Official HEAT 2015-16 Regular Season Thread - Vol. II

[heat4life]

So the 2nd half of our season begins tonight and here are a few things to be aware of and keep an eye on on our quest to finish this regular season.

- We must get into the playoffs regardless of seed. Why? Even if we tank, we will not get as many loses to get good lottery odds for us to keep our pick (top 10 protected) like we did last season. It would require us to pull an unlikely lottery upset to get into the top 3 plus this draft seems top 2 heavy so far and not much talent after. We must pay Philly our debt this season and take our chances in the draft next season with better talent. Next year, Philly gets our pick regardless if we don't pay this season.

- The HEAT current record is 29-24. We have 29 games left. If we can maintain close to a .500 record (14-15) the rest of the season, it would give us a 43-39 record to end the season. IMO, that would get us into the playoffs. It's very doable even without Bosh.

- With Bosh out indefinitely and TJ basically lost for the season, we are going to need to fill those two roster spots, specially if we make the playoffs. I think a forward and PG are needs. Hopefully the ones we find can shoot.

- Some names that would fit our needs are David Lee, Steve Novak, Michael Beasley, John Lucas III, Tony Wroten, Jared Cunningham, Dorell Wright, Billiam Walker. Ideally Joe Johnson gets bought out but it does look unlikely plus if he becomes available, a LeBron call might sound more appealing to his contending aspirations.

- I know most don't care about saving Micky Arison money and I don't either BUT let's appreciate why getting under the tax was the best move for the team going forward. By not being a tax team this season (and last season), Miami resets the team's repeater tax clock. In other words, we won't have to worry about luxury tax penalties, implications or restrictions until 2021. We can use our exceptions and take salaries in trades with more freedom. Let's see how Riley uses that flexibility now.

- Hassan basically has a 2 month audition with Miami and the rest of the league for that matter. He can show everyone that he can be consistent, focused and a team player while making himself A LOT of money either from Miami or another team. With Bosh being out, the opportunity will be there. I really hope he seizes that opportunity and helps us to a solid playoff run.

- Let's hope Tyler Johnson comes back for the playoffs. I really miss his "all-balls-out" play defensively. His minutes off the bench relieving Wade are very underrated.

- Games are going to get tough in the East where 10 teams are seriously vying for 8 playoff spots. Detroit got better without disrupting their core, Washington got better and is looking to make a late push with the talent to do it, Charlotte got better with a solid shooter/defender next to Kemba. Expect some tough close games the rest of the way.

- Here is to a speedy Chris Bosh recovery.

[contract]

- The HEAT current record is 29-24. We have 29 games left. If we can maintain close to a .500 record (14-15) the rest of the season, it would give us a 43-39 record to end the season. IMO, that would get us into the playoffs. It's very doable even without Bosh.

I have a hard time seeing it. We lost one of our top 2 players, one of our best bench players, and several of our remaining rotation guys (Wade, Amare, & McBob) are permanent health concerns. I can imagine a full on implosion without trying very hard.

[heat4life]

- The HEAT current record is 29-24. We have 29 games left. If we can maintain close to a .500 record (14-15) the rest of the season, it would give us a 43-39 record to end the season. IMO, that would get us into the playoffs. It's very doable even without Bosh.

I have a hard time seeing it. We lost one of our top 2 players, one of our best bench players, and several of our remaining rotation guys (Wade, Amare, & McBob) are permanent health concerns. I can imagine a full on implosion without trying very hard.

We went 15-15 last season without Bosh with mostly the same group (Dragic, Whiteside, Wade, Deng). The difference? We have Winslow and Green instead of Bill Walker and Ennis. Wade is healthier, Amare is a better contributor than Beasley. McBob is healthy .... ok, that one is a joke but you get my drift.

[Mars]

Justise Winslow ready to tackle the challenges ahead for the Heat after the All-Star break

Manny Navarro | Miami Herald
February 19, 2016

ATLANTA -- Even if you are young and healthy and just 19 years old like Justise Winslow, the grind of an NBA season can take its toll.

And the Heat rookie, who turns 20 on March 26, was feeling that grind all over his body before the All-Star break.

"I was definitely not 100 percent going into the break," said Winslow, who missed just three games in the first half with an ankle injury and ranked fifth among all rookies in minutes played (27.8 per game).

"The break was much needed."

At 6-7, 225 pounds, the Heat ended up using Winslow a lot more at power forward than most expected -- especially down the stretch of games when Hassan Whiteside would go to the bench and Chris Bosh would slide over to center. In fact, no one has played more fourth quarter minutes this season for the Heat than Winslow (9.1 per game).

Now, with Bosh back on blood thinners and no one quite sure when the Heat's leading scorer will return, Winslow's role and overall minutes are expected to expand in the second half. Tuesday in practice, he ran with both the first and second team units and it's likely he could start a lot more games in the second half of the season if Bosh doesn't return…

Link

[gom]

I'm in favor of 10-day d-league contracts as essentially interviews for possible contracts to be offered in the summer, but there is no one I see on the potential buyout market or in the d-league this year, that is worth exceeding the tax line. We should be able to split the remaining games. Honestly, we are better than most of the teams in the East even without Bosh. Whiteside + Wade + Dragic should be enough. Factor in Winslow and Deng and the others from the bench (STAT, Green - who better shoot better - and McRoberts - who needs to show why he has arrived) and we better be good enough.

Aside from that, by the time the post season arrives we may still have TJ and Bosh back.

[heat4life]

I'm in favor of 10-day d-league contracts as essentially interviews for possible contracts to be offered in the summer, but there is no one I see on the potential buyout market or in the d-league this year, that is worth exceeding the tax line. We should be able to split the remaining games. Honestly, we are better than most of the teams in the East even without Bosh. Whiteside + Wade + Dragic should be enough. Factor in Winslow and Deng and the others from the bench (STAT, Green - who better shoot better - and McRoberts - who needs to show why he has arrived) and we better be good enough.

Aside from that, by the time the post season arrives we may still have TJ and Bosh back.

I agree, at least with one of the roster spots. One name that intrigues me from the buyout market (if it happens) is Andrew Nicholson. Apparently he asked for a trade due to limited playing time and since Orlando couldn't trade him, they are open to a buyout. Orlando fans seem to like him. He is a long 6'9 250lbs PF that has an improved 3pt shot (35%). He is set to be a RFA this summer and wants to get minutes for that next contract.

[gom]

I'm in favor of 10-day d-league contracts as essentially interviews for possible contracts to be offered in the summer, but there is no one I see on the potential buyout market or in the d-league this year, that is worth exceeding the tax line. We should be able to split the remaining games. Honestly, we are better than most of the teams in the East even without Bosh. Whiteside + Wade + Dragic should be enough. Factor in Winslow and Deng and the others from the bench (STAT, Green - who better shoot better - and McRoberts - who needs to show why he has arrived) and we better be good enough.

Aside from that, by the time the post season arrives we may still have TJ and Bosh back.

I agree, at least with one of the roster spots. One name that intrigues me from the buyout market (if it happens) is Andrew Nicholson. Apparently he asked for a trade due to limited playing time and since Orlando couldn't trade him, they are open to a buyout. Orlando fans seem to like him. He is a long 6'9 250lbs PF that has an improved 3pt shot (35%). He is set to be a RFA this summer and wants to get minutes for that next contract.

I've seen Nicholson play for Orlando. He's not bad, but definitely not worth signing over the tax line.

It would be nice if we had already given a 10 day contract to Keith Benson, Cady Lalanne, Jordan Bachynski, or Robert Upshaw. Tonight Spo will play STAT, Haslem, and McRoberts at center. It would be nice if we had a little more strength there. We could also use a shooter. Liggins is available and is worth a 10 day contract.

We have two roster spaces. We should use them... always.

[MettaWorldPanda]

I'm in favor of 10-day d-league contracts as essentially interviews for possible contracts to be offered in the summer, but there is no one I see on the potential buyout market or in the d-league this year, that is worth exceeding the tax line. We should be able to split the remaining games. Honestly, we are better than most of the teams in the East even without Bosh. Whiteside + Wade + Dragic should be enough. Factor in Winslow and Deng and the others from the bench (STAT, Green - who better shoot better - and McRoberts - who needs to show why he has arrived) and we better be good enough.

Aside from that, by the time the post season arrives we may still have TJ and Bosh back.

I agree, at least with one of the roster spots. One name that intrigues me from the buyout market (if it happens) is Andrew Nicholson. Apparently he asked for a trade due to limited playing time and since Orlando couldn't trade him, they are open to a buyout. Orlando fans seem to like him. He is a long 6'9 250lbs PF that has an improved 3pt shot (35%). He is set to be a RFA this summer and wants to get minutes for that next contract.

I've seen Nicholson play for Orlando. He's not bad, but definitely not worth signing over the tax line. We can sign out first player on March 6th and have to wait another two weeks I think to sign another.

It would be nice if we had already given a 10 day contract to Keith Benson, Cady Lalanne, Jordan Bachynski, or Robert Upshaw. Tonight Spo will play STAT, Haslem, and McRoberts at center. It would be nice if we had a little more strength there. We could also use a shooter. Liggins is available and is worth a 10 day contract.

We have two roster spaces. We should use them... always.

I don't think we can sign anyone for another 16 days in order to avoid going back into the tax.

[gom]

I agree, at least with one of the roster spots. One name that intrigues me from the buyout market (if it happens) is Andrew Nicholson. Apparently he asked for a trade due to limited playing time and since Orlando couldn't trade him, they are open to a buyout. Orlando fans seem to like him. He is a long 6'9 250lbs PF that has an improved 3pt shot (35%). He is set to be a RFA this summer and wants to get minutes for that next contract.

I've seen Nicholson play for Orlando. He's not bad, but definitely not worth signing over the tax line.

It would be nice if we had already given a 10 day contract to Keith Benson, Cady Lalanne, Jordan Bachynski, or Robert Upshaw. Tonight Spo will play STAT, Haslem, and McRoberts at center. It would be nice if we had a little more strength there. We could also use a shooter. Liggins is available and is worth a 10 day contract.

We have two roster spaces. We should use them... always.

I don't think we can sign anyone for another 16 days in order to avoid going back into the tax.

Tax is computed at the end of the season.

When determining the amount of tax a team owes, the league uses its team salary (see question number 14) on the date of its last regular season game (i.e., if a player is traded away before the end of the season, then none of his salary is taxed), with the following adjustments:

Cap holds and exceptions are ignored.
Any "unlikely bonuses" (see question number 74) that were actually earned are added to the team salary.
Any "likely bonuses" (see question number 74) that were not earned are subtracted from the team salary.
Any trade bonuses (see question number 98) for players received in trade after the last regular season game are added to the team salary. This amount may be pro-rated -- see question number 99 for details.
Any amounts from settlements of grievances are added to the team salary.
For players who signed as free agents (i.e., not draft picks) under the current CBA, and make less than the two-year minimum salary, the minimum salary for a two-year veteran is used in place of their actual salary.2
For minimum salary players whose salary is partially paid by the league (see question number 16) only the amount paid by the team (the two-year minimum salary) is taxed.
The salaries of players waived via the Amnesty provision (see question number 69) are exempt from the luxury tax.

[MettaWorldPanda]

I've seen Nicholson play for Orlando. He's not bad, but definitely not worth signing over the tax line.

It would be nice if we had already given a 10 day contract to Keith Benson, Cady Lalanne, Jordan Bachynski, or Robert Upshaw. Tonight Spo will play STAT, Haslem, and McRoberts at center. It would be nice if we had a little more strength there. We could also use a shooter. Liggins is available and is worth a 10 day contract.

We have two roster spaces. We should use them... always.

I don't think we can sign anyone for another 16 days in order to avoid going back into the tax.

Tax is computed at the end of the season.

This is from Albert Random at heathoops.com latest article

With just $218,000 of room below the tax threshold, and each new contract costing $5,572 per day, the Heat can offer such contracts for a total of no more than 39 days. The Heat roster will therefore need to remain at 13 players for at least 17 of the remaining 56 days in the regular season.

If the Heat choose to wait out the 17 days up front, they will not be able to add a player until at least March 6th, and longer if they intend to add two players (to reach the 15-player limit) at any given time. With two players, the Heat can employ any combination of 39 days of salary – whether that be the first signing with 38 days left in the regular season and the second signing on the very last day, one signing with 20 days left in the regular season and the other 19 days, or any other combination that totals to no more than 39 days.

To fill their available roster spots, Miami will turn its attention to the current available free agents as well as to players who shake free via the waiver wire. Players must be waived by March 1st to be eligible for the playoffs with another team.

[gom]

I don't think we can sign anyone for another 16 days in order to avoid going back into the tax.

Tax is computed at the end of the season.

This is from Albert Random at heathoops.com latest article

With just $218,000 of room below the tax threshold, and each new contract costing $5,572 per day, the Heat can offer such contracts for a total of no more than 39 days. The Heat roster will therefore need to remain at 13 players for at least 17 of the remaining 56 days in the regular season.

If the Heat choose to wait out the 17 days up front, they will not be able to add a player until at least March 6th, and longer if they intend to add two players (to reach the 15-player limit) at any given time. With two players, the Heat can employ any combination of 39 days of salary – whether that be the first signing with 38 days left in the regular season and the second signing on the very last day, one signing with 20 days left in the regular season and the other 19 days, or any other combination that totals to no more than 39 days.

To fill their available roster spots, Miami will turn its attention to the current available free agents as well as to players who shake free via the waiver wire. Players must be waived by March 1st to be eligible for the playoffs with another team.

He's talking about prorated contracts - not 10-day contracts.

We can sign 10 day contracts at any time - now that we have roster space.

http://www.cbafaq.com/salarycap.htm#Q21

http://www.cbafaq.com/salarycap.htm#Q29

As long as the 10 day contracts are not "in vigor" at the end of the season, then they don't enter into the tax calculation.

[MettaWorldPanda]

Tax is computed at the end of the season.

This is from Albert Random at heathoops.com latest article

With just $218,000 of room below the tax threshold, and each new contract costing $5,572 per day, the Heat can offer such contracts for a total of no more than 39 days. The Heat roster will therefore need to remain at 13 players for at least 17 of the remaining 56 days in the regular season.

If the Heat choose to wait out the 17 days up front, they will not be able to add a player until at least March 6th, and longer if they intend to add two players (to reach the 15-player limit) at any given time. With two players, the Heat can employ any combination of 39 days of salary – whether that be the first signing with 38 days left in the regular season and the second signing on the very last day, one signing with 20 days left in the regular season and the other 19 days, or any other combination that totals to no more than 39 days.

To fill their available roster spots, Miami will turn its attention to the current available free agents as well as to players who shake free via the waiver wire. Players must be waived by March 1st to be eligible for the playoffs with another team.

He's talking about prorated contracts - not 10-day contracts.

We can sign 10 day contracts at any time - now that we have roster space.

http://www.cbafaq.com/salarycap.htm#Q21

Damn well if that's the case when what the hell are we waiting for? So confused. We are about to go into tonight's came with the possibility of only 9 healthy bodies. Would love to give Liggins a shot.

[gom]

This is from Albert Random at heathoops.com latest article

With just $218,000 of room below the tax threshold, and each new contract costing $5,572 per day, the Heat can offer such contracts for a total of no more than 39 days. The Heat roster will therefore need to remain at 13 players for at least 17 of the remaining 56 days in the regular season.

If the Heat choose to wait out the 17 days up front, they will not be able to add a player until at least March 6th, and longer if they intend to add two players (to reach the 15-player limit) at any given time. With two players, the Heat can employ any combination of 39 days of salary – whether that be the first signing with 38 days left in the regular season and the second signing on the very last day, one signing with 20 days left in the regular season and the other 19 days, or any other combination that totals to no more than 39 days.

To fill their available roster spots, Miami will turn its attention to the current available free agents as well as to players who shake free via the waiver wire. Players must be waived by March 1st to be eligible for the playoffs with another team.

He's talking about prorated contracts - not 10-day contracts.

We can sign 10 day contracts at any time - now that we have roster space.

http://www.cbafaq.com/salarycap.htm#Q21

Damn well if that's the case when what the hell are we waiting for? So confused. We are about to go into tonight's came with the possibility of only 9 healthy bodies. Would love to give Liggins a shot.

Exactly my thought. I would want a big man too to help STAT. 10-day contracts can be canceled in 24 hours.

[heat4life]

I'm in favor of 10-day d-league contracts as essentially interviews for possible contracts to be offered in the summer, but there is no one I see on the potential buyout market or in the d-league this year, that is worth exceeding the tax line. We should be able to split the remaining games. Honestly, we are better than most of the teams in the East even without Bosh. Whiteside + Wade + Dragic should be enough. Factor in Winslow and Deng and the others from the bench (STAT, Green - who better shoot better - and McRoberts - who needs to show why he has arrived) and we better be good enough.

Aside from that, by the time the post season arrives we may still have TJ and Bosh back.

I agree, at least with one of the roster spots. One name that intrigues me from the buyout market (if it happens) is Andrew Nicholson. Apparently he asked for a trade due to limited playing time and since Orlando couldn't trade him, they are open to a buyout. Orlando fans seem to like him. He is a long 6'9 250lbs PF that has an improved 3pt shot (35%). He is set to be a RFA this summer and wants to get minutes for that next contract.

I've seen Nicholson play for Orlando. He's not bad, but definitely not worth signing over the tax line.

It would be nice if we had already given a 10 day contract to Keith Benson, Cady Lalanne, Jordan Bachynski, or Robert Upshaw. Tonight Spo will play STAT, Haslem, and McRoberts at center. It would be nice if we had a little more strength there. We could also use a shooter. Liggins is available and is worth a 10 day contract.

We have two roster spaces. We should use them... always.

I am not suggesting we sign him for more than the pro-rated minimum if he becomes available. He's definitely not worth going over the tax cap. .....

CORRECTION: ... I just read your response to MWP gom... 10 days contracts are a go then... but who?

[gom]

I agree, at least with one of the roster spots. One name that intrigues me from the buyout market (if it happens) is Andrew Nicholson. Apparently he asked for a trade due to limited playing time and since Orlando couldn't trade him, they are open to a buyout. Orlando fans seem to like him. He is a long 6'9 250lbs PF that has an improved 3pt shot (35%). He is set to be a RFA this summer and wants to get minutes for that next contract.

I've seen Nicholson play for Orlando. He's not bad, but definitely not worth signing over the tax line.

It would be nice if we had already given a 10 day contract to Keith Benson, Cady Lalanne, Jordan Bachynski, or Robert Upshaw. Tonight Spo will play STAT, Haslem, and McRoberts at center. It would be nice if we had a little more strength there. We could also use a shooter. Liggins is available and is worth a 10 day contract.

We have two roster spaces. We should use them... always.

I am not suggesting we sign him for more than the pro-rated minimum if he becomes available. He's definitely not worth going over the tax cap. Also, we have to wait 16 days for ANY contract (10-day or pro-rated minimum) as the other poster mentioned to better utilize the dollar amount we are under the lux tax cap.

There are 3 permutations of players coming into a team:

Minimum contracts are prorated from the beginning of the season - that's true. That's the number that Metta is quoting.
10-day contracts, provided they expire before the last day of the season, are not added into the tax calculation.
Contracts you trade for before the deadline (like Portland did) are 100% value against the cap.

[IggieCC]

blue shirt: gom

I ma 2 time poster of the month Bish

[contract]

David Lee was just waived.

[gom]

I agree, at least with one of the roster spots. One name that intrigues me from the buyout market (if it happens) is Andrew Nicholson. Apparently he asked for a trade due to limited playing time and since Orlando couldn't trade him, they are open to a buyout. Orlando fans seem to like him. He is a long 6'9 250lbs PF that has an improved 3pt shot (35%). He is set to be a RFA this summer and wants to get minutes for that next contract.

I've seen Nicholson play for Orlando. He's not bad, but definitely not worth signing over the tax line.

It would be nice if we had already given a 10 day contract to Keith Benson, Cady Lalanne, Jordan Bachynski, or Robert Upshaw. Tonight Spo will play STAT, Haslem, and McRoberts at center. It would be nice if we had a little more strength there. We could also use a shooter. Liggins is available and is worth a 10 day contract.

We have two roster spaces. We should use them... always.

I am not suggesting we sign him for more than the pro-rated minimum if he becomes available. He's definitely not worth going over the tax cap. .....

CORRECTION: ... I just read your response to MWP gom... 10 days contracts are a go then... but who?

I want some mean SOB (someone like Upshaw) in front to help STAT and someone else who can shoot.

[Flash4thewin]

So the 2nd half of our season begins tonight and here are a few things to be aware of and keep an eye on on our quest to finish this regular season.

- We must get into the playoffs regardless of seed. Why? Even if we tank, we will not get as many loses to get good lottery odds for us to keep our pick (top 10 protected) like we did last season. It would require us to pull an unlikely lottery upset to get into the top 3 plus this draft seems top 2 heavy so far and not much talent after. We must pay Philly our debt this season and take our chances in the draft next season with better talent. Next year, Philly gets our pick regardless if we don't pay this season.

- The HEAT current record is 29-24. We have 29 games left. If we can maintain close to a .500 record (14-15) the rest of the season, it would give us a 43-39 record to end the season. IMO, that would get us into the playoffs. It's very doable even without Bosh.

- With Bosh out indefinitely and TJ basically lost for the season, we are going to need to fill those two roster spots, specially if we make the playoffs. I think a forward and PG are needs. Hopefully the ones we find can shoot.

- Some names that would fit our needs are David Lee, Steve Novak, Michael Beasley, John Lucas III, Tony Wroten, Jared Cunningham, Dorell Wright, Billiam Walker. Ideally Joe Johnson gets bought out but it does look unlikely plus if he becomes available, a LeBron call might sound more appealing to his contending aspirations.

- I know most don't care about saving Micky Arison money and I don't either BUT let's appreciate why getting under the tax was the best move for the team going forward. By not being a tax team this season (and last season), Miami resets the team's repeater tax clock. In other words, we won't have to worry about luxury tax penalties, implications or restrictions until 2021. We can use our exceptions and take salaries in trades with more freedom. Let's see how Riley uses that flexibility now.

- Hassan basically has a 2 month audition with Miami and the rest of the league for that matter. He can show everyone that he can be consistent, focused and a team player while making himself A LOT of money either from Miami or another team. With Bosh being out, the opportunity will be there. I really hope he seizes that opportunity and helps us to a solid playoff run.

- Let's hope Tyler Johnson comes back for the playoffs. I really miss his "all-balls-out" play defensively. His minutes off the bench relieving Wade are very underrated.

- Games are going to get tough in the East where 10 teams are seriously vying for 8 playoff spots. Detroit got better without disrupting their core, Washington got better and is looking to make a late push with the talent to do it, Charlotte got better with a solid shooter/defender next to Kemba. Expect some tough close games the rest of the way.

- Here is to a speedy Chris Bosh recovery.

You have to understand the audition part is over and has been over a long time ago. He will get paid this offseason. Odds are he will get the Max. Odds are Whiteside will leave us even if we offer a max...

[heat4life]

David Lee was just waived.

Too bad he can't shoot 3's!