Potential Rebounding Options For The Heat
While the Heat continue to maintain the best record in the Eastern Conference, the team has struggled as of late, playing sub-.500 ball so far in 2013. A few factors have contributed to Miami's recent slide, but the team's primary concern is its rebounding. The Heat rank dead last in the NBA in offensive rebounds (8.0) and total rebounds (38.6) per game. In Miami's last four losses, the club has been outrebounded 188-132, an average defecit of 14 boards per game.
Chris Bosh has offered to play fewer minutes if it means getting better rebounders into the game, and LeBron James has said the current roster has to figure out a way to improve on the glass, but so far not much has worked. Coach Erik Spoelstra and president Pat Riley are undoubtedly mulling changes, either to the lineup or the roster. So what are Miami's options, as the club looks to improve its rebounding numbers? Let's break them down….
Internal options:
The Heat have embraced the small-ball approach that helped propel them to a Finals win last season, with Udonis Haslem (19.5) and Joel Anthony (9.9) both averaging career-lows in minutes per game. Haslem, Anthony, and Dexter Pittman aren't exactly among the league's most-feared interior players, but increasing their minutes during the regular season could take some of the rebounding pressure off of scorers like James and Bosh. For what it's worth, Anthony's 11.6% rebound rate so far in 2012/13, while not exceptional, is the best of his career.
Free agents:
With no cap space or mid-level money left, the Heat can only offer 10-day contracts or minimum-salary deals, but that should be more than enough to draw the interest of rebounding specialists. Miami recently worked out Chris Andersen, a guy who could help on the glass, though it's not clear how much he has left at age 34. Andersen isn't the only veteran big man still on the market — as our free agent list shows, other options include Kenyon Martin, Troy Murphy, and Dan Gadzuric. If the Heat prefer to go younger, players like Samardo Samuels and Luke Harangody (14.7 RPG in six D-League contests) are also available.
Trade candidates:
Because the Heat have so few assets outside of their big three, it's hard to find many realistic matches on the trade market. Someone like Haslem, Anthony, or Mike Miller would probably need to be included in a deal for any player earning a decent salary, but those guys have undesirable long-term contracts, making them tough to move.
Miami's most valuable trade chip is probably Norris Cole or the 76ers' lottery-protected 2013 first-round pick. But even combining those two pieces would mean the Heat could only acquire a player on a very small salary, with Cole only making $1.08MM this season. That likely eliminates possibilities such as Jason Maxiell, Glen Davis, Jason Thompson, and Samuel Dalembert, since they're all earning $5MM+.
There are still a few intriguing options out there. Brandan Wright and DeJuan Blair are inexpensive, and I'm sure the Mavs and Spurs, respectively, would be very open to swapping their bigs for that Sixers pick. Timofey Mozgov and Marreese Speights are also names worth considering, though the Heat don't match up particularly well as trade partners with either the Nuggets or Grizzlies. Still, if the Heat decide to explore trades, they'd probably be better off engaging these Western Conference clubs, since I doubt many Eastern Conference contenders would be eager to help the Heat patch up their biggest hole.
At 24-12, the Heat are hardly in perilious danger, despite their recent play. Even if the rebounding woes continue, I think Miami is the odds-on favorite for the No. 1 seed in the East, so we shouldn't anticipate a panic move. The Heat will likely experiment with different lineups and perhaps bring in a couple new players on 10-day contracts in the coming weeks.
If rebounding is still a major concern when the trade deadline approaches, a move for someone like Blair appears to be a reasonable bet. The free agent market will also be worth monitoring after the February 21st deadline, when veterans are waived or bought out. But considering this Heat team had similar frontcourt issues last season and still came away with a championship, it's probably not realistic to expect the club to make a major splash before season's end.
Central Links: Cavaliers, James, Pacers
The latest news and notes from around the Central Division on Tuesday night:
- Terry Pluto of the Cleveland Plain Dealer opines that even with all the recent LeBron James talk with regard to the summer of 2014, the Cavaliers must put a winner on the floor next year to prove to everyone they're not the perennial doormat they've been of late. We've heard the team will do nothing to jeopardize their 2014 financial flexibility, but Pluto warns against putting all their eggs in that basket.
- Meanwhile, Sam Amico of Fox Sports Ohio writes that while the Cavs aren't remotely banking on James returning to Cleveland, there seems to be a lot of arrows pointing in that direction. Amico says, depending on the development of the pieces in Cleveland, it could be a perfect fit and based on what he hears from around the league, the animosity over "The Decision" won't be nearly as big an obstacle as one might think.
- Grantland's Zach Lowe breaks down the dominant Pacers defense, which he describes as "potentially historically great." However, Lowe says, no team as offensively challenged as Indiana has been this year has ever won the NBA title. The imminent return of Danny Granger should help, but to have a chance at dethroning the Heat, the Pacers will probably need other players, like Roy Hibbert, to step up without losing much on the defensive end of the floor.
Heat Could Pursue Timofey Mozgov
7:14pm: Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel tweets that there are no rumors about a trade of Mozgov to the Heat, indicating that Mozgov's comments were simply in response to a question about the Heat's need for a center.
12:22pm: We heard in mid-December from Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports and Zach Lowe of Grantland that the Nuggets were making Timofey Mozgov available, and it appears that stance hasn't changed in the last month. Chris Tomasson of FOX Sports Florida also reports that Denver is looking to deal Mozgov, and it sounds like the 26-year-old is fully aware that he could be on the move.
"It think it’s logical, you can see that, trading me," Mozgov told Tomasson. "I’m in my contract year. So if they can get something for me… I don’t think it would be a surprise for me (to be traded)."
One team that always seems to be in the market for a big man, and could use some rebounding help, is the Heat. Tomasson writes that the Heat could pursue Mozgov, though it's not clear what could of package they could put together that would entice the Nuggets. One of the team's top potential trade chips, Norris Cole, may not interest Denver since the Nuggets already have Ty Lawson and Andre Miller at the point. Miami could also dangle the 76ers' (lottery-protected) 2013 first-round pick, and multi-team deals are possible, as Tomasson notes.
Mozgov's inexpensive salary ($3.14MM) may make it more palatable for the Heat or another team to acquire him. Miami isn't a likely suitor for pricier bigs, since the club would probably need to include undesirable contracts like Mike Miller's or Joel Anthony's to match salaries, but Mozgov could potentially be had for one or two less expensive players.
Southwest Notes: Asik, Hornets, Hollins
While the Spurs hold a 2.5-game lead over the Grizzlies in the Southwest Division, the two teams are actually even in the loss column, with the Spurs (29-11) having played five more games than the Grizzlies (24-11). The Grizz will play one of those extra contests tonight, but it won't be easy to pick up a game in the standings on San Antonio, with the Clippers coming to town. As we look forward to what should be the game of the night in Memphis, let's round up a few items out of the Southwest….
- Within his mailbag at NBA.com, Sam Smith of Bulls.com writes that even after signing Omer Asik away from the Bulls last summer, the Rockets had talks about packaging him in a deal for a higher-level player. Smith suggests that perhaps the Heat could be a match in such a trade, with Chris Bosh going the other way, but it appears that's just his own speculation.
- Hornets GM Dell Demps spoke to Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld about finally getting a chance to see his team's core players all healthy at the same time and evaluate the roster. Demps indicated that he could be active at the trade deadline, though he isn't expecting to aggressively pursue a move: "I think we’ll listen. If there’s something out there that will make us significantly better for the long-term I think we’ll look at it. Actually, I like our group. I like our young guys. I want to really evaluate them over the next month playing together and see that chemistry there. For the last week or so I think we’ve been playing pretty good, we’ll see how it goes over the next few games."
- There have been no talks about a contract extension between new Grizzlies ownership and coach Lionel Hollins, who's in the last year of his deal, writes Ronald Tillery of the Memphis Commercial Appeal.
Poll: Will LeBron James Return To Cavs In 2014?
Anyone who has either visited Miami or has the good fortune of living there knows that it's the kind of place that you don't want to leave. Fantastic weather, Cuban sandwiches, pretty girls, the ability to wear an abundance of white without getting made fun of – Miami has it all. LeBron James has gotten to toss the Labor Day rule to the wayside while enjoying all of the roast pork he could ever want for two years and change while being at the center of one of the league's most dominant teams. It's inconceivable to some that James would leave Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh by opting out after the 2013/14 season, yet some league executives and agents are absolutely convinced that he will use the opportunity to make a face turn and reverse the infamous "Decision" by returning to Cleveland in that summer.
On the surface, it seems incredibly unlikely that James would walk away from one of the strongest teams in the NBA in order to join forces with a team that still may be under construction in 18 months, even with a blossoming superstar in Kyrie Irving. And while some superteams have reportedly dealt with locker room drama (we're looking at you, Dwight and Kobe), the Heat have by and large stayed as a cohesive unit and found enough shots for everyone.
On the other hand, we already know that LeBron doesn't have any reservations about following his heart and changing zip codes if he feels that it's the best move to make. When LeBron is faced with the first of his two-opt out years with Miami, he'll be closing in on his 30th birthday and hearing the chatter about his legacy and place amongst the all-time greats more than ever. Winning a title with a Cavs team that likely won't have the same top-heavy roster as the Heat would be a massive plus for his resume. Nuggets coach George Karl is a believer. Are you?
Will LeBron Return To Cleveland?
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No 64% (1,409)
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Yes 36% (787)
Total votes: 2,196
Cavs Want 2014 Max Player, Possibly LeBron
Anderson Varejao is expected to be sidelined through the February 21st trade deadline, meaning that the standout forward likely will remain in Cleveland for the remainder of the year. The struggling Cavs could conceivably use other assets to get a healthy piece for the future, but Jason Lloyd of the Akron Beacon Journal writes that league executives and agents around the league are convinced the Cavaliers won’t do anything to jeopardize their ability to sign a free agent to a max contract in the summer after next season.
Of course, 2014 is the summer where LeBron James can again become a free agent if he exercises his player option. While it may seem farfetched for a number of reasons, more and more people around the league believe there is a strong possibility James will return to Cleveland after next season.
If the Cavs feel strongly about keeping their financial flexibility for that offseason, then they won’t pull the trigger on any players with three-year deals. The Cavs may not be stacked with assets, but they do have Luke Walton’s $6MM expiring contract and about $10MM in cap space to dangle to teams looking to move long-term commitments. In a largely cap-conscious league, those two things could fetch a significant piece in a trade, but it sounds as though the Cavs are looking for something much bigger.
Winderman On Buyouts, Trade Candidates, Haslem
Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel weighed in on a variety of topics about the Heat's roster and trade prospects on Sunday. Here are the highlights:
- In a new mailbag column, Winderman acknowledges that the Heat need big-man help, but suggests they wait on buyout candidates rather than settle for someone currently on the free-agent market. He lists Milwaukee's Samuel Dalembert as a possible buyout candidate.
- Winderman considers the Spurs' DeJuan Blair to be a viable trade candidate, and another reason why the Heat should be patient.
- Winderman gives an update on the legal situation of Chris Andersen, the former Nuggets big man who has been linked to the Heat in recent weeks.
- In a separate column, Winderman discusses the impact veteran bigs Udonis Haslem and Joel Anthony have had on the Heat since being given bigger roles in the rotation.
Eastern Notes: Pierce, Sixers, Bynum, Vogel
It’s more than reasonable for the Celtics to consider cashing out on an aging Paul Pierce for young assets to be used towards rebuilding, opines Joel Brigham of HoopsWorld. In another season and a half, the veteran could retire or walk away from Boston with no compensation. His trade value may never be as high as it will be now through the 2013 draft, and this may be the time to act, according to Brigham. Here's more from around the Eastern Conference.
- Sixers GM Tony DiLeo told reporters, including Tom Moore of PhillyBurbs.com, that the team will try to stay in contention for a playoff spot until Andrew Bynum gets back, and may make short-term upgrades that don't cut into next summer's cap space.
- DiLeo also said the Sixers "are still looking at Andrew as a long-term solution," indicating they still plan on trying to re-sign him this summer.
- The extension Frank Vogel signed with the Pacers this week runs through 2014/15, and will pay the coach $2MM per season, reports Marc Stein of ESPN.com.
- J.J. Redick doesn’t want to be traded away from the Magic, but after hearing from GM Rob Hennigan that several teams have expressed interest, he's girding himself for the possibility, writes John Denton of Magic.com.
- The Heat signed Josh Harrellson and Jarvis Varnado to ten-day contracts simply to stall for time until something better comes along, writes Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel. The Heat can get a better sense of what might be available to add at either the trading deadline or buyout deadline.
- Anderson Varejao's injury isn't devastating to his long-term trade value, as The Plain Dealer's Mary Schmitt Boyer examines.
Zach Links of Hoops Rumors also contributed to this post.
Odds & Ends: LeBron, Wall, Pacers, Rose
The latest news and notes from around the NBA on Friday evening:
- Nuggets coach George Karl told Chris Tomasson of Fox Sports Florida that he wouldn't be surprised to see LeBron James return to the Cavaliers in the future.
- John Wall will return to action for the Wizards on Saturday.
- Mike Wells of the Indianapolis Star writes that chemistry has trumped star power for the Pacers this season.
- Teddy Greenstein of the Chicago Tribune reports that Derrick Rose is not rushing his rehab from knee surgery and doesn't know when he will return to the Bulls.
- Bill Oram of the Salt Lake Tribune talks to Hawks teammates Devin Harris and Kyle Korver about their time playing for the Jazz.
Eastern Rumors: Knicks, Hamilton, Nets, Oden
The Eastern Conference's top two teams fell last night, as the Heat lost a nailbiter in Portland and the Carmelo Anthony-less Knicks dropped a low-scoring affair in Indiana. Thursday's results further compress the playoff picture in the East, where the top eight teams, from the No. 1 Heat to the No. 8 Celtics, are all separated by just 5.5 games. Here are a few Friday updates related to four of those eight Eastern contenders:
- Asked about the Knicks' reported interest in Kenyon Martin, coach Mike Woodson told reporters, including Al Iannazzone of Newsday, "that's news to me." If Marcus Camby is forced to miss time after aggravating a foot injury Thursday night, then the Knicks could look to sign someone, says Iannazzone.
- Richard Hamilton, who turns 35 next month, tells K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune that he doesn't expect to play past age 38. Hamilton's contract for next year is mostly non-guaranteed, and he would turn 38 during the 2015/16 season, so he'd likely have to sign at least a couple more deals to play that long.
- Nets management has been impressed with the job done so far by coach P.J. Carlesimo, who will "almost certainly" hold the job until the end of the season, a source tells Mike Mazzeo of ESPNNewYork.com.
- Greg Oden's agent, Mike Conley Sr., tells Chris Tomasson of FOX Sports Florida that he's 100% certain his client will be playing in the NBA next season. Conley didn't talk extensively about teams that could be in play, but hinted that the Heat aren't necessarily the frontrunners, and said the Trail Blazers definitely aren't an option. I'm not sure the Heat were widely viewed as the favorites — Miami was just the only specific suitor named in Brian Windhorst's report yesterday.