Month: February 2014

The Miami Heat announced today that they have signed guard DeAndre Liggins to a 10-day contract from their NBA Development League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce.

According to the South Florida Sun Sentinel, “The move by the Heat comes a week after felony domestic violence charges were dropped in Oklahoma against Liggins, who had charged with two counts of kidnapping, two counts of domestic assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, three counts of domestic abuse in the presence of a minor and one count of violating a protective order after an Aug. 31 arrest, when his girlfriend told police he attacked her in front of their 2-year-old son. Because misdemeanor charges still could be filed, the Heat said neither the team nor Liggins would comment on the incident.”

Liggins has appeared in 35 games (34 starts) with the Skyforce this season averaging 14.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 2.54 steals and 40.3 minutes while shooting 39.8 percent from the field. The 2014 NBA D-League All-Star has appeared in 54 career D-League games (53 starts) and averaged 13.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 2.26 steals and 38.2 minutes while shooting 41.4 percent from the field.

The University of Kentucky product has also appeared in 56 career NBA games (one start) and averaged 1.6 points and 1.2 rebounds in 7.2 minutes of action while shooting 45.8 percent from the field. He appeared in eight postseason NBA games with Oklahoma City last season totaling eight points, 14 rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block in 68 minutes.

Liggins was originally drafted in the second round (53rd overall) in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic.

He will wear number 14.

Here’s the South Florida Sun Sentinel with a glimpse into the mindset of Heat point guard Mario Chalmers.

Mario Chalmers is never one to pass on the opportunity of patting himself on the back.

Never has his brash or confidence been an issue. So leave it to Chalmers to say his comfort level with the Miami Heat is at an all-time high.

Where is he at on a scale of 1 to 10?

“It’s at 1,000,” Chalmers said. “Just being around these guys three or four years, it’s really helped me a lot. I just know where to put the ball where they need it.”

Chalmers continued his recent stretch of strong play in Sunday’s victory against the Chicago Bulls, finishing with 12 points and nine assists. The effort was even more appreciated with forward LeBron James was out of the lineup.

Here’s the South Florida Sun Sentinel on colorful Heat big-man Chris Andersen, who in his supporting role is stepping up these days:

There has been a spring in his step recently, which could particularly come in handy this spring.

Much as he was during last season’s postseason run to the franchise’s second NBA championship, center Chris Andersen again has turned into somewhat of a can’t-miss proposition for the Miami Heat.

Since missing three games with a bruised right knee, the player nicknamed Birdman has shot 40 of 56 over his last 14 appearances. There also have been six games with multiple blocked shots over that span, including Sunday’s victory against the Chicago Bulls at AmericanAirlines Arena.

“I’m still young. I’m definitely two years younger, meaning my body is two years younger than what my age actually is at,” the animated 35-year-old said, having been forced out of the league for two seasons due to the NBA’s substance-abuse policy. “So I’ve got basically three, four years.”