Ray Allen will not play in NBA this season

Ray Allen will not play in NBA this season

Fewer three-point shots will be made this season, as very-veteran sharpshooter Ray Allen has announced he won’t be playing in the 2014-15 season. Here’s the South Florida Sun Sentinel reporting:

Ray Allen will not play in NBA this season

Ray Allen’s NBA end game, at least for now, remains his appearance as a starter in Game 5 of last season’s NBA Finals with the Miami Heat.

The 10-time All-Star guard announced Wednesday through his agency that he will not play this season and then reassess his plans for 2015-16.

“Over the past several months, I have taken a lot of time to deliberate what is best for me,” Allen said. “I’ve ultimately decided that I will not play this NBA season. I’m going to take the remainder of this season, as well as the upcoming off-season, to reassess my situation, spend time with my family and determine if I will play in the 2015-16 season.”

Heat sign Henry Walker to second 10-day contract

Miami Heat sign Henry Walker to second 10-day contract

Heat sign Henry Walker to second 10-day contract

The Miami HEAT announced today that they have signed forward Henry Walker to a second 10-day contract.

Walker, who was originally signed to a 10-day contract by the HEAT on February 21, has appeared in five games (one start) with Miami this season averaging 9.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 24.7 minutes. He has scored in double-figures in four of the five contests and hit consecutive three-point baskets, one with 22.4 seconds left and the next with 2.1 seconds remaining, to send the game into overtime where the HEAT secured a, 93-90, win at Orlando on February 25.

Walker has also appeared in 17 games (eight starts) for the HEAT’s NBA Development League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce, this season averaging 15.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.00 steals and 27.8 minutes while shooting 46.8 percent from the field and 44.8 percent from three-point range. He was originally drafted in the second round (47th overall) by the Washington Wizards in the 2008 NBA Draft. The four-year NBA veteran has now appeared in 162 career NBA games (23 starts) averaging 5.9 points and 2.1 rebounds in 15.5 minutes of action while shooting 46.2 percent from the field.

Anthony Mason dead at 48

Anthony Mason dead at 48

Here’s the New York Daily News reporting that beloved former New York Knick Anthony Mason has passed away at the age of 48:

Anthony Mason, a bruising power forward who personified the gritty Knicks of the mid-’90s, died early Saturday morning. He was 48. Mason had suffered a massive heart attack earlier in the month.

Mason played 13 seasons in the NBA with six teams but is best remembered for his days with the Knicks. After playing abroad and in both the CBA and USBL, Mason had brief stints with the Nets and Denver before being signed by Pat Riley, who admired his rugged style and his playmaking ability. Along with Patrick Ewing and Charles Oakley, he helped give the Knicks of the early ’90s one of the most physically imposing front lines in NBA history.

“He was as tough as they come,” Oakley told the News.

“First I want to think all those who offered prayers and well-wishes for my Father, our family really appreciates it,” Anthony Mason Jr. said in a statement.

QUOTES/STATEMENTS ON ANTHONY MASON’S DEATH

The Mason Family: “We would like to thank everyone for their heartfelt thoughts and strong prayers. Anthony felt each and every one. He fought like a warrior to the very end. Please keep your prayers and thoughts with us through this very hard time – it is a great loss for us. We ask for our privacy during this time.”

Phil Jackson: “As a competitor, there was none fiercer than Anthony Mason. Standing on the opposite end of the playing field, coaching in those great Chicago/New York battles, No. 14 in the Orange and Blue always stood out. On behalf of the entire Knickerbocker community, our condolences go out to Lahis family. Rest in peace, Mase.”

Steve Mills: “For five seasons, Anthony Mason proudly donned a Knicks uniform like no other of his era. His New York City roots, his passion for the City game, his desire to win and his tenacity for defense made him a fan-favorite across the five boroughs, and beyond for every Knickerbocker. All of us here at the New York Knicks will remember Mase and cherish his legacy.”

Spoelstra happy to have Beasley back on Heat

Erik Spoelstra happy to have Beasley back on Heat

Here’s the South Florida Sun Sentinel reporting on the Heat, who have once again added Michael Beasley to their roster:

Erik Spoelstra happy to have Beasley back on Heat

In his first Miami Heat act, Michael Beasley was the consolation prize, as the No. 2 pick in the 2008 NBA Draft by behind Derrick Rose. In his second, he was a novelty, to see if he could fit alongside LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, while also appreciating his bit-part place last season.

In his third act?

“We think,” coach Erik Spoelstra said Friday, “it’s the fit that we need right now. It really felt like a no-brainer.”

This time, there was an all-out embrace, as Beasley met with the full team for the first time since signing a 10-day contract Thursday.

This time, there was an all-out embrace, as Beasley met with the full team for the first time since signing a 10-day contract Thursday.

The Heat really enjoy adding Mike Beasley to their roster

The Heat really enjoy adding Mike Beasley to their roster

Here’s the South Florida Sun Sentinel reporting on the Heat, who have great skill when it comes to adding Mike Beasley to their roster:

The Heat really enjoy adding Mike Beasley to their roster

He’s back, perhaps with the third time a charm.

Michael Beasley, 2008 Miami Heat lottery pick who made a one-season encore with the team last season, on Thursday was signed for a third tour with the team, this time to a 10-day contract.

As the Sun Sentinel reported last week, Beasley had been working out at AmericanAirlines Arena after completing his season in China. Beasley has joined the Heat in time for Friday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smootie King Center.

Miami Heat sign Michael Beasley to 10-day contract

Miami Heat sign Michael Beasley to 10-day contract

Miami Heat sign Michael Beasley to 10-day contract

The Miami HEAT announced today that they have signed forward Michael Beasley to a 10-day contract.

Beasley most recently played in the Chinese Basketball Association, signing a one-year deal with the Shanghai Sharks on Oct. 9, 2014. He averaged 27.1 points, 10.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.92 steals in 37 games while shooting 51.3 percent from the floor. His time with the Sharks was highlighted by capturing MVP honors at the 2015 CBA All-Star Game where he came off the bench to score a CBA All-Star Game record 59 points.

The 6’9 1/2”, 235-pound forward begins his third stint with the HEAT. He was originally drafted by Miami with the second pick of the 2008 NBA Draft and played two seasons with the HEAT before being traded to Minnesota on July 12, 2010. He re-joined the HEAT last season, signing as a free agent on Sept. 11, 2013. Beasley appeared in 55 games (two starts) with the HEAT last season and averaged 7.9 points, 3.1 rebounds and 15.1 minutes while shooting 49.9 percent from the floor, 38.9 percent from three-point range and 77.2 percent from the line. In his three seasons as a member of the HEAT he has appeared in 214 games (99 starts) and averaged 12.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 24.1 minutes while shooting 46.6 percent from the floor, 34.6 percent from three-point range and 78.34 percent from the foul line.

In addition to his time with the HEAT, Beasley has also played with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Phoenix Suns during his six-year NBA career. He has appeared in 409 NBA regular season games (199 starts) and has averaged 13.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 24.9 minutes while shooting 45 percent from the floor, 34.8 percent from three-point range and 75.8 percent from the foul line. In 12 postseason games (five starts), all with Miami, he has averaged 11.4 points, 6.7 rebounds and 26.1 minutes while shooting 40.9 percent from the field, 33.3 percent from three-point range and 76.9 percent from the foul line.

Beasley will wear number 30.

Name change: Yes, Bill Walker is now Henry Walker

Name change: Yes, Bill Walker is now Henry Walker

Here’s the South Florida Sun Sentinel reporting on the newest member of the Miami Heat:

Miami Heat forward Henry Walker considered it a sign of maturity.

Last year the player formerly known as “Bill” started going by his middle name. If his Heat debut was any indication, Walker has already grown up a bunch.

He scored 11 points, including three 3-pointers in Monday’s victory against the Philadelphia 76ers. The plan is for Walker to remain in the rotation the duration of his 10-day contract.

“It’s just my middle name,” Walker said. “I’m just trying to mature and just trying to grow up, trying to change the perception about me.”

Chris Bosh out for season with blood clots on lung

Chris Bosh out for season with blood clots in lung

Chris Bosh out for season with blood clots in lung

The Miami HEAT announced today that Chris Bosh will miss the remainder of the 2014-15 Season, while being treated for blood clots on his lung.

Bosh, who is receiving care under the guidance of Miami HEAT team physicians at a Baptist Health System Hospital, is currently resting comfortably. Chris is OK and his prognosis is good.

According to the Associated Press, “Bosh is the second NBA player whose final game this season was the All-Star Game. New York’s Carmelo Anthony was shut down for knee surgery earlier in the week, a move that was long expected. Bosh’s situation was anything but. It was nothing short of a shock to the Heat, who entered Saturday with a 23-30 record and holding onto the No. 7 spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race.”

Heat sign Henry Walker to 10-day contract

Miami Heat sign Henry Walker to 10-day contract

The Miami HEAT announced today that they have signed forward Henry Walker to a 10-day contract.

Walker has appeared in 17 games (eight starts) for the HEAT’s NBA Development League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce, this season averaging 15.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.00 steals and 27.8 minutes while shooting 46.8 percent from the field and 44.8 percent from three-point range. He has recorded five 20-point games this season, including a 24-point, six-rebound, four-assist, three-steal game in a, 105-80, win against the Westchester Knicks on January 31.

Walker was originally drafted in the second round (47th overall) by the Washington Wizards in the 2008 NBA Draft. The four-year NBA veteran has appeared in 157 career NBA games (22 starts) and averaged 5.8 points and 2.0 rebounds in 15.2 minutes of action while shooting 47.1 percent from the field.

Walker will wear number 5.

Chris Bosh has been playing hurt

Chris Bosh has been playing hurt

Chris Bosh

Here’s the Miami Herald reporting on Heat star Chris Bosh, who is averaging 21.1 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game this season:

Chris Bosh’s inconsistent offense before the All-Star break was a clear signal that the Heat’s power forward needed a few days off to reset his body.

With his All-Star obligations complete, Bosh now has five days to rest some nagging aches, including a persistent pain in his side. Heat assistant coach Juwan Howard revealed over the weekend that Bosh was playing through an injury before the All-Star break, and although Bosh downplayed the news while in New York, there’s little question something has been affecting his jump shot over the past two weeks.

“Your body will follow your mind, and sometimes it’s good to get away,” Bosh said. “You have to give credit to the commissioner and the players for coming together and actually making it a longer break, but sometimes you just have to reset.

“If things are going well, or if things aren’t going well, you have to let your body rest, you have to take advantage of the time, and when you’re stuck in the brain sometimes you have to step away from the game, and that’s when you get the most ideas.”