That's right, as if the media can't make fun of the Heat enough, there is a possibility the Heat could actually get older.
Apparently the latest buzz is the Heat are interested in two names that may seem familiar to NBA fans of several years ago - Doug Christie and Allan Houston.
Christie has stated that he is going to play again this season and has several offers from teams for private workouts. He has been making the circuit, and in actuality the Heat is a team that looks to be a consideration. Since the loss of Posey, the Heat are in need of a tough, physical perimeter defender and Christie could provide that as well as a solid outside shot. Since he would be viewed as a stretch, due to his age, his value would be high in the sense that he could really only demand the veteran minimum salary.
The other possibility is more intriguing for Heat fans, considering the history. Alan Houston has been a favorite of Riley's and is in great shape and has an excellent understanding of positioning on offense. He can play off of Shaq and Wade - however, due to his advanced age at his position, he might not be able to offer more than 15 or even 20 minutes of high level play. At 36, he came in the league with Shaq and has ties to the big fella, although his history against the Heat would make his signing hard to swallow. Reportedly, both the Heat and the Cavaliers are interested.
Right now it is highly unlikely that the Heat make a big move via a trade, but rather they will most likely sign a player in order to thicken the pool going into camp. Adding either Christie or Houston would be an intriguing move to bolster the roster and shore up a hole left by a departing player.
Saturday, September 08, 2007
Heat Getting Older?
Posted by Unknown at 8:34 AM
Labels: Alan Houston, Doug Christie, Offseason, Pat Riley
3 comments:
It's really sad when one of the highlights of the offseason is whether we have a shot at two arthritic, geriatric swingmen. Get some REAL talent in Miami! What about trading for Artest or Pietrus? Come on, Riley, work that magic!
Well, I wouldn't call this a highlight. For me, signing Alexander Johnson was a real highlight because it shows the Heat FO (Riley and Pfund) are really starting to get it now. They have to take advantage of an undervalued talent pool like the younger players that need more development. Johnson was a victim of the Darko Milicic hype machine, as Memphis wanted to sign him and had to drop a few players to squeeze him on the roster.
The other guy I would like to see the Heat sign is Dahntay Jones.
I agree about Johnson, actually. Although I honestly had to research him to become more familiar with what he could offer, I really think he could be a positive player for the Heat. Anyone Hollinger rates as a top 10 rookie around the all-star break is a great addition. With all of the interest Haslem is garnering, is there a chance we might trade Haslem for other needs (SF, a younger/healthier PG) and consider giving Johnson major minutes?
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