Heat Notes: Riley, Howard, Rotation, Miller
In his list of the top five general managers in the NBA, Joel Brigham of HoopsWorld names Pat Riley the league's "top dog." I'm not sure I totally agree with Brigham's rankings, which place the GMs of all the league's consensus title contenders (Heat, Lakers, Thunder, Spurs, and Celtics) in the top five. Still, Riley has definitely had a successful offseason, adding Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis to a team that's already coming off a title. Let's round up the rest of today's Heat-related updates from around the web….
- Is there a chance that Juwan Howard returns to Miami this season? Here's what Dwyane Wade told Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel (Sulia link) about the possibility: "Obviously, if he comes into camp and we've got open spots, Juwan is a guy who has meant so much to us, we would love him around, no matter what the case may be. If it's around as a player? Yeah. If it's around as part of the coaching staff, we just want him to be here. And hopefully he'll want to stay here and everyone can do whatever they can to make it happen."
- Asked in a mailbag if Miami's roster might be a little heavy on three-point shooters, Winderman argues that there's no such thing as having too many good outside shooters. Winderman expects coach Erik Spoelstra to ride the hot hand among a group that includes Ray Allen, Rashard Lewis, Mike Miller, James Jones, and Shane Battier.
- It appears Miller will forgo back surgery, and he says he's healthy, but Winderman believes the veteran shooter's status going forward could be perpetually "day-to-day."
Mike Miller Won’t Retire
Despite being continually plagued by several injuries last season, Mike Miller does not plan to retire, according to an ESPN report (via the Associated Press). The Heat veteran dealt mostly with a debilitating back problem last season that would have caused him to lean toward retirement if surgery was required this summer. However, after discussions with his doctor and the conclusion that rest and rehabilitation were viable alternatives to surgery, Miller remains hopeful that he can recover well enough to play again soon.
Heat Rumors: Pittman, Hamilton, Miller
The Heat were among the active teams tonight, sending their first-round pick to Philadelphia in exchange for a second-rounder and a future first-rounder. After the draft, team president Pat Riley spoke to Miami media about the team's summer plans, and provided a number of interesting quotes. Here are the highlights, courtesy of Joseph Goodman of the Miami Herald and Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel (all Twitter or Sulia links):
Winderman On Odom, Point Guards, Miller
The city of Miami has been partying since Thursday evening and the celebration will continue at least through Monday when the Heat are honored with a championship parade through downtown. The event should serve as further validation for LeBron James and his achievements after enduring a bizarre two years in South Florida since making "The Decision" to leave Cleveland and join the Heat. Here's the latest news and happenings from South Beach courtesy of the South Florida Sun Sentinel's Ira Winderman…
NBA Finals Notes: Heat, Thunder
On Thursday, the Miami Heat defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 121-106 to clinch their second NBA championship in franchise history. Here are the latest news and notes surrounding both 2012 NBA Finals teams on Saturday evening:
Mike Miller To Decide On Future Soon
Heat guard Mike Miller will meet with doctors soon to determine if his injured back needs surgery that includes a lengthy rehabilitation process, according to the Associated Press. Miller has dealt with a slew of injuries in recent years, including a foot problem that he played through this season.
Southeast Notes: Clark, Miller, Hawks, Bobcats
The Southeast Division came into existence just eight years ago, in 2004, so it's no surprise that the Heat are the division's only NBA champion its inception, winning their second title last night. But Miami isn't the only franchise in the Southeast with an NBA Finals victory in its history. Before Washington's team was the Southeast's Wizards, it was the Central Division's Bullets, winning an NBA title in 1977/78. The Wizards introduced new acquisitions Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza at a press conference today, and they weren't the only Southeast club in the news — let's round up a few more Friday notes out of the division….
Mike Miller Denies He Will Retire After Finals
Heat forward Mike Miller has not told teammates he will retire at the end of this season, as has been reported by ESPN, writes Ethan J. Skolnick of the Palm Beach Post.
Odds & Ends: Hibbert, Amnesty, Hawks, Draft
The final series of the second round finally gets underway tonight, when the Clippers face the Spurs in San Antonio. While we wait for that game, and the Pacers/Heat contest before it, let's round up a few odds and ends from around the NBA….
- Roy Hibbert is in line for a big payday this summer regardless of his play in the postseason, but he could earn himself an even larger contract with a big series against Miami, says Brian Windhorst of ESPN.com.
- Stephen Litel of HoopsWorld identifies a few potential amnesty candidates, including Mike Miller, Marvin Williams, and John Salmons.
- "Uncertainty reigns supreme" for the Hawks as they approach the offseason, according to a HoopsWorld report.
- Adam Zagoria of SNY.tv shares the full list of 44 prospects participating in the draft combine in New Jersey this weekend.
- Coach Mike Krzyzewski concedes that Team USA's depth has taken a big hit, and with plenty of Olympians still in action, he'll have to hope there are no more injuries, writes Billy Witz of FOX Sports.