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

[gom]

Iggie:

Your sig:

Josh McWuabets wrote:
I mean that's a bone bruise, so it's doesn't really heal

Makes me laugh and cry simultaneously. Let's hope McRoberts shows up for us tonight.

* I want to point out that I've already started drinking. LOL

[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?

Toward the end of the season we should have the *right* 2 guys though. If we can't use them in the postseason at least we have a chance to get early bird rights. It is really really complicated.

[heat4life]

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.

Not sure Upshaw does anything for us. If anything we need a stretch big. Shooting, Shooting, shooting!

[gom]

David Lee was just waived.

Man, contract, I know it sounds lame the way I promote a lot of crappy d-leaguers without experience and it could be because of my anti-Knicks bias, but I'm just not a fan of Lee. I think he's soft at defense and he doesn't help our offense stretch. It's probably me though.

Do you think he would sign a 10-day contract? I have suspicions he won't.

[gom]

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.

Not sure Upshaw does anything for us. If anything we need a stretch big. Shooting, Shooting, shooting!

I'm just worried about STAT getting hurt. We can't risk *any* more injuries.

We are so brittle and the margin for error is slim. We can get a shooter too. Liggins can shoot. I dislike Fredette as a player too - he was *AWFUL* at Sacramento, but he would shoot the ball at least.

[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.

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...

Oh, I know someone is going to pay good money but by doing it right the next two months, he could get a max somewhere and a longer commitment too. Don't be fooled, people are still wary of Hassan. He might get a 2yr deal with options but if he balls, someone might go for a 4yr.

[contract]

David Lee was just waived.

Man, contract, I know it sounds lame the way I promote a lot of crappy d-leaguers without experience and it could be because of my anti-Knicks bias, but I'm just not a fan of Lee. I think he's soft at defense and he doesn't help our offense stretch. It's probably me though.

Do you think he would sign a 10-day contract? I have suspicions he won't.

I suspect not.

[gom]

Hey, fellows, one more thing about the use of the roster space and its cost:

It relates to this quote: "$218,000 of room below the tax threshold, and each new contract costing $5,572 per day". The $5,572 per day is a result of dividing the $947,276 (2 year veteran minimum) by 170 (approximately). Got it? The 2 year veteran minimum is used as an "any" veteran for 2 or more years because the league reimburses the difference of a 10 year vet for example. Solid?

Now here's the thing:

1 year vets make: $845,059 (Like Bryce Cotton etc)
Rookies make: $525,093 (Like Putney, Upshaw etc)

Heat Hoops is using the value $947,276 in its general calculation which is generally accurate, but guys like Jarell Eddy are making less. Find the Heat a rookie player and he'll make $3088 per day. A 1 year player $4970 per day.

So we could actually give Putney or Upshaw a contract today, but we shouldn't. Everyone should have to do a 10 day contract first. That's just due diligence.

I like Lalanne as a Center. He was drafted by the Spurs last year. I need to check his contract situation. Spurs may still have rights.

I have a gut feeling that this conversation we are having here is happening elsewhere, but they have a lot more scouting info. I'd still like to find a good player. Burnie Riley watches a bunch of D-League games. We should enlist him.

[gom]

blue shirt: gom

I ma 2 time poster of the month Bish

Look, I am wrong:

Salaries for completed contracts (such as 10-day contracts) are included in team salaries for the remainder of that salary cap year (through June 30).

Ug.

Not as embarrassing as that time I couldn't get the pen to work:

[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?

Heat4Life, sorry this isn't accurate. Completed contracts (like 10 day contracts) do go into the salary even if they are not active at the end of the regular season.

[heat4life]

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?

Heat4Life, sorry this isn't accurate. Completed contracts (like 10 day contracts) do go into the salary even if they are not active at the end of the regular season.

[MettaWorldPanda]

So back to the 17 day wait. By then all we will have are D Leaguers left anyway. Novak on Cavs radar.

[gom]

So back to the 17 day wait. By then all we will have are D Leaguers left anyway. Novak on Cavs radar.

Yes for a player with 2+ years experience we have to wait 17 days. We could sign a rookie now though. A rookie (0 years) costs only $172,928 until the end of the season.

Vince Hunter, 6-8, 205, 21 yo, rookie forward
Greg Whittington, 6-8, 212, 23 yo, rookie forward
Christian Wood, 6-11, 220, 20 yo, rookie forward
Chris Walker, 6-10, 220, 21 yo, rookie forward (does not shoot 3s)
Briante Weber, 6-2, 165, 23 yo, rookie guard
Raphiael Putney, 6-10, 184, 25 yo, rookie forward
Robert Upshaw, 7-0, 256, 22 yo, rookie center, showed a lot of potential but has been poor with the Defenders.
Xavier Munford, 6-3, 180, 23 yo, rookie guard
Terrico White, 6-5, 213, 25 yo, rookie guard
Youssou Ndoye, 7-0, 250, 24 yo, rookie center, <<<
Joshua Smith, 6-10, 360, 23 yo, rookie center <<< Was on our summer league team
Coty Clarke, 6-7, 232, 23 yo, rookie forward
Jordan Bachynski, 7-0, 248, 26 yo, rookie center
Ronald Roberts, 6-8, 225, 24 yo, rookie forward (does not shoot 3s)
Nigel Spikes, 6-10, 225, 26 yo, rookie center (from Marshall like Whiteside, similar styles)
Nick Minnerath, 6-9, 215, 27 yo, rookie forward (hits 3s at over 40%)
Quinn Cook, 6-2, 179, 22.9 yo, rookie point guard (2:1 assist/to ratio and 37.8% 3 point shooting)


1 year players:

Erick Green, 6-3, 178, 24 yo 1 year point guard
Bryce Cotton, 6-1, 165, 23 yo 1 year point guard
Sean Kilpatrick, 6-4, 210, 26 yo, 1 year shooting guard (who can't hit 3s?)
Keith Benson, 6-11, 240, 27 yo, 1 year center (was on summer league)

2 year players:

Lorenzo Brown, 6-5, 180, 26 yo, 2 year point guard



3 year players:

Manny Harris, 6-5, 185, 26 yo, 3 year guard
Henry Sims, 6-10, 245, 26 yo, 3 year center
Perry Jones, 6-11, 235, 24 yo, 3 year forward

7 year players:

Cartier Martin, 6-7, 220, 31 yo, 7 year small forward, 37% 3 point shooter (in the NBA). Poor defender.


For Cody Lalanne (Spurs) and Dakari Johnson (Thunder), their drafting team has 1 year to offer a contract.

I just saw that Fredette has been signed. I need to go over my list to say where the various players are.

General conclusion: Mostly bad players in the D-League this year.

[Heat_Fan_87]

Spo haters, put this in your pipe and smoke it!
[tweet]https://twitter.com/ESPNStatsInfo/status/701043749564997634[/tweet]

[dolphinatik]

Deng is going to make a hellova coach one day. cerebral man.

[Burnie Riley]

So back to the 17 day wait. By then all we will have are D Leaguers left anyway. Novak on Cavs radar.

Yes for a player with 2+ years experience we have to wait 17 days. We could sign a rookie now though. A rookie (0 years) costs only $172,928 until the end of the season.

Vince Hunter, 6-8, 205, 21 yo, rookie forward
Greg Whittington, 6-8, 212, 23 yo, rookie forward
Christian Wood, 6-11, 220, 20 yo, rookie forward
Chris Walker, 6-10, 220, 21 yo, rookie forward (does not shoot 3s)
Briante Weber, 6-2, 165, 23 yo, rookie guard
Raphiael Putney, 6-10, 184, 25 yo, rookie forward
Robert Upshaw, 7-0, 256, 22 yo, rookie center, showed a lot of potential but has been poor with the Defenders.
Xavier Munford, 6-3, 180, 23 yo, rookie guard
Terrico White, 6-5, 213, 25 yo, rookie guard
Youssou Ndoye, 7-0, 250, 24 yo, rookie center, <<<
Joshua Smith, 6-10, 360, 23 yo, rookie center <<< Was on our summer league team
Coty Clarke, 6-7, 232, 23 yo, rookie forward
Jordan Bachynski, 7-0, 248, 26 yo, rookie center
Ronald Roberts, 6-8, 225, 24 yo, rookie forward (does not shoot 3s)
Nigel Spikes, 6-10, 225, 26 yo, rookie center (from Marshall like Whiteside, similar styles)
Nick Minnerath, 6-9, 215, 27 yo, rookie forward (hits 3s at over 40%)
Quinn Cook, 6-2, 179, 22.9 yo, rookie point guard (2:1 assist/to ratio and 37.8% 3 point shooting)


1 year players:

Erick Green, 6-3, 178, 24 yo 1 year point guard
Bryce Cotton, 6-1, 165, 23 yo 1 year point guard
Sean Kilpatrick, 6-4, 210, 26 yo, 1 year shooting guard (who can't hit 3s?)
Keith Benson, 6-11, 240, 27 yo, 1 year center (was on summer league)

2 year players:

Lorenzo Brown, 6-5, 180, 26 yo, 2 year point guard



3 year players:

Manny Harris, 6-5, 185, 26 yo, 3 year guard
Henry Sims, 6-10, 245, 26 yo, 3 year center
Perry Jones, 6-11, 235, 24 yo, 3 year forward

7 year players:

Cartier Martin, 6-7, 220, 31 yo, 7 year small forward, 37% 3 point shooter (in the NBA). Poor defender.


For Cody Lalanne (Spurs) and Dakari Johnson (Thunder), their drafting team has 1 year to offer a contract.

I just saw that Fredette has been signed. I need to go over my list to say where the various players are.

General conclusion: Mostly bad players in the D-League this year.

I haven't been watching games since the showcase week, but I try to keep up by watching highlights. Vince Hunter went to Greece. Tre Kelley also left the Skyforce for Turkey.

I don't think we have to worry about anyone picking up Weber this year, let him stay and develop. Upshaw is a good prospect for the future, but he is not ready and that's good because of his problems. I wouldn't touch him until he had a couple of years of sobriety under his belt.

Christian Wood has first round pick upside. Chris Walker is playing like an animal in the d league. I didn't know Bachynski was that old. Quinn Cook would be nice for Justise to have around, but they probably won't because of Jrich and Uncle Beano. Perry Jones must be injured, haven't seen anything about him in months.

I would pick up Putney and Whittington. I'm getting excited thinking about a future bench lineup including those two with Weber and Whiteside with another wind defender. Nobody would score. Weber and Whittington make it difficult to bring the ball up the court and if they get into the paint you've got Whiteside and Putney to get by. (Insert drooling emoji)

[Burnie Riley]

I don't think they'd sign him, but Jamaal Franklin is intiriguing to me, he left for China, where he averaged a triple double like 30, 10 and 10. He was getting triple doubles last year in the d league.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQCDMoIKNWs[/youtube]

If Bosh is going to be out, the priority should be a stretch 4. We may also need someone who can handle the five in case Stat or White get hurt. And if Wade is going to be out we need a wing. And if Dragic gets injured or Uncle Beano turns his neck the wrong way again... this is such a mess.

[MettaWorldPanda]

I think we should stick to picking up two of our own D League players since they know the system. Especially this late into the year.

[QUIZ]

I think we should stick to picking up two of our own D League players since they know the system. Especially this late into the year.

I agree.

[QUIZ]

Looks like Novak and Lee are heading elsewhere.