Miami Heat Blog – Page 54 – NBA Blog

Erik Spoelstra comments on LeBron James leaving Heat

Here’s the South Florida Sun Sentinel reporting on Heat coach Erik Spoelstra as he comments on LeBron James leaving Miami and taking his talents back to Cleveland:

“He seemed at peace with the decision,” Spoelstra said. “We don’t have any regrets. He shouldn’t have any regrets. It was a historic four-year run.”

The move caught the Heat brass by surprise. James exited despite leading Miami to the NBA Finals four straight years, winning twice. His departure left the Heat scrambling to rebuild a roster via free agency that included the additions of Josh McRoberts, Danny Granger and Luol Deng. They also re-signed Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade, who both opted out of their contracts with hopes of luring James to stay.

Last Friday, James revealed his time was up in South Florida.

“This league does teach you that it’s inevitable that there’s constant change and you always have to continue to embrace change, adapt with change,” Spoelstra said. “This is a big, monumental change that we didn’t necessarily anticipate but you have to respect it because when you’re a free agent in this league you have the right to make a decision that’s best for you and your family. When he made that decision that was best for his family, where his heart is, all you can do from our side is respond with respect and love.”

Heat officially re-sign Dwyane Wade

The Miami HEAT announced today that they have re-signed guard Dwyane Wade.

“Dwyane has been the franchise cornerstone for this team since the day he arrived 11 years ago,” said HEAT President Pat Riley. “He has shown his commitment to the HEAT many times over the course of his career and has always been willing to sacrifice in order to help build this team into a champion. This time is no different. I am ecstatic to have him back in the fold and I am confident that Dwyane, as always, will be leading this team as we look to contend for NBA Championships.”

Wade, a three-time NBA Champion, has played his entire 11-year NBA career with the HEAT, appearing in 719 regular season games (710 starts) averaging 24.3 points, 6.0 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 1.76 steals and 36.6 minutes while shooting 49.2 percent from the field. The 10-time NBA All-Star is the HEAT’s all-time leader in points (17,481), field goals made (6,276), free throws made (4,579), double-figure scoring efforts (691), assists (4,301), steals (1,262), starts, games played and minutes played (26,331). He also ranks among the HEAT’s all-time leaders in blocks (2nd, 696), double-doubles (4th, 116), total rebounds (4th, 3,605), defensive rebounds (4th, 2,669), offensive rebounds (5th, 936), field goal percentage (7th, .492) and three-point field goals made (8th, 350). Additionally, his 696 career blocks are the sixth-most by a guard in NBA history.

He appeared in 54 games (53 starts) last season and averaged 19.0 points, 4.7 assists, 4.5 rebounds, 1.46 steals and 32.9 minutes while shooting a career-high 54.5 percent from the field. He scored in double-figures 48 times, including 28 20-point games, while leading the team in steals 17 times, points and assists 13 times each and in rebounds on four occasions. He scored his 17,000th career point at New York on January 9 and earned NBA Player of the Week honors on December 22.

Wade, the 2006 NBA Finals MVP, has appeared in 152 career postseason games (all starts) and averaged 22.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.64 steals, 1.01 blocks and 38.9 minutes while shooting 47.8 percent from the field. He has appeared in 28 postseason series, the most by any player in HEAT history and his 153 career postseason blocks are the second-most by a guard in NBA playoff history. His 3,481 career postseason points are the 17th-most in NBA history, just 126 points shy from tying Wilt Chamberlain for 16th place on the league’s all-time list. Last postseason, Wade appeared in 20 games (all starts) and averaged 17.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.50 steals and 34.7 minutes while shooting 50 percent from the field. He capped the 2014 postseason appearing in his fourth consecutive NBA Finals, helping Miami become just the third NBA franchise to make four-straight NBA Finals appearances.

Miami Heat sign forward James Ennis

The Miami HEAT announced today that they have signed forward James Ennis.

“We were excited to draft James a year ago and have been impressed by the growth of his game in Summer League and Puerto Rico, as well as his terrific experience in Australia, leading Perth to a championship,” said HEAT President Pat Riley. “We are looking forward to the infusion of energy he will bring to our roster.”

Ennis, who was acquired by the HEAT in a draft night trade during the 2013 NBA Draft, spent last season with the Perth Wildcats of the Australian Basketball League appearing in 33 games (32 starts) and averaged 21.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.42 steals and 31.7 minutes while shooting 46.6 percent from the field, 35.5 percent from three-point range and 77 percent from the foul line. He helped the team win the 2014 Australian Basketball League Championship and capped the season finishing third in MVP voting while being named Australiabasket.com’s All-Australian NBL Player of the Year, Forward of the Year, Import Player of the Year, First Team and All-Imports Team. Additionally, after his stint in Australia, Ennis appeared in 12 games (all starts) with Piratas de Quebradillas of the Puerto Rican National Superior Basketball League and averaged 16.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.75 steals, 1.00 blocks and 33.6 minutes while shooting 47 percent from the field and 76.2 percent from the foul line.

This summer, Ennis has appeared in six Summer League games with the HEAT (all starts) and averaged 15.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.33 steals while shooting 51.7 percent from the field, 48.1 percent from three-point range and 80 percent from the foul line. He posted a 29-point, four-rebound, two-assist game in 25:33 minutes of action while shooting 10-of-12 from the field, 7-of-8 from three-point range and a perfect 2-of-2 from the foul line in a 110-91 win against the Brooklyn Nets on July 6. He previously spent the 2013 Summer League with the HEAT, appearing in 11 games (10 starts) and averaged 13.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.45 steals while shooting 44 percent from the field, 39.1 percent from three-point range and 76.9 percent from the foul line.

Ennis was originally drafted in the second round (50th overall) by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2013 NBA Draft.

Miami Heat sign Luol Deng

The Miami HEAT announced today that they have signed forward Luol Deng.

According to multiple reports, the deal may be for two years, $20 million.

“Signing Luol Deng is one of the most important free agent signings that we have ever had in the history of the franchise,” said HEAT President Pat Riley. “He is a proven All-Star and quintessential team player, both as a scorer, as well as an All-NBA defender. He brings the attitude of a warrior and competes every single night against the very, very best. We are thrilled to welcome him to the HEAT family.”

Deng, a 10-year NBA veteran, has appeared in 677 career NBA regular season games (631 starts) and averaged 16.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 35.8 minutes while shooting 45.7 percent from the field, 32.9 percent from three-point range and 77.3 percent from the foul line. Among Chicago’s all-time franchise leaders, he ranks fourth in points, fifth in field goals made, sixth in games played and three-point field goals made and eighth in free throws made and offensive rebounds. The 2011-12 NBA All-Defensive Second Team honoree also ranks among the Bulls all-time franchise defensive leaders, including fifth in defensive rebounds and steals, ninth in total rebounds and 10th in blocks.

The two-time NBA All-Star split the 2013-14 season between the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers, appearing in 63 total games (all starts) and averaged 16.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 35.1 minutes while shooting 43.1 percent from the field, 30.2 percent from three-point range and 79.1 percent from the foul line. Prior to his trade to Cleveland on January 7, Deng was averaging a career-high 19.0 points per game and a career-best 3.7 assists per game. Additionally, he has appeared in 48 career postseason games (42 starts) and averaged 16.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 40.3 minutes while shooting 45.2 percent from the field and 74.9 percent from the foul line.

In addition to his accomplishments on the court, Deng is also involved in numerous charities, including the Luol Deng Foundation. For his philanthropic efforts, he earned the NBA’s 2013-14 J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award, was named the UN Refugee Agency’s 2008 Humanitarian of the Year and selected as the 2006-07 Golden Icon Best Sports Role Model. He also served as ambassador for the London 2012 Olympic Games and won the NBA’s Sportsmanship Award in 2007.

Deng, who was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team, was originally selected in the first round (7th overall) by the Phoenix Suns in the 2004 NBA Draft.

Heat not ready to write off Mario Chalmers

Here’s the Miami Herald discussing the recent news that the Heat decided to re-sign guard Mario Chalmers:

LeBron James barked at Mario Chalmers for four years. Then, in the end, Chalmers was sent to the bench with James’ blessing.

In other words, you can count one guy, at least, who has already gotten over the news of James’ move back to Cleveland.

Chalmers is probably the only one, of course.

Heat president Pat Riley said all along that Chalmers would be back for next season, but there was a strong assumption that if James returned to the Heat, then Chalmers would be searching for another team. With James now long gone, the Heat announced officially on Monday that it had re-signed Chalmers. Reports put the deal at two years.

“It’s great to have Mario back,” Heat president Pat Riley said in a statement. “We’re happy that he wants to continue his career in Miami, he’s one of our core players, and I believe he will have a great season.”

Miami Heat officially sign Danny Granger

The Miami Heat announced today that they have signed forward Danny Granger.

According to multiple reports, the deal is for two years, $4.2 million.

“One of our main priorities this offseason was obtaining a proven veteran like Danny with All-Star experience,” said Heat President Pat Riley. “We expect him to be a multi-position player and have a very successful season in our system.”

Granger, a nine-year NBA veteran, has appeared in 556 career NBA regular season games (425 starts) and averaged 17.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 32.1 minutes while shooting 43.5 percent from the field, 38.1 percent from three-point range and 84.9 percent from the foul line. Among Indiana’s all-time franchise leaders, he ranks second in three-point field goals made, fourth in points, steals and free throws made, sixth in blocks, seventh in games played, minutes played and field goals made and 10th in defensive rebounds.

He split the 2013-14 season between the Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Clippers, appearing in 41 total games (two starts) and averaged 8.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 20.7 minutes while shooting 37.8 percent from the field, 33.6 percent from three-point range and a career-high 94 percent from the foul line. He appeared in all 13 postseason games with the Clippers, including a 15-point outing in a Game Two win against Golden State on April 21 as they advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals after defeating the Warriors, 4-3, in the First Round.

Granger, a 2009 NBA All-Star and the NBA’s 2009 Most Improved Player, has appeared in 35 career postseason games (19 starts) and averaged 10.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 25.7 minutes while shooting 41.7 percent from the field, 35.8 percent from the three-point range and 84.2 percent from the foul line.

He was originally drafted in the first round (17th overall) by Indiana in the 2005 NBA Draft.

Miami Heat sign Josh McRoberts

The Miami Heat announced today that they have signed forward Josh McRoberts. The contract is for four years, $23 million, according to the Associated Press and other outlets.

“We felt from day one that he was one of our main targets,” said Heat President Pat Riley. “We are delighted that this multi-faceted player will help us immensely in being the kind of team that Coach Spoelstra wants with his versatility.”

McRoberts, a seven-year NBA veteran, has appeared in 350 games (160 starts) in his career, averaging 5.7 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists while shooting 47.6 percent from the field, 34.2 percent from three-point range and 71 percent from the foul line. Last season, he started all 78 games in which he appeared, and averaged 8.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.3 assists while shooting 43.6 percent from the field, 36.1 percent from three-point range and 72.9 percent from the foul line. He made a career-high 105 three-pointers last season and ranked second in the NBA in assists-per-turnover (4.0).

During the 2014 NBA Playoffs, McRoberts averaged 11.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists while shooting 45.5 percent from the field, 47.1 percent from three-point range and 80 percent from the foul line.

McRoberts was originally drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers in the second round (37th overall) of the 2007 NBA Draft.

Miami Heat re-sign Mario Chalmers

The Miami Heat have LeBron James in free agency, but they did manage to keep Chris Bosh, and now the team today announced that they have re-signed guard Mario Chalmers.

“It’s great to have Mario back,” said Heat President Pat Riley. “We’re happy that he wants to continue his career in Miami, he’s one of our core players, and I believe he will have a great season.”

Chalmers, who has spent his entire six-year NBA career with the Heat, has appeared in 439 career games (346 starts) and has averaged 8.6 points, 3.8 assists, 2.4 rebounds, 1.51 steals and 27.5 minutes while shooting 42.7 percent from the field, 37.3 percent from three-point range and 77.5 percent from the foul line. He ranks among the Heat’s all-time leaders in steals (3rd), three-point field goals made (4th), three-point field goals attempted (4th), assists (5th), games played (8th), starts (9th), minutes played (9th), free throw percentage (11th), field goals attempted (13th), points scored (14th), field goals made (15th), double-figure scoring efforts (15th), three-point field goal percentage (15th) and defensive rebounds (15th). He also owns the Heat single-game record for steals (9 vs. Philadelphia on Nov. 5, 2008) and shares the franchise single-game record for three-point field goals made (10 at Sacramento on Jan. 12, 2013).

The 6’2”, 190-pound guard started each of the 73 games in which he appeared last season and averaged 9.8 points, 4.9 assists, 2.9 rebounds, 1.63 steals and 29.8 minutes while shooting 45.4 percent from the floor, 38.5 percent from three-point range and 74.2 percent from the free throw line. Chalmers, who set single-season career highs in field goal percentage, offensive rebounds and blocked shots during the 2013-14 season, ranked among the NBA leaders in steals per game (13th), assists per game (29th) and three-point field goal percentage (38th). He led the Heat in three-point field goal percentage and steals per game and ranked second on the team in assists and total steals.

Additionally, Chalmers has appeared in 99 postseason games (73 starts) for Miami and has averaged 8.8 points, 3.2 assists, 2.5 rebounds, 1.19 steals and 29.1 minutes while shooting 42.9 percent from the floor, 35.7 percent from three-point range and 74.2 percent from the foul line. He currently ranks among the Heat’s postseason all-time leaders in three-point field goals made (2nd), three-point field goals attempted (2nd), games played (3rd), assists (3rd), steals (3rd), minutes played (4th), field goals attempted (4th), points scored (5th), starts (5th), free throws made (6th), double-figure scoring games (tied-6th), field goals made (7th), free throws attempted (7th), defensive rebounds (7th) and total rebounds (8th).

D-Wade comments on LeBron leaving Heat

Here’s ESPN.com reporting on Dwyane Wade, who is still a free agent, as former teammate LeBron James heads to Cleveland, while Chris Bosh is re-signing with the Heat:

Dwyane Wade wished LeBron James stayed in Miami.

And now he’s wishing him well regardless.

Wade released a statement Saturday calling James — who announced Friday he is leaving the Heat and returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers — “my brother,” and said he supports the four-time NBA MVP’s decision.

“As a friend and a teammate, I am sad to see my brother LeBron leave to begin a new journey,” Wade’s statement said. “In 2010, we decided to come together all for one goal — to win championships and we succeeded. We were friends when we first joined the league and created an unbreakable bond the past four years. Our collaboration will always be very special to me both personally and professionally.”

“We shared something unique and he will always be part of my family. LeBron made the right decision for himself and his family because home is where your heart is. I know this was not an easy decision to make and I support him in returning to his roots. As an organization, a community, and as individuals, we achieved the goals we set when we first signed on together. We are champions.”

Chris Bosh will reportedly re-sign with Heat

Bosh is staying in Miami, agreeing Friday to a five-year contract that will be worth about $118 million, said two people familiar with the deal. They spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because neither side had confirmed it publicly.

Keeping Bosh addresses one of the Miami’s top priorities after getting the news earlier in the day that James was leaving the Heat and returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

There’s still plenty of work for Heat President Pat Riley to do, however. But first, he and the team lauded what James meant to them over the last four seasons.

— Associated Press