'Wading' for bigger deal and the future fiscal bomb

The Miami Heat reportedly offered Dwyane Wade the maximum contract they could, under the current collective bargaining agreement, which equated to a 5 year deal worth upwards of $80 million dollars. Dwyane Wade was ready to ink the deal and make it official - today, as the moratorium ends for signing players - but something else caught his attention: Lebron James.

James had been offered the same deal by the Cleveland Cavaliers, and his potential lack of a signature has become a story as well as made many Cavs fans (most of them, of the newfound ilk) have sleepless nights.

But James got smart, he figured why sign for 5 years and only a measley $80 million when he could get more money in that same timespan by waiting a few more years? So, he pushed for a 3 year deal with a 4th year option. Why? Because the current CBA will only run for 3 more years - which creates an opportunity for James to possibly sign for more money when that new agreement falls into place.

And Wade, talking with his buddy, figured he would follow suit. After all, both James and Wade are better players than Carmelo and Bosh, but would be getting the same money. A slap in the face? Hardly.

What is at fault here is the economic system of the NBA. I have always said that the best system in place in MLB's. Yes, Major League Baseball. No, it isn't because of Selig - but rather, in spite of him. The owners and the player's association have tried to grapple with their shares of the money, but owners just couldn't display the same 'fiscal discipline' that their colleagues in other major sports have been able to. In baseball, there is no cap - only a luxury tax. But that threshold is so ridiculously high, very few will ever have to realistically pay it.

But the fact of the matter is, you wouldn't have this mess in MLB. If a team had a franchise player, in effect, a player of historic proportions, they would be allowed to re-sign him to whatever deal they saw fit. $100M? $200M? Any amount. It is pure, uncalculated capitalism.

So, what stands to be gained here for our young players Wade and James? The world. They can very feasibly affect the negotiation of the next CBA because their franchises, Cleveland and Miami, will have a vested interest in keeping them around. And the other teams, the potential suitors, will be lining up to keep things competitive so they could land their services for their clubs. This could create a schism within the owners' camp of the NBA. It will be interesting to see how these two young superstars careers not only affect the way the game is marketed over the next few years, but also be the pulse behind the financial heartbeat of the NBA itself.

It will be a bloody mess. At least, potentially in a few years when the new CBA comes to be negotiated.

Defending the Crown: Summer League Preview

Well, there has been much written about the Heat's championship run. I do not wish to bore anyone with my thoughts on the subject, but instead understand that I feel like most other die-hard Heat fans out there - it is all still too surreal. Still trying to take it all in.

That said, there is work to be done. The one thing about winning a championship is that there is very little time off. The turnaround is quick. And it starts now - with some brief practices this weekend and the Summer Pro League kicking off Monday, July 10th.

The Heat have not slacked - they have compiled a group of 19 players to come into camp in Orlando to battle for a spot on their championship roster. The head coach spot will be manned by assistant Erik Spoelstra and his task will be simple - to teach and to run the Heat's offensive and defensive schemes.

Now, the Heat have to be able to take these young guys and mold them into competing for a spot on the 15 man roster - and possibly form a part of the rotation Riley will launch in order to defend the title. No one is guaranteed anything.

Here is a list of the 19 prospects brought into camp - some already on the Heat roster, such as Dorrell Wright and Earl Barron - the rest are hopefuls. And there are some names that jump out immediately: Pittsnogle, Gansey, Dunn, Horton, Forte. Let's take a look at each one.

Earl Barron

The agile seven footer spent most of his time on the Heat's inactive roster last season, but he did see action in 8 games. He got some time with the Florida Flame, proving he was ready for the NBA, but nothing significant enough to break into the world champions' rotation. He has a very nice outside touch with range around the 17' mark and can rebound extremely well, showing good technique and fundamentals, as well as display very good shot blocking skills. Right now, he is working on getting a renewed contract, and the Heat have some more time to decide on him. In his way is Alonzo Mourning and Michael Dolead - for the moment. He looks to grab that backup C role at best.

Cameron Bennerman

The 6'4 guard from NC State showed some ability, averaging 14.1 points per game on .470% shooting. His three point shot dropped from .393 to .338 in his senior year, but still believed to be an above average shooter from outside. Regardless, he has excellent athleticism and leaping ability which make him a very interesting prospect with the ability to finish at the rim.

Tierre Brown

A solid PG prospect, but at 27 don't expect too much. He has played for 4 NBA teams (Houston, Cleveland, New Orleans and LA Lakers), scoring a career high 27 against the Hawks on 2/7/05. Probably going to be just a filler for the summer squad, but his NBA experience may prove crucial for the interim.

Joeseph Forte

A highly touted prospect coming out of high school, he went on to UNC for 2 college years and then left early and was drafted #21 by the Boston Celtics. He has a nice past: 2000 ACC Rookie of the Year and in 2001 was co-ACC player of the year while averaging 20.9 points per game for the Tarheels. His collegiate star was rising, but it never seemed to translate to the NBA level, as he was eventually traded from the Celtics to the Supersonics, who waived him. His biggest problem wasn't a lack of talent, but a very bad work ethic and poor attitude. If he shows that he has grown up, and can also show that he can flat out play - once being compared to Michael Jordan - he may earn himself a spot on the Heat's roster. Having seen him play back in his UNC days, I am hoping he does progress and who maturity and grabs a spot on the Heat's bench.

Torrin Francis

He and Chris Quinn played together at Notre Dame, so that at least should make for some interesting chemistry. How much will Francis get to display? Who knows. He was thought of as lottery worthy at one time, and Earl Barron wasn't knocking down scouts when he came into camp last season. So, you never know. But he has a similar game as Barron, just a bit shorter. He has a lot of agility and runs the floor well, as well as having a decent jumper that he seems to be most comfortable with popping at the foul line. Has a nice, high release which will help him create space for his shot. An NBA ready physique and a smart player, but does need to get more consistent with his jump shot as well as work on his footwork and defensive positioning - things Camp Riley can take to another level. A very interesting prospect.

Mike Gansey

Signed with the Heat, so he will get guarateed money, but not necessarily a guaranteed spot (see Matt Walsh). He is probably one of the best three point shooters coming out of college (.429 last season, Reddick shot .421 for some comparison) but is not extremely athletic and seems to be an effort player more than pure physical talent. Seems to compare favorably to Fred Hoiberg - an undersized SG that can shoot lights out and play smart basketball. Has a very good shot at nailing down a spot on the final roster.

Vincent Grier

Known mostly at one time for his Pollyana-ish locks, the SG from Minnesota is a physical freak and highly athletic. He can finish at the rim and has a strong drive to the basket. However, he has very little outside shot at all. Defense can be learned, but he didn't seem too keen on it while in college. Physically ready for the NBA, but may not have enough overall game to warrant a spot on the Heat's roster.

Eric Hicks

A very gifted athlete that seems to be a Keith Askins in the making - but with more offensive explosiveness. He is 6'7" but has a gift for blocking shots and grabbing offensive rebounds. Scouts like his ability as a complementary player in that he doesn't need to have plays run for him, but can clean up and can create for himself when needed. Most of his shots came around the rim, which is why he shot a high percentage throughout most of his career (.479 last season, .519 and .590 the previous seasons) but also worked on improving his outside shooting and free throws. Don't be fooled, he is not going to be taking many perimeter shots.

Robert Hite

Played college ball here in Miami and seems to be the only reason he is in camp - as a courtesy. Had a solid college career - made all-ACC third team and 5th on UM's all-time scoring list. Fans of the U will know him, but in all honesty, can't expect him to crack open anything with the Heat. Solid PG prospect, but there are better ones available.

Delonte Holland

Part of that 2004 player pool eligible for the draft, Holland has seen time overseas; most recently in Italy this past season (in fact, the best source I had on him was in Italian, which I had to translate personally in order to get anything of note on him!). He is an athletic wing forward, with a very good ability at getting to the rim. He seems to have developed more physically since his senior season at De Paul, back in '04. His overseas experience will not handicap him at all, considering the Heat have Udonis Haslem, another undrafted player that had to cut his teeth overseas on their roster - and a vital player to boot. If Holland shows his ability to score and can stand out, he may get invited back for training camp. Has the athleticism and length the Heat are looking for.

Daniel Horton

Big on promise but short on results. He was a highly touted prospect at Michigan, but failed to build on his progress. Still, seen as a combo guard more than a true PG or SG. He has a pretty decent mid range shot and can break down defenders and get to the rim - invaluable in the NBA. He does need to improve on his wildness, his assist/turnover ratio is fairly average. Will provide for some interesting competition in summer league with Dunn having already inked a deal with Miami.

Brad Oleson

Well, I honestly dont know much about him - came from UAF up in Alaska and was one of the better PG prospects in Div. II. Was not drafted, and went overseas to Spain (and played with Todd Fuller). Noted to have a pretty good outside shot, has some height, and some quickness. We'll definetly learn more about him over the coming week.

Kevin Pittsnogle

Big man that can shoot, but has very bad footspeed and cannot be relied upon for defense. Basically, a taller version of Jason Kapono. Not much else to say. I like his ability to pass and play smart basketball and he was instrumental in WVU's run of success. Who knows?

Chris Quinn

Already signed with the Heat, which means he will get money out of this - like Gansey - but not much else. Still has to earn a spot and I think he will. He seems to be a Steven Blake clone - a solid PG that doesn't do too much, runs the offense smooth and can stick the outside shot from downtown. He can penetrate as he is deceptively quick, but his shot selection and intelligence is what will make him his money. Possibly, just what the Heat need at backup PG - if Gary retires.

Michael Southall

Believe in 9 lives? Well, Southall can answer that for you, getting a second chance after having been busted and served some time in jail - which interupted his Ragin' Cajun career. Still, a change in attitude with the birth of his son may have set him free from his past - and he is a solid center prospect, too. He will definetly have the hunger to excel, and getting a big shot here with the Miami Heat there may be fewer that will display that hunger more in summer camp.

Joah Tucker

Known mostly for his 32 points against Illinois in the '05 tourny, which prompted his coach to call him the best player in the tournament no one knows about, the prospects for Tucker have not dried up yet. He is a 'tweener, but since he is only 6'5", that puts him on the short side of things. He has a pretty good handle and can stick the outside shot with enough consistency to warrant defensive attention. He can also post up and finish. An interesting prospect that will certainly get a good look from the Heat brass.

Jackson Vroman

Drafted by the Suns in '04, he ended up playing in New Orleans the last two seasons. A solid big man with some professional skills. Not too much to talk about here - could be the second coming of Doleac, but we already have the genuine article.

Lamayn Wilson

The former star at Troy State averaged over 20 points a game and has been in exile in Germany playing basketball over there for the last 4 years. And he has excelled over there, grabbing all-star berths and noted for his high scoring outputs. He feels ready to play now and could be the best German appropriated export since David Hasselhoff. At least, I hope so.

Dorrel Wright

We all know this kid has loads of potential. We all know that Shaq told us to remember his name at the champioship parade and we also know that he and DWade are 'tight'. What we don't know is how his game will translate onto the NBA stage. We are practically foaming at the mouth to watch this kid's game and if his progress, as reported by Heat scouts and coaches, is any where near truthful, he is going to be the next TMac - but with a good back and great attitude.

That is it for now. Don't forget that you can WATCH SUMMER LEAGUE GAMES LIVE over at the Magic's web site. And the defense of the crown is under way.