley said last year's team wasn't championship material, and that's why he made the big trade? They were within minutes of advancing to the NBA Finals. Scott Paretti, Mandeville, LA
A: Scott, I had a hard time with that one, also. Yes, the Pacers will be better with Ron Artest back for a full season, but I think last season's Heat team had wonderful chemistry. Now, the Heat has to hope it can be nearly as functional with Antoine Walker and Jason Williams.
Q: How the heck was the Heat able to pull off that trade while keeping its two best players? They unloaded Eddie Jones and threw in Qyntel Woods and Rasual Butler and two second-round picks for three possible starters. What a steal! Richard Steinman, Douglastown, NY
A: I especially like the Antoine Walker portion of the deal, which basically cost the Heat Rasual, Woods, the rights to Albert Miralles and two future second-round picks. I think Antoine's heart is in the right place, even if his game isn't always there. I do have concerns about Jason Williams, who typically sat in the fourth quarters in both Sacramento (in favor of Bobby Jackson) and Memphis (in favor of Earl Watson). For all those who criticized Eddie Jones, saying that he was not a closer, it's not as if Williams has yet come close to filling such a role.
Q: Which teams will give the Heat the toughest competition in the Eastern Conference? Will the East be as bad as it was last season? Also, will the Knicks be any better with Larry Brown? Ethan Egan, Bridgeport, CT
A: First of all, I think the East was more competitive last season than some gave credit. I think the Pacers, with Ron Artest back, move close to the top of the pack. I still respect the Pistons, but think the loss of Larry Brown will make a difference. I was high on the Nets until they lost out on Shareef Abdur-Rahim. I think some overstate Cleveland, with neither Larry Hughes nor Donyell Marshall having pushed their previous teams deep into the playoffs. As for the Knicks, even Larry Brown will have a hard time making chicken soup out of what remains chicken .... .
Q: Who will be the Heat's starting five, and what rotations should we expect with all the new guys? Armando Angulo, Miami, FL
A: As of now (and it certainly would change if Michael Finley becomes part of the equation), it looks like Shaq in the middle, Udonis at power forward, Posey at small forward, Dwyane at shooting guard and Jason Williams at point guard. I still have a hard time with Walker accepting playing solely as a reserve, but we'll see. Obviously depth on the perimeter, especially at small forward and point guard remains an issue.
Q: Hey Ira, great job! What are the Heat's long- and short-term plans for Earl Barron? What about Wayne Simien and Dorrell Wright? Frank Cusumano, Melbourne, FL
A: Barron figures to be a developmental player, but one who also will get plenty of reps in practice. With Shaq good for only about 20 minutes a session in practice and with stamina an issue with Alonzo Mourning, I could see the Heat keeping Barron around instead of farming him out to the D-League, if only to have an extra big body in practice. With Antoine Walker and Haslem in place, I think Simien will get less run than he initially expected. As for Dorell, his summer-league injury again will likely reduce him to an afterthought.
Q: Please tell me Antoine Walker won't be heaving up ill-advised 3-pointers like he did in Boston. Isn't Pat Riley and Stan Van Gundy worried about his awful shot selection that he's known for? Jon Petrucelli, Brockton, MA
A: The Heat has a history of getting players to play the right way, with hopes that Walker will become the latest in the lineage of Anthony Mason and Lamar Odom, players who saw the light while wearing Heat colors.
Q: Do you agree with your sidekick Ethan Skolnick that chemistry will be a problem with so many new faces? Will Connally, Fort Lauderdale, FL
A: First of all Ethan is not a 'sidekick'; he merely comes over and tidies up the house once a week. But I, too, also can't see how integrating so many new players won't be an issue. It does seem odd that a team would blow up something that had proven so successful. But perhaps that's why Pat Riley has his choice of mansions, while we're picking weeds at a house on the edge of the Everglades.
Q: Is James Posey as good as a defensive player as everyone is saying? And does his game have any offense? Aaron Goldman, Woodbridge, NJ
A: I think he used to be among the top perimeter defenders. Now the issue is whether such a reputation isn't in the past tense. He actually has a nice offensive game and was able to display it during the darkest of days in Denver. But on this roster, it is unlikely he will get much of an opportunity to score.
Q: Is the Heat a lock to win the championship? How do you think they would match up with San Antonio now? Tom Amatuzzo, Fort Myers, FL
A: I like the Spurs better simply because they did not tinker with a chemistry that proved overwhelming in last season's playoffs. But I also liked the potential matchup with the Spurs last season. Still, I'm not sure who covers Manu Ginobili or Tony Parker on the current roster. Stopping Tim Duncan and Parker, in particular, would remain a challenge.
Q: Has Jason Williams toned down his game as much as he says he has? How do you think he'll fit in on this team? Also, is it true that Shaq lobbied hard for the Heat to get him? Pete Spadora, Boca Raton, FL
A: Williams' comportment stands as perhaps the Heat's greatest issue going into camp. I can recall several occasions when Jason said he had reformed his approach, only to wind up in spats with the likes of Hubie Brown and Mike Fratello. I do believe Shaq had input in the acquisition of his Orlando neighbor, and I'm not so sure that Shaq wasn't tiring of a point guard, in Damon Jones, who routinely would back the ball down the court.
-------------------------
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/s...s-utility-heat
Heat Q&A with Ira Winderman
Sun-Sentinel.com
Posted August 11, 2005, 5:00 PM EDT
Ask Ira!
Sun-Sentinel Heat writer Ira Winderman answers YOUR questions! You can read his latest comments below. To submit your question, e-mail askthepros@sun-sentinel.com. Your name, city and state MUST be included with each question!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Do you think it would be wise for the Heat to sign Brian Grant? Mike Gould, Chesterfield, MO
A: Mike, I can't see any downside to it. Just like with Zo last season, the price of the NBA minimum salary would be right (and actually count less against the tax and salary cap). The way I look at it is it would free Michael Doleac for a trade while also providing someone in the middle for those 20 or so games I expect Shaq to miss this season now that he has his new contract. And at the end of games, against bigger opponents, I can't envision a better defensive duo than Zo and Grant against the likes of Ben Wallace and Rasheed Wallace.
Q: What are the chances of Michael Finley and Allan Houston joining the Heat? Jeff Moretti, Miramar, FL
A: It would seem to be a perfect fit for Finley, who could slide in at small forward. Based on his recent injury history, I think Houston would be cast more in the type of role Steve Smith held at the end of last season.
Q: Can you believe Pat Riley said last year's team wasn't championship material, and that's why he made the big trade? They were within minutes of advancing to the NBA Finals. Scott Paretti, Mandeville, LA
A: Scott, I had a hard time with that one, also. Yes, the Pacers will be better with Ron Artest back for a full season, but I think last season's Heat team had wonderful chemistry. Now, the Heat has to hope it can be nearly as functional with Antoine Walker and Jason Williams.
Q: How the heck was the Heat able to pull off that trade while keeping its two best players? They unloaded Eddie Jones and threw in Qyntel Woods and Rasual Butler and two second-round picks for three possible starters. What a steal! Richard Steinman, Douglastown, NY
A: I especially like the Antoine Walker portion of the deal, which basically cost the Heat Rasual, Woods, the rights to Albert Miralles and two future second-round picks. I think Antoine's heart is in the right place, even if his game isn't always there. I do have concerns about Jason Williams, who typically sat in the fourth quarters in both Sacramento (in favor of Bobby Jackson) and Memphis (in favor of Earl Watson). For all those who criticized Eddie Jones, saying that he was not a closer, it's not as if Williams has yet come close to filling such a role.
Q: Which teams will give the Heat the toughest competition in the Eastern Conference? Will the East be as bad as it was last season? Also, will the Knicks be any better with Larry Brown? Ethan Egan, Bridgeport, CT
A: First of all, I think the East was more competitive last season than some gave credit. I think the Pacers, with Ron Artest back, move close to the top of the pack. I still respect the Pistons, but think the loss of Larry Brown will make a difference. I was high on the Nets until they lost out on Shareef Abdur-Rahim. I think some overstate Cleveland, with neither Larry Hughes nor Donyell Marshall having pushed their previous teams deep into the playoffs. As for the Knicks, even Larry Brown will have a hard time making chicken soup out of what remains chicken .... .
Q: Who will be the Heat's starting five, and what rotations should we expect with all the new guys? Armando Angulo, Miami, FL
A: As of now (and it certainly would change if Michael Finley becomes part of the equation), it looks like Shaq in the middle, Udonis at power forward, Posey at small forward, Dwyane at shooting guard and Jason Williams at point guard. I still have a hard time with Walker accepting playing solely as a reserve, but we'll see. Obviously depth on the perimeter, especially at small forward and point guard remains an issue.
Q: Hey Ira, great job! What are the Heat's long- and short-term plans for Earl Barron? What about Wayne Simien and Dorrell Wright? Frank Cusumano, Melbourne, FL
A: Barron figures to be a developmental player, but one who also will get plenty of reps in practice. With Shaq good for only about 20 minutes a session in practice and with stamina an issue with Alonzo Mourning, I could see the Heat keeping Barron around instead of farming him out to the D-League, if only to have an extra big body in practice. With Antoine Walker and Haslem in place, I think Simien will get less run than he initially expected. As for Dorell, his summer-league injury again will likely reduce him to an afterthought.
Q: Please tell me Antoine Walker won't be heaving up ill-advised 3-pointers like he did in Boston. Isn't Pat Riley and Stan Van Gundy worried about his awful shot selection that he's known for? Jon Petrucelli, Brockton, MA
A: The Heat has a history of getting players to play the right way, with hopes that Walker will become the latest in the lineage of Anthony Mason and Lamar Odom, players who saw the light while wearing Heat colors.
Q: Do you agree with your sidekick Ethan Skolnick that chemistry will be a problem with so many new faces? Will Connally, Fort Lauderdale, FL
A: First of all Ethan is not a 'sidekick'; he merely comes over and tidies up the house once a week. But I, too, also can't see how integrating so many new players won't be an issue. It does seem odd that a team would blow up something that had proven so successful. But perhaps that's why Pat Riley has his choice of mansions, while we're picking weeds at a house on the edge of the Everglades.
Q: Is James Posey as good as a defensive player as everyone is saying? And does his game have any offense? Aaron Goldman, Woodbridge, NJ
A: I think he used to be among the top perimeter defenders. Now the issue is whether such a reputation isn't in the past tense. He actually has a nice offensive game and was able to display it during the darkest of days in Denver. But on this roster, it is unlikely he will get much of an opportunity to score.
Q: Is the Heat a lock to win the championship? How do you think they would match up with San Antonio now? Tom Amatuzzo, Fort Myers, FL
A: I like the Spurs better simply because they did not tinker with a chemistry that proved overwhelming in last season's playoffs. But I also liked the potential matchup with the Spurs last season. Still, I'm not sure who covers Manu Ginobili or Tony Parker on the current roster. Stopping Tim Duncan and Parker, in particular, would remain a challenge.
Q: Has Jason Williams toned down his game as much as he says he has? How do you think he'll fit in on this team? Also, is it true that Shaq lobbied hard for the Heat to get him? Pete Spadora, Boca Raton, FL
A: Williams' comportment stands as perhaps the Heat's greatest issue going into camp. I can recall several occasions when Jason said he had reformed his approach, only to wind up in spats with the likes of Hubie Brown and Mike Fratello. I do believe Shaq had input in the acquisition of his Orlando neighbor, and I'm not so sure that Shaq wasn't tiring of a point guard, in Damon Jones, who routinely would back the ball down the court.
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