Well, I was obviously waiting to post this article on Zo's possible career ending injury because I wanted to believe the basketball gods would not allow him to exit like this. They would not allow a warrior like Zo to leave the game for good wincing in pain, being helped off the court with what turned out to be a torn tendon. Still, in typical Zo fashion, he would not allowed himself to be carted off.
Then again, how else would Zo be able to leave the game for good unless forced out? It had to be taken from him.
Further Reading:
Sun-Sentinel: Mourning Injury Worse Than Thought
Miami Herald: Heat's Mourning to have surgery Thursday
If Zo doesn't come back, we can't look at how he left but how he continued to play the game and was a contributor even well after his kidney surgery. He defied the odds, and helped build this franchise into a champion. His roar and flexing biceps will continue to be an icon for Heat fans, and his intensity will be missed.
Easily, the most recognizable Heat player his shot blocking, defensive intensity and beautiful hook shot made the Heat a formidable team in the mid-90's. And Zo, both figuratively and literally, was at the center of it all.
Now, there will be mourning for Mourning's game. We will miss him, and perhaps his retirement came too soon.
Then again, how about "uno mas"?
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Zo Done
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Heat Getting Jolt of Energy
Let's face it, Pat Riley knows what he is doing.
He is like that guy that quietly sits down at the bar, nestles on up and asks for his drink. While he does so, everyone stops what they are doing and watches for his next move.
You can feel the anticipation in the air.
Riley has not blown the doors off by simply pulling the trigger on an easy, big ticket deal that would instantly make Miami the favorites in the East. That would be too easy, and too amateur. If anything, Riley is no amateur. Besides, he has pulled that old trick before in the past - trading for Zo in the earlier heydays of the Heat team which lead to a series of successes in the mid to late 90's (and some heartbreaks) and also with the most recent trade of Shaq. Been there, done that, got the ring.
Other teams might feel the need to shortcut their way to the top - like Boston - but it is always a risky deal because you have to have the right components in place: a coach that can coach, a team culture that is about winning and pride. The Heat have that, and have always had that - except for last season the mix wasn't there. The team was bloated on its championship and believe it or not, one of the key components to last season's disaster is gone - James Posey. This isn't to knock Posey but failing to come in to camp in shape is one thing. A guy like Antoine Walker will never be that chiseled because of his body type, but the effort was there. With Posey, is just looked like complacency. This year's camp is already looking drastically different.
And it is the unsung, unknown young guys that are making the difference.
What Riley is quietly doing is taking the old recipe and infusing it with new ingredients. This is a factor that most of us mere mortals chose to ignore and instead whine about not getting the big trade that would instantly improve the team. Yet it isn't about instant gratification if you are trying to do something right, it is about a system and the process of executing that system. You need the right components.
You could add the right component by making a trade and also give up some of your talent that is currently in house.
Or you can fill the tub with your own water, and develop the talent to fit into your system.
The latter works especially well if you believe it is just a minor tweak that is needed rather than an overhaul. And this is in fact what Riley believes. Trading for a Zo or a Shaq is a statement about turning over the team's culture. When you have both of those guys on your roster, you really only need to tweak things.
The real difference between a good player and a great player is intrinsic motivation. If you have it, you don't need a guy screaming in your ear telling you to shoot 1000 more free throws or to go to the gym at 4 in the morning. You do all of that because you want to be great. You know nothing else.
In that category are players like Wade, Shaq and Zo. Others on the roster may have delusions of granduer, but because of Shaq, Zo and Wade they will be raising their play much in the same way the moon orbits the earth - because of gravity. Riley understands this principle, he has developed a system and has won everywhere he has coached. Having championship bookends on your coaching career only validates that you know what you are doing.
And Riley is up to something. He has taken this team and injected it with an infusion of youth in order to push the great players and the hoi polloi into getting back to the level they were in 2006.
It might come down to a guy like Brian Chase ultimately shaping the focus of this team more than Riley can do. And that is essentially what a great coach does - he puts things in place and stands aside while the team takes over its own destiny.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
The Open J: Sign PJ Brown?
The offseason is looking bleak for the Miami Heat, but there are still options available that could re-tool this team - as we have been stressing.
Another consideration, which may seem somewhat innovative and different, would be to get older.
The biggest problem for Miami last season was staying healthy: Shaq and Wade missed a combined 73 games last season. So it would seem getting older would only put the Heat more at risk of injury.
Yet, with very few financial tools as their disposal (as practically every team has the same tools to use at this time) the Heat have to meet the challenge of shoring up their roster in preparation of getting back on top. Orlando, Charlotte, even Washington and Atlanta have all improved their talent pools so winning the Southeastern division will be more of a challenge.
So, with all the retirees moving to South Florida, why not get one more? An old familiar face like PJ Brown.
Chicago power forward P.J. Brown remains available, but he reportedly favors a Florida team, the Magic or Heat, or possibly retirement. Arizona Central
It makes sense on many levels, not to mention continuing the trend of recycling ex-Heatians like Eddie Jones and Alonzo Mourning. What's one more?
More importantly, PJ Brown would still have a lot to offer this team. He brings a mental toughness that would agree with Zo, as well as a desire and intensity to win that would also complement Zo's. He can rebound, can still defend very well, and can stick that midrange jumper when needed. He would be a strong addition for a backup PF, and could even spend time at C if need be.
More importantly, he could be had for the veteran minimum $1.1M and would offer more incentive to deal Udonis Haslem to fill in at another place of need.
Sure, getting a guy who is almost 40 may seem like insanity. But this is a guy Riley can trust and he still has something to offer a team and he would get the chance to retire as a member of the Miami Heat. He could give you a solid 20 minutes a game and with the expected depth of this team, once the dust settles this offseason, he may not have to give you that much playing time and would serve as an excellent insurance policy - certainly a better option than Michael Doleac who could also be traded away as well.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Zo Returns
Alonzo Mourning will be back.
The Heat center made the announcement Sunday at his annual Summer Groove charity event, which brings great relief to Heat fans. The offseason has been a confusing one, seeing many targeted free agents get snatched up elsewhere but Riley has been contending all along that they will not overpay for a possible player.
In this case, the Heat will be getting unquestionable value on their investment.
Zo will back up Shaq again and this has proven to be a boon for Miami. Always professional and an intense leader, Zo continues not only to deliver continuity but to build on his legacy as a Heat player. He has the skills and the mentality to make it through another NBA season and be as productive as ever.
This was always going to be a crucial point for the Heat this offseason, losing Zo would be unthinkable as it would force the Heat to adapt Micheal Doleac to their backup center role - now they may have found another huge asset that could be liquidated.
Zo's return means that Doleac, in his last season and commanding a modest $3M contract in his final year, could be used as trade bait to shore up more pressing needs on this Heat roster.
As it stands now, keep an eye on Juan Carlos Navarro - Riley is meeting with the young Spanish point guard while on his way to Africa for a little R&R (in fact, Riley has not publicly stated he will return as coach, but with Zo signing on chances are pretty good that not only will Riley return to the bench, but that a move is going to happen that Zo also finds satisfactory). With Zo's return, he must feel pretty good about committing to another season.
Also, James Posey has been meeting with several teams, one of which is Golden State who is loaded with guards and small forwards and needs to deepen their front court depth. Posey would be an upgrade defensively, but throwing in a guy like Doleac could also give the Warriors a solid veteran to boost up their front court with. And Posey has stated he is open to a sign and trade possibility - and the Heat are looking at Mickeal Pietrus.
Zo's return is good for the Heat on the court, and also can serve as a barometer for what is going on behind the scenes - namely that Riley should return as coach and that there is possibly a deal in place that will give the Heat what they need going forward into this NBA season.
At any rate, welcome back Zo. It is going to be nice to have you back.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Free Agent Watch: Best Options for Miami Heat
With all the talk about landing big name free agents circulating in relation to the Miami Heat, I wanted to take a second and remind everyone that the likelihood of it happening is very very small.
The Heat have virtually no wiggle room due to big ticket items like Dwyane Wade (12.5M) and Shaq (20M) and are forced into finding more cost effective alternatives due to their financial constraints.
The Heat have a payroll for the upcoming season that is estimated to cost $64M for 9 players - the most attractive assets are Jason Williams and his 8.9M expiring deal and possibly James Posey's sign-and-trade potential as the Heat can offer him a better deal than his new team could and there is expected to be competition for his services. The Heat, realistically, cannot match offers from other teams to keep Posey (yet, as this article will show they really shouldn't anyway).
The rest:
Antoine Walker has 2 years at 8.5M with a team option in 2009-2010
Udonis Haslem has 3 more years at 6M rising to 7M in 2009-2010
Micheal Doleac is in his final year at 3.1M
Zo is in his final year at 2.7M but it is only speculated that he is returning
Dorell Wright is in his final year at 1.7M but Heat can match offers next season
Wayne Simien will make 997K with a team option for 1.8M next season
Now, owner Mickey Arison has stated he will pay luxury tax dollars for a player that is worth it - so that is the main reason for public speculation about the Heat acquiring another big name. Yet the reality is, there are teams with slightly more to offer and the chances for the Heat are not as good as some in the media might dare to portray.
Yet, there is plenty of hope left for the Heat to re-tool their lineup. In fact, the options that are out there can be much more enticing.
I am going to outline a couple of unrestricted free agent options that could immediately help this team get better and deepen its talent pool in the areas it needs help. What are those areas? Good question, and a great place to start.
Let's play GM:
Point Guard.
The Heat need point guard depth as Gary Payton is retiring (not official yet...but 99% chance he does not return with the Heat), Jason Williams has question marks over each knee and Chris Quinn is solid, but not proven enough to build with.
Options.
- Steve Blake. He is a hometown kid with a pass first mentality and his motor runs but never blows a gasket out there. He knows his limits and plays safe, smart basketball. He has pretty good handles, can penetrate and can stick the open three. Not going to offer too much defensively, but for the price would be a much more valuable alternative to Jason Williams. As such, would free up the Heat to deal Williams and his expiring contract.
- Jason Hart. Despite being 31, has a lot of minutes still in him, but just needs a place to play. A very good defender for his position, not a huge scorer but a solid passer and can shoot the open three - the only question is can he knock it down consistently? Can run an offense and do what is asked and for the price, could be another valuable alternative to Gary Payton - may only take the veteran minimum depending on the market.
- Brevin Knight. Probably the best defender at his position on the market, but concerns about his durability is what got him on the open market in the first place. Basically, he's fragile, but when he is healthy he is one of the better floor generals and playmakers at his position. Great assist man and offers low turnovers. Can't shoot to save his life, but can get to the rim and create. Not a scorer, but has his nights. Could be had for the veteran minimum and could start on the Heat because Wade will do most of the heavy lifting on offense and Knight could hold it down defensively.
- Jannero Pargo. Another rangy guard that has great quickness and athleticism, but needs a place to play. He can shoot the three and can run an offense; defensively he can get busy while bouncing in and out of lanes and has the physical tools to guard his man. May cost a little bit more because he has a perceived potential that could result in a higher ceiling of the guards available. Like Blake, may be looking for the entire MLE (mid-level exception worth about $5.6M).
Small Foward.
The Heat have another hole forming at small forward due to the free agent status of James Posey and the now-departed Jason Kapono. The Heat at least have Dorell Wright, a building piece in that spot, and can play Antoine Walker at the small forward position (where he started, incidentally, for the championship team in 2006) although it isn't recommended.
Options.
- Ime Udoka. Very good perimeter defender as well as solid shooter: he can hit the three, he can hit his free throws and he won't try to do too much on offense. An excellent candidate to replace James Posey and he will do so at a much cheaper price (made 744K last season). Starter caliber SF with excellent defense and spot up shooting as well as tough and physical and will battle for loose balls and rebounds. His age (turning 30) could price him down which makes him a bargain for the cash-strapped Heat. Only 3 years as a pro in the NBA which means, like Hart, has a lot of game left in his legs at this point.
- Jumaine Jones. Another tough perimeter defender that could lock down the SF position but has a little more experience scoring the ball with other teams. Actually younger than Udoka, but has more experience in the NBA. Just a very good and solid all around game, he also can replace Posey at a fraction of the cost - only made 744K last season as well.
- Devean George. This guy always seems like he has more potential, extremely gifted athlete and can defend at SF, PF and even SG. Has a nice shooting touch and can score the ball from time to time and will have his break out games as well. Has experience and has played with Shaq back in his Laker days. Might cost a bit more than Udoka and Jones, however, as he has had a more consistent NBA career. Opted out of a guaranteed $2M contract for next season, so not as much value especially considering his disappointing performance last season with the Mavs.
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Not only would these options answer questions for the Heat and address needs, they would also offer a strong package of complementary pieces that could build around Wade and Shaq for the next three years. Each player listed should be signed using the MLE and the only ones looking to use the entire MLE are Blake and possibly Pargo.
Signing these players also frees the Heat up to move other pieces and contracts that are on the books. For example, finding a replacement for Jason Williams allows the Heat to deal Williams; finding a replacement for James Posey allows the Heat to deal Pose. What this means is the Heat could sign-and-trade Posey, coupled with Williams' expiring contract, and get back a bigger piece to obtain that third scoring option they so badly need. This does not require the Heat to deal Udonis Haslem or Antoine Walker, which they also cold do provided they get back a PF in the deal to account for Haslem's loss - such a PF does not have to be an all-world talent, instead he just has to rebound and help spread the floor. It is debatable at this time if Simien could do this himself, although it remains a very good possibility.
The Heat don't have to rebuild, just reload. They can do this affordably given the options on the market but it would be advisable that they move quickly as teams are looking to make that quick deal in the beginning of the free agent period so that teams don't have a chance to sign-and-trade with their own free agents.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Zo All-Time Heat Scorer
Alonzo Mourning, aquired from the Charlotte Hornets back in 1995 for Glen Rice, has now surpassed Rice in Heat lore once again - this time as the all-time leading scorer.
This latest accomplishment solidifies Zo among the rest of the Heat's constellation of players. He is a champion, and now all-time franchise leader in scoring - hopefully two prerequisites to a hall of fame nomination.
Regardless, this puts things in proper perspective for Zo who had to overcome a critical kidney disease that sidelined and almost ended his career. To get to where he is now after that black October in 2000 is truly miraculous. Congratulations, Zo, on becoming the all-time franchise leader - and on being one heck of an icon for this team and its fans.