Summer League: Day 3

Well, the strange coincidences continue to line up. For some reason, whenever the Heat are playing their game in Orlando, the web casts tend to have problems.

Couldn't be because they are in-state rivals with the Magic, is it?

Nah. The Magic are a classy organization. [insert sarcasm]

Still, it always pays to be there but when you can't, don't depend on the NBA marrying technology with functionality. Surprised they even know what blogs are.

Blackout or not, the Heat weren't really worth watching anyway. They shot 33% (19-57) but were better from three point range (44% or 4/9). That has to be encouraging, right Pat?

There were some positives though:

Marcus Slaughter showed an all-around game, putting up 9 points on 2/7 shooting - most of his points came from the free throw line going 5-8. He also grabbed 8 rebounds, 3 assists and two steals. Solid performance, but showing he is willing to mix it up inside.

Jeremy Richardson continues to impress. He plays smooth, very quick off the dribble and has shown that he can play and get to the rim as well as shoot the rock. He dropped in 12 points on 4/8 (2/3 three pointers) and also generated 4 FTAs.

Junior Harrington was enthusiastic today, seeing some PT finally. He was only 1-4 but generated 11 FTAs today and sank 7 of them. Could get more of a look tomorrow - but will we be able to watch?

Trey Johnson and Joel Anthony didn't get to play today, which is better than what could be said for Daequan Cook.

Cook only was 1 out of 7 today, fouled out and got no FTAs. It just isn't clicking for Cook right now who is showing how talented he can be in small stretches, but his shot is just not there right now.

Overall, another loss for the Heat that comes on bad offense - no one is hitting their shots consistently except Quinn and Richardson. "Senator" John Edwards looks to be more than just a bulk out there, but is probably on the cusp of getting invited to an NBA camp.

Summer League Heating Up

Looks like the Summer League for the Heat is going to be a crucial part of the Heat's offseason plans. Short of pulling off a miracle sign-and-trade, the Heat are most likely going to add talent to their roster via the guys they bring in. One of those guys is going to be Daequan Cook, who is starting to be expected to have more of a role on this team than previously thought.

Vincent Grier and Chris Quinn return. Wayne Simien was supposed to, but he blew out his knee and will be out 4-6 weeks.

Keep an eye on Trey Johnson. He is looking like at worst a Daequan Cook clone - a sleek shooter with teh ability to score from all over the floor. He is athletic and can defend but he has more experience at the college level and a more proven game at this point.

Let's get started.

Further Reading:
Heat Summer League Roster
Summer League Practice Part I
Summer League Practice Part II

Add Joel Anthony and Jeremy Richardson

...to the Heat's flurry of signings. Taken from the Heat's official site:

MIAMI, July 5 – The Miami HEAT announced today that they have signed center Joel Anthony, guard Jeremy Richardson and forward Marcus Slaughter. Per team policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.

Anthony (6-9, 240-pounds), appeared in 68 games (nine starts) in two seasons for the University of Nevada (Las Vegas) after transferring from Pensacola Junior College. During his senior season, Anthony appeared in 37 games (six starts) for UNLV and averaged 5.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.9 blocks while shooting 59.7 percent from the field. He was named as the Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Year after setting an MWC record for most blocks in a game with 13 vs. TCU on Feb. 6, 2007. Anthony finished his collegiate career second in school history for total blocks during a single-season with 109.

Richardson (6-7, 190-pounds), appeared in six NBA regular season games, five with the Atlanta Hawks and one with the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2006-07 campaign, and averaged 1.3 points, 0.3 rebounds, 0.17 steals and 3.7 minutes while shooting 50.0 percent from the field and 66.7 percent from three-point range. During his stint in the NBA Development League, Richardson appeared in 33 games (30 starts) for the Fort Worth Flyers after being drafted with the ninth pick of the second round in the 2006 NBA Development League Draft and averaged 17.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 30.8 minutes while shooting 45.8 percent from the field, 37.5 percent from three-point range and 81.9 percent from the foul line. While at Delta State University during his senior and junior seasons, after transferring from Copiah-Lincoln Community College, he appeared in 61 games (60 starts) for the Statesmen and averaged 16.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.15 steals. Richardson finished fifth all-time in school history in three-point field goals made (120) and ranks 14th on the all-time scoring list with 1,001 points.

Slaughter (6-8, 223-pounds), appeared in 29 games with Pinar Karsiyaka SK Izmir of the Turkish League during the 2006-07 season and averaged 13.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.30 steals and 1.3 assists while shooting 51.6 percent from the field. Slaughter was named to the Eurobasket.com Turkish League All-Defensive Team and to the Eurobasket.com Turkish League Second Team. After being selected to play in the Turkish League All-Star Game, Slaughter was named as the All-Star Game MVP after posting 18 points, five rebounds, two steals and two blocks in 17 minutes while shooting 9-of-10 from the field. Marcus also placed second in the Turkish League All-Star Game dunk contest. After three seasons at San Diego State University, Slaughter went un-drafted after becoming an early entry candidate in the 2006 NBA Draft. In his collegiate career, he appeared in 87 games (74 starts) and averaged 13.9 points, 8.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.23 steals while shooting 47.7 percent from the field. Slaughter finished third all-time in school history in rebounds (775), sixth all-time in school history in blocks (78) and 10th as the Aztecs all-time scoring leader (1,211).

Heat.com

Looks like the rebuild continues. Rather, re-load.

Anthony looks like a tough defender with some athleticism. Great shot blocker and post defender, offense needs improvement but can certainly dunk and play physical. Check it out for yourself:



Richardson looks like a scorer that can play at the SF position, good shooter. Very young still, but has seen time in the NBA and NBDL. Got some potential.

Marcus Slaughter Signs with Heat

6'9" 220lb ex San Diego State Aztec turned Turkish league baller, Marcus Slaughter signed a contract with the Miami Heat that could be worth two years if he makes the team. The deadline for that possibility is August 21st.

The rangy, athletic forward is being asked to "run, play defense and rebound". With his length and athleticism, and knack for finishing around the basket, he can easily do this. An area for improvement will be his outside game; he has a solid mid-range jumper but scouts don't trust him outside of 12 feet.

This is a very good move for Miami as they get more athletic at the swing position and gaing a perimeter defender - and it might not cost them much at all and could be huge value if Slaughter can contribute. All of a sudden, that Summer League team in Orlando is looking interesting with Slaughter and Trey Johnson on the roster.