I'm taking my "talents" to...

It's likely you already know by now, but for new incoming visitors, I will no longer continue this blog and am taking my "talents" (BIG quotation marks) to South Beach and joining the best Miami Heat blog around: Hot Hot Hoops (previously a member of the ESPN Truehoop Network).


I am blessed to have the ability to join such a talented team of writers and want to thank you for your support of this creation of love "The White Hot Heat".  Please visit us at www.hothothoops.com where our team is working hard to provide the best Heat site around.  

Preview: Heat vs Hornets - Oct 13th 2010 - The Big Vengeful Easy

Succulent expiring contract

- The Miami Heat face a baffling schedule with the second back-to-back game in 6 days, visiting New Orleans and facing Chris Paul's Hornets.  

- The Hornets are coming off an embarrassing 54 point loss to South Florida rival the Orlando Magic and are likely to be hungry for redemption.  Not to be much different from the permanent target placed on the Heat's back by the rest of the league.

- After the LeCramp the night before, there's a high possibility of Lebron James taking the day off and leaving Chris Bosh to carry the weight and lead the Miami Raptors to victory.  

- With the stars taking a rest  there is great opportunity for Beverley to shine and prove his defensive tenacity when facing the best point guard in the league, Chris Paul.  

- Of course, NBA karma law states Marcus Thornton will torch the Heat for at least 25 points.  *Marcus was the Heat's 43rd pick in the 2009 draft, traded for 2nd round picks in 2010 (Jarvis Varnado) and 2012.*

Recap: Heat 96 - 85 CSKA Moscow - Oct. 12th 2010 - The Cold War

Kanye West recites no one man should have all that power.  The media machine clearly disagrees.  In the second non-televised Heat pre-season game, the Miami Heat conquered Russian dynasty CSKA Moscow and Lebron broke the record for most panic caused by a leg cramp.  

CSKA moved the ball beautifully in usual European fashion and the Heat's offense stagnated in the first half, saved by an impersonation of the Cavalier's Lebron-on-5.  Down by 5 at the half, the Heat revved up the defensive pressure engines and outscored CSKA 57-41 to comfortably finish the game 96-85.   

Weakness at the point guard position continues with inconsistent performances from the youngsters at the point.  Beverley committed 3 turnovers in his short 15 minute stint.  Hasbrouck redeemed his previous lethargic performances with 12 points on a 5-of-8 performance albeit ending with an equal 3 turnovers in 20 minutes of play.  Chalmers continues his refusal to shine, contributing 6 points on 2-for-7 shooting (0-for-4 from 3) with 4 fouls in 23 minutes.  Mario did provide two signature 'Rio steals using his anticipation and thievery, yet the sunshine in Miami is not so bright.  At least not at the point.  Miami has to hope Mario's ankle is the culprit of his performance so far or at this rate, he would hypothetically be the player to cut.  

On to the Big Easy and face the revamped New Orleans Hornets...

Recap: Spurs 90 - 73 Heat - Oct. 9th 2010 - Roster Tryouts

The Heat end their meaningless preseason winning streak at 2 falling to the San Antonio Spurs 90-73. Still waiting on verification if it can be counted as a Heat game since most players on the court will not be part of the team at the start of the season. In usual NBA preseason form, the game mostly served as a gauge for the coaching staff to scout who might make the team. Mike Miller, Mario Chalmers, Udonis Haslem, Carlos Arroyo and Dwyane Wade rested due to injuries and soreness.

Game Notes:

- The Heat started the game by continuously feeding Lebron in the post. It was a decent showing with mixed results. Most importantly, it drew attention from help defenders leaving teammates open. Lebron started the game agressively once again and looked to set the pace for the game early.

- Bosh must have forgotten to sprink the Automatic Midrange Fairy Dust, as he shot 1-of-6 from the field. The faceoff with TBPFOAT (I'm sure you can figure it out) Tim Duncan will have to wait for the regular season. The preview goes to Timmy.

- After defeating the Thunder the night before, Lebron and Bosh started but did not return after the end of the first quarter. Not a surprising decision on the latter of back-to-back games.

- Joel Anthony left at the 3 minute mark with 2 quick fouls, never to return. His absence was likely due to need for minutes to scout roster hopefuls.

- After Lebron and Bosh sat, the Heat looked towards James Jones to produce on offense. The lone 3-pt specialist had a decent showing, coming off screens and finishing 4-of-6 from the field, including a solid 2-of-3 from the three point line.

- Kenny Hasbrouck's chances of landing a spot in the roster are getting smaller every game. Kenny was a dismal 2-for-15, getting his shot blocked three times and making 1-of-his-mostly-open-6 opportunities from long range. His mental fortitude was shaken as his body language said "I'm not playing well and I can't shake it, when is this game going to end?"

- With Hasbrouck's lackluster performance came Beverley's shine. Starting the game in place of the unavailable Chalmers and Arroyo, Patrick played a team high 41 minutes meaning rest for a little over 1 minute the entire game. Even at game's end, Beverley did not look the least bit fatigued. "He doesn't get tired," Spoelstra said. "He has toughness." Beverley was overflowing with energy going after loose balls, keeping up with speedster Tony Parker, grabbing 10 rebounds and dishing 5 assists. At this rate of performance, Beverley could earn a spot as a defensive energy specialist to assign on the likes of Rondo and Rose in the Eastern Conference.

- Roger Mason Jr. continues to display athleticism modestly applied to rebounding and defense. He had a solid display of hustle and activity in a 2nd team high 36 minutes. Nothing specific stands out from the young man who has already had a great summer experience defending Lebron James in practice.

- First time sightings of Jamaal Magloire and Juwan Howard for the Heat. In an odd series of events, Jamaal got McDyess to bite on a pump fake. Twice. In the same exact spot and in the same manner. It was an awkard deja vu. Juwan showed his veteran skill set in his limited 20 minutes snagging 7 rebounds, scoring 8 points and drawing a charge on Spurs' rookie Cousins. Classic veteran move on a rookie.  Big Z was his usual self going 2-of-3 in his short stint.

- Dexter Pittman played a solid 12 minutes showing his skills in the post and bodying up the smaller defenders. The battle of the girth never fully materialized, DeJuan Blair sitting as Pittman entered.

- Shavlik Randolph curiously played 23 minutes although he is not a difference maker and is a roster spot longshot. The extended minutes are likely as a preseason filler.

- Mickell Gladness make his preseason debut with 4 minutes. Short but sweet. Actually just short.

Display reserved for dynasties

Walking past the envious display of championship trophies is a reminder of what the Spurs have accomplished in the last decade. The mighty Spurs have won 3 championships in the last 8 years, no easy task in a league dominated by big market powerhouses. They achieved it with defense and selflessness, every player relishing in their role. It's one more history lesson the Heat can learn from as the team grows and evolves. So far so good as they stick to the motto: good defense creates offense.

...On to game 4 of 8 in the preseason. The Heat will return home to host perennial Russian powerhouse CKSA Moscow (featuring former Duke standout Trajan Langdon and Sasha Kaun, former University of Kansas player and teammate of Mario Chalmers during their championship season) on Tuesday, October 12th.

Recap: Heat 103 - 96 Thunder - Oct. 8th 2010 - The Kids Are Not Alright

Coming home, to you baby.

Quick Notes:

-Durant was not in Team USA International Superstar mode.  He lacked aggressiveness and forced a few shots, mostly due to the swarming Heat defense.

-Lebron's gravitational pull is making it really easy for the rest of the team.  At this point it's like watching Cavs South.  

- The labeling of Chris Bosh as overrated or underrated has to stop.  Chris Bosh is an All Star.  Bosh took all the right shots and made the right decisions.  It was scary good.

- If Mike Miller wins 6th Man of the Year, breaks the record for 3pt fg attempts, 3pt fg made, or 3pt shot percentage, he must at least buy Lebron dinner.  A lot.

- Haslem had an outstanding game:  17 points on 4-of-6 shooting and 9-of-9 free throws with 9 rebounds to go along during his 21 minutes of playing time.  Britney Spears said it best: Outrageous. 

- Mario's homecoming was not a warm one.  Ice cold with 5 points while shooting 1-of 9 from the field.  Silly turnovers and questionable shots hurt the team although he somehow dished 5 assists.  I didn't see them but stats say so.  Don't question the stats.

- Joel Anthony is golden.  Brought the SWAT on every shot.  Blocked 3 and affected many more.   

- New female Thunder correspondent happened to mention Ibaka's multilingual abilities.  He speaks English, Spanish, French and Linyanga-le.

-  As discussed, rookie Cole Aldrich was not fazed by the Heat and proved to be right for the job.   Aldrich stayed active, set solid screens and protected the paint.  He could easily have a comfortable career as a Joel Przybilla.  It could be worse.  Kwame.

- Daquean Cook is a great assett for the Thunder.  Cook was in classic form, hitting corner threes when left open.  Also in form, he missed a 3 with 18 seconds left in the game.

- Not sure if anyone noticed this during the game.  Spell check has to include player names wouldn't you think?

Roster hopefuls:

- Pat Beverly continues to be a pest on defense and a solid ballhandler.  Got to the line, took care of the ball, and hustled his way to some rebounds.

- Hasbrouck was uneffective going 1-of-6 with two assists, two fouls and two turnovers.

- Roger Mason Jr. went 0-for-5 with a few shots not even close to having a chance.  His length and agility reminisces Dorell Wright. 

- Shavlik Randolph is destined to be a Summer League superstar or a D-League All Star.  The man has post moves that can tear you apart.  If you're not in the NBA.

Preview: Oklahoma City Thunder vs Miami Heat - Oct 8 2010 - The Young and the Restless

It is no coincidence the Miami Heat was scheduled against a lottery team to mark their debut.  In the NBA, a win is never guaranteed, but pitting them against the Pistons was an ideal matchup for the NBA Golden Boys to premire.  It worked and the marveling has commenced.  Up next opponent is a much more formidable foe:  The Oklahoma City Thunder.   Remember the name and do like Lebron.  Start taking notes if you haven't already.   

One fourth of Team USA

Game Notes:

- The Thunder are coming off a victory over the Charlotte Bobcats where Jeff Green exploded for 25 points.

- Three of OKC's players -- most of any team -- gained invaluable experience this summer playing for the USA Basketball Team:  Kevin Durant, Jeff Green and Russell Westbrook.  Keyword: invaluable.

- Russell Westbrook has the Turbo button as well.   If he ever improves in his long range shooting, we're all in trouble.   Most likely to have a breakout season according to the 2010-2011 General Managers Survey.

- Kevin Durant.  Enough said.  Garnered 66% of prediction votes for MVP this season.  His coming out party this summer with Team USA was, as they say, "easy on the eyes".

- Jeff Green will provide the Heat a solid stretch 4 to adjust to.  Green can shoot from long range, although he's slipped a bit, and has the length to be a menace on both sides of the floor.

- The one with the heavy name, Serge Ibaka, is a native of the Republic of Congo.  By accounts of his Twitter page, @SergieIbaka9 is multilingual and twitters in Spanish and French.  Tres bien!

- Yes, you envy James Harden's beard and you don't even know it.   Leonidas couldn't do better.  

- Hide yo kids, hide yo wife, hide yo husbands, and hide yo chairs.  Cuz Nenad Krstic is back in the states.  He will not dress due to an injured finger.  Hope he uses his seat for good, not evil.

-  Elijah Millsap sounds familiar.  That's because it's Paul Millsap's (Utah Jazz) little brother.  

- Rookie Cole Aldrich was picked 11th in this year's draft by the New Orleans Hornets and then traded to OKC for picks #21 (Craig Brackins -- now with Sixers) and #26 (Quincy Pondexter).  Big white guy in the middle.  Been there done that.  Might buy the t-shirt. (Translation: Good prospect to watch.)

- Daequan Cook will miss the first game against his former team (concussion).  The former NBA 3pt Contest champion looks fitting in a Thunder uniform but has yet to wear it.   Best of luck to Daequan and his career in OKC.

The Thunder are young, long, athletic and hungry.  The front office has done a tremendous job at setting themselves up for financial stability in the years to come and the growth and chemistry of the team is envied by many.   Although they lack an offensive presence in the post, the Thunder counter it with speed and their Hatori Hanzo sword:  Kevin Durant.  They say to keep your friends close and your enemies closer.  If you're a follower of what people say, keep a close eye on the future of the league embodied in the Thunder. Look away and risk missing out on the evolution of a future NBA champion.  Unless the Heat have something to say about that.  Wink.

Recap: Heat 105 - 85 Pistons - Oct. 5th 2010 - The Big Train That Could

Hide yo kids, hide yo wife, hide yo husbands, cuz the Lebron James train has left the station and will not be stopped.

The Heat's Summer of 2010 roster has taken the hardwood together for the first time and it was all that was expected and more.  The presentation on the big screens displayed a modest collage of training camp workouts, accompanied by a typical soundtrack of epic percussion.  Properly modest for a preseason game.  Introduced, in order:  Lebron James, Chris Bosh, Joel Anthony, Carlos Arroyo, Dwyane Wade.

The routine Wade rim pullups were intact and to end speculation Lebron performed his piece, The Chalk.  An interesting view from a fan's point of view here (thanks for sharing Juan!). There was criticism about the empty arena -- which later filled up and is common Miami practice (Cuban Time) -- by ESPN experts, to which I must note that it is a preseason game.  A costly one.

As it is a pre-season game, here are some quick notes:

• There is already a name for the defensive scheme teams will run against the Heat.  The PYP.  Pick your poison.
• Wade suffered a slight tweak of his hamstring at the 3 minute mark which took him out of the game and will sideline him for at least a week.  Not believed to be serious, just being cautious at a time when the Heat can afford to. 
• Such early departure, what would the Heat do?  Right.  Lebron James and Chris Bosh are there.  They're kind of a big deal.
• Lebron did not miss a beat, getting back to old form and dominating the floor with his brute athleticism.  Playing a higher than expected 26 minutes, Lebron finished with 20 points (9-19), 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal and 2 turnovers.  His assist total could have exceeded 8 if not for some dropped passes and missed open shots.  
• Someone broke this video game.  Only Lebron has a Turbo button.  
• The raging debate of the need for a point guard is quickly dissipating with James handling the ball extensively, as expected.
• Already shooting pre-mature articles, ESPN's Broussard: The Heat are Lebron's Team Now.   Yes Lebron will be Lebron.  His sheer size and domination on the court garner attention from opponents and teammates alike.  It's common sense.  But Wade played 3 minutes and the labeling is better off being ommited.   
• Bosh is often labeled as underrated, but it was clear he needs no help in the labeling department.  Finishing with a game high 20 points (8-13), 6 rebounds, and 2 steals, Chris admiringly played to his strengths and opportunities.  A good share of his baskets came from offensive rebounds, created by the lack of boxing out from the Pistons.  Not their fault for the most part.  Their eyes were on Lebron and the shooter army surrounding him.
• Joel Anthony played his role to a T.  2 blocked shots in 19 minutes of play is appropriate for the big man.  Joel's defense looked much improved, albeit his collection of 4 fouls. Quick feet are allowing him to keep up with his opponent.  A win for the Heat.
• Carlos Arroyo did a solid job of manning the ball handling duties when needed.  An efficient 4-of-6 from the field netted him 10 points from a clear disregard of focus from the Pistons.  He seemed to be the chosen one from the poison picking.
• Mike Miller was surprisingly limited to 16 minutes for tonight.  Slightly disappointing night for the marksman with a 3-of-8 (1-3 from 3) performance.  Mike had his share of open shots but missed a few more than usual.   However, he did contribute with 4 assists to find open teammates thanks to his ability to draw defenders out to him.  
• James Jones, the poor man's Miller, played an extensive 28 minutes and went 2-for-7 from 3.  Another unusual performance from a fellow bomber.
• Mario Chalmers seemed unfazed by his ankle injury, playing with poise and going 5-for-10 (2-4 from 3) from the field.   Confidence is the kid's best asset.   
• Udonis Haslem, forever the Miami King in the hearts of fans, was his usual self.  A quiet 14 points on an efficient 6-of-9 display of hustle, grit, and intelligence.  He's become Tim Duncan Super Lite.  It's not flashy, but it nets results.
• Dexter Pittman looked very promising.   Seemingly taking from the Haslem Diet playbook, Pittman slimmed down and looks lighter and fitter than he ever has.   Hustle netted him 8 points while he showcased his small but effective arsenal of post moves.   With the right guidance, determination and development Pittman could have a solid role-playing career in the NBA.  
• Roger Mason Jr. continues to impress with his dexterity and prowess.  The son of Anthony Mason, Roger contributed 7 pts in 15 mins.  Too early to tell but he looks like he belongs on an NBA team.   Sleep with one eye open on him.
• Patrick Beverly and Shavlik Randolph made a short cameo but look like longshots to make the regular season roster.
• Missing in action were Hasbrouck, Eddie House, Big Z, Juwan Howard and Magloire.  Coach's decision, which we must investigate.

A 16 point win is always a good start.  Specially without one of your stars.  This is the unprecedented commodity of having two other superstars of such caliber available to pick up the slack.  There were many obvious positives from the team including unselfish ball movement (too much at times), a fast but controlled pace, players sticking to their roles and a confidence that only a roster like this can bring.  A few things -- which will be thoroughly explained later -- must be tweaked to further improve and the preaseason is the perfect place for it.


Sorry for ramble.  It's the adrenaline of the future.  Now on to the up and coming youngsters of Oklahoma City.  The Thunder...

Miami Heat vs Detroit Pistons - Tuesday Oct. 5th 2010 - The Debut

The time is here. Today day marks the long awaited debut of the revamped Miami Heat, taking the main stage and beginning their journey to the top.  Yes, it's only pre-season, but these are the games before the games.  Like the shirt before the shirt.  Absolutely necessary.  It also marks the first Heat gameday preview from yours truly.  It's an adventure I will totally pretend the Heat can relate to me with.

The Bad Boys who went from "Bad" to "Baaad"

Game notes:

- Mario Chalmers is still nursing his ankle injury, leaving a starting lineup of Arroyo-Wade-James-Bosh-Anthony.  Look for Patrick Beverly to build his resume for a roster spot in Mario's absence.

- Obviously, expect limited minutes for the superstars.

- Sources say seats are still available.  Likely at record prices for a preseason game.  Game streaming on cellphone might be larger than view from 400 section.

- Will Lebron do "The Chalk"?  Doubtful.  I vote for chalky high fives.  Jack@$$ style.  

- Starters for Pistons: Rodney Stuckey, Rip Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Charlie Villanueva, Ben Wallace.

- The two guards leaving Arroyo in the dust are Stuckey and Bynum.  This statement will repeat itself with every point guard in the NBA.  Except maybe Jason Kidd.  And Derek Fisher.

- Stuckey is large for a point guard.  6-foot-5.  Nevermind, in closer examination, he's just another one of those 2 playing the 1.  Boo.  And Bynum IS that small (6ft), but fierce.

- Former All-Star "Rip" dusts off the cobwebs, returning from injury to be welcomed by Heat Trio.  Quite the "Welcome Back!"

- For SF distinctions, having HD will be an enormous help.  Rubbing your eyes to tell Tayshaun Prince from Austin Daye is not uncommon.  I'm convinced Daye is part of an underground NBA cloning project.  Unfortunately for Detroit, the talent DNA did not fully transfer from Prince.  Sources say they were both Dino-DNA'd.  

- Charlie Villanueva.  That's it.  Enough said.

- A Ben Wallace vs Joel Anthony one-on-one would be comical.  Not purposely.

- Yes, that is McGrady and you can skip the line and hop aboard the McGrady Train Wreck.   Tracy can still play.  By himself.   It's a matter of how well he'll play with others.

- Keep an eye out for rookies Greg Monroe (7th overall pick), Terrico White (36th) and DaJuan Summers (35th in 2009).  When all else fails and the team is stripped, these might be the building blocks.

- The blondie that you can swear was on the Backstreet Boys, Jonas Jerebko, has his own song.  Warning:  It's adorable. 

- Last but not least.  Prepare for Heat-killer Ben Gordon to get hot at anytime and put together a smoking streak.  This time there should be enough resources to cool him off. Quickly.  Voltron.

Today's game will be broadcast at 7:30 PM EST on Sun Sports (South Florida) and nationally on NBATV.  

It has begun.

Planning for the Future (Part 1 of 2) - The Underlying Theme of Expiring Contracts

The fine folks at Hothothoops.com have brought back "Through the Net" giving Heat fans the best of the web regarding the Miami Heat.  Also, ESPN has been hawking on the team's every move, saturating the public with the same information repeatedly.  As such, I retire the daily tidbits until necessary as it is not my goal to sound mundane and repeat what is already being distributed.  A fresh approach will be a TWHH guarantee.

In light of a successful offseason and wringing financially-oriented season to come, I am getting way ahead of myself and looking into the possibilities that the next offseason can bring.  Staying on the topic of the CBA, the MLE, and expiring contracts, herein lies a 2 part thesis on the future regarding the NBA and the Miami Heat's financial strategy.

PART 1 - The Underlying Theme of Expiring Contracts

Listed here are the most attractive players that hold expiring contracts for this upcoming 2010-2011 season.  They are divided into the unspoken tiers of: 

1) Star players who are most likely to push their game for a breakout season earning them an extensive and large contract.

2) Veteran players whose large contract days are over and will likely settle for similar or reduced contract and roles.  

3) Players whose paychecks have become larger than the skills they can provide and benefit their teams more as an expiring contract.  Not to be confused with lack of skills, but merely a measure of what the player's contribution is truly worth in dollars.

4) Players on lower level contracts that have the upcoming season to embelish their resume and attract employers to grant them a pay raise.  This includes 2nd round picks on rookie contracts which were not guaranteed but would now be free agents earlier than 1st Round Picks.

Stars Striving for Breakout Season to Earn Fat Contract
Player	Team	Age*	Contract
Yao Ming	HOU	31	$17.7M
Zach Randolph	MEM	30	$17.3M
Jason Richardson	PHX	30	$14.4M
Tony Parker	SAS	29	$13.5M
Tyson Chandler	DAL	28	$12.8M
Nene Hilario	DEN	29	$11.5M ($11.6M PO)
David West	NOR	31	$8.3M ($7.5M PO)
J.R. Smith	DEN	26	$6.0M
Veterans Staying Level or Under
Player	Team	Age*	Contract
Andrei Kirilenko	UTA	30	$17.8M
Vince Carter	ORL	34	$17.3M ($18.0M TO)
Kenyon Martin	DEN	33	$16.6M
Chauncey Billups	DEN	35	$13.2M ($14.2M TO)
Troy Murphy	IND	31	$12.0M
Tayshaun Prince	DET	31	$11.1M
Caron Butler	DAL	31	$10.6M
Jamaal Crawford	ATL	31	$10.1M
Joel Przybilla	POR	31	$7.4M
Shanne Battier	HOU	33	$7.4M
Andre Miller	POR	35	$7.3M ($7.8 TO)
Jared Jeffries	HOU	29	$6.9M
Nick Collison	OKC	30	$6.8M
Nenad Krstic	OKC	28	$5.8M
Reggie Evans	TOR	31	$5.5M
More Useful as Expiring Contract
Player	Team	Age*	Contract
Michael Redd	MIL	32	$18.3M
Vince Carter	ORL	34	$17.3M ($18M TO)
Peja Stojakovic	NOR	34	$15.4M
Samuel Dalembert	SAC	30	$12.2M
Eddy Curry	NYK	28	$11.3M
Mike Dunleavey	IND	31	$10.5M
T.J. Ford	IND	28	$8.5M
Dan Gadzuric	GSW	33	$7.2M
Vladimir Radmanovic	GSW	30	$6.9M
Jeff Foster	IND	34	$6.9M
Nazr Mohammed	CHA	34	$6.9M
Morris Peterson	OKC	34	$6.6M
Jason Kapono	TOR	30	$6.6M
Sasha Vujacic	LAK	27	$5.5M
Darius Songaila	PHI	33	$4.8M
Marcus Banks	TOR	29	$4.8M
"Low Level" Guys Aiming for a Chunky Pay Raise
Player	Team	Age*	Contract
Kendrick Perkins	BOS	26	$4.6M
Marc Gasol	MEM	26	$3.5M
Kelenna Azubuike	NYK	27	$3.4M
Glen "Big Baby" Davis	BOS	25	$3.3M
Carl Landry	SAC	28	$3.0M
Chuck Hayes	HOU	28	$2.3M
JJ Barea	DAL	27	$1.8M
Hilton Armstrong	NOR	26	$992K
DeAndre Jordan	LAC	23	$854K
Luc Mbah a Moute	MIL	25	$854K
Marcus Thornton	NOR	24	$762K

*Age is of next offseason.  TO = Team Option PO = Player Option

The future financial standing of these players will be ultimately decided by the new CBA but those who perform better and garner more attention will net a bigger chunk of the pie.    Some are plain expirings, some have Team Options (a few partly guaranteed) that their teams are not likely to exercise and some are Player Options that the player might forgo if it nets him a longer more secure contract.  Keep an eye on all of them as this season they are playing for financial security, better known as their "contract year".  It's an interesting underlying theme in all sports and not surprisingly, the reason a player can increase effort and output.  

Next, Part 2 on who and why the Miami Heat can scout throughout the year for next year's offseason........