2006 NBA Finals MVP Dwyane Wade was named AskMen.com "Man of the Week".

The men's portal explained that "despite his formidable talents and impressive list of achievements as a basketball player, NBA All-Star Dwyane Wade remains a down-to-earth and approachable guy."

The Nuggets and Nene have reached agreement on a five-year contract that will pay him up to $67 million.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: In the end, it was about the money.

Free agent post Nene won’t join a capped-out contender and will instead earn nearly $70 million over the next five years to stay with the Denver Nuggets.

On the one hand, this makes sense. This was Nene’s moment, his one opportunity to capitalize on a weak free agent market and get max-like money even if the league was coming off a lockout.

Only Denver and the New Jersey Nets were willing to meet his demands. And the Nets are in flux because Deron Williams still hasn’t inked an extension.

So Nene, who loves Denver, decided to spend his prime with the Nuggets.

On the other hand, this is surprising. The 30-year old decided against giving the Miami Heat and other elite squads a discount for the chance at a championship.

Of course, it’s hard to say just how much of a South Beach sale the Heat were asking for. And Nene could sign a short-term deal with a contender once this deal expires in June of 2016. 

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

The Clippers have made a successful big on Chauncey Billups, who was amnestied by the Knicks last week. Under terms of the league’s amnesty police, any team under the salary cap can put bid on Billups. The Clippers put a bid of just over $2 million for Billups, according to Marc Stein.

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Perhaps the Los Angeles Clippers missed the memo.

Veteran point guard Chauncey Billups warned teams not to claim him after he was amnesty waived by the New York Knicks.

Teams under the salary cap had first crack at claiming Billups, who wanted to go unclaimed so he could become a free agent and sign with a contender.

Mr. Big shot had his eyes on competitive squads like the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers.

So Billups joining the Clippers is interesting for a couple of reasons. First, Los Angeles’ other team is big on potential but light on results.

Second, there are rumors the Clippers will send several pieces to the New Orleans Hornets in exchange for Chris Paul. This would relegate to Billups to the bench on a team that would be good but hardly great.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

"They will break the single-season win record [of 72],'' Jeff Van Gundy said. "And I think they have a legit shot at the Lakers' 33-game [winning] streak [in 1971-72], as well. And only the Lakers have even a remote shot at beating them in a playoff series. They will never lose two games in a row this year.” A long time friend brought to my attention regarding this comment about Dwyane Wade’s Miami Heat. I’ve caught this awhile back and needed time to ponder about such a notion. You guys do realize that in order to break the record, the team can only lose nine games, right? Count that again – 9 games. Seriously.

Eddy Curry is getting another chance. The Miami Heat will sign Curry on Friday in time for training camp, sources told ESPN.com.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Rumor will become reality.

It's hardly a secret Eddy Curry was dropping weight to salvage his career, and bank account, with the Miami Heat.

Curry seems set to sign a one-year deal for the league minimum. And he has LeBron James to thank.

The former lottery pick has long had a business (they share agents) and personal relationship with James, which surely played a role in the signing.

Hopefully, the Heat aren't relying on Curry him to play major minutes.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
 

“To be on the other side, they call it the dark side, or the villain, whatever they call it, it was definitely challenging for myself,” he said in an interview with ESPN. “It basically turned me into somebody I wasn’t. Me, personally, I’m not that guy.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: He doesn’t like the consequences. But will he change his behaviour?

In a recent interview LeBron James told ESPN he didn’t enjoy being the bad guy or villain of the 2011 season.

Fair enough. 

However, James must accept responsibility. He and his people held The Decision, dumping his home-state Cleveland Cavaliers on national television.

And James got on stage and declared that the Heat would win multiple championships before the team had even held a practice.

So it’s hardly a surprise fans, media, and even some peers turned on him.

--Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

A recent Shaquille O’Neal rumor has him close to signing a deal with the Boston Celtics to go on another adventure of ring chasing. It’s sad to see the old man like this chasing these things when he already has four. He is also a shell of his former self. The new generation of fans will probably only remember Shaq within the past 4 years. The long time fans barely remember O’Neal during his Orlando Magic days. Please don’t forget – Shaq was the most physically dominant center in the last 30 years.

Battier has been a primary target in free agency for the Heat, and sources say the pitch of Riley, coach Erik Spoelstra and key Heat players could ultimately confirm Battier’s strong feelings about chasing a championship in Miami.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Talent matters but so does chemistry.

If the Miami Heat subscribe to the above theory then they’ll have to pull out all the stops to sign free agent utility swing Shane Battier.

The former Memphis Grizzly and Houston Rocket does all the little things necessary to win. He defends multiple positions and stretches opposing defenses with his range.

He just hasn’t had superstar talent to complement in the NBA. With LeBron, CB4, and D-Wade, talent won’t be an issue in South Beach.

Of course, Battier’s professionalism and likeability will go a long way in helping heal the Heat‘s tattered reputation. The Eastern Conference champions spent 2011 with a bulls eye on their back, facing the wrath of media and fans alike.

So Battier would get a chance at a championship. The Heat get a quality role player and person. Sounds like a mutually beneficial arrangement.

--Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

We all saw LeBron James announce Miami. The moment will always be known as “The Decision.” To basketball purists, we might see this as “The Moment where LeBron threw everything away.” He had the NBA world at the palm of his hand and threw it in the trash. I knew he was going to leave, but LeBron didn’t have to do the state of Ohio dirty like that. Wow! Did this guy just do that? I’m flabbergasted. I am trying to understand this entire free agency period and the Big Network’s exploitation of Ohio.

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Heat GM Pat Riley and Thunder GM Sam Presti must have had heart attacks while watching LeBron James and Kevin Durant’s flag football teams go at it.

Luckily, the two NBA superstars, who earn tens of millions of dollars to play pro basketball, didn’t get hurt.

And LeBron returned interception for a touchdown. His celebration dance wasn’t half bad either.

Click the link, watch the video, and come back to HoopsVibe News with thoughts and comments.

Beyonce and beau Jay-Z go a 'court'-ing at a Miami Heat-New Jersey Nets game in East Rutherford, N.J., on Thursday. Despite his smile, the rapper didn't have much to cheer about: He's part owner of the Nets, who lost to the Heat, 108-105.

CREDIT: JESSE D.GARRABANT/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES

The sales pitch has got to be one of the toughest things to put together for any marketing team. It is one of those things that science alone cannot help them. The only way science can help is in producing the right numbers – the sweet science of money. There’s another science as well and that is the science of reproduction. Sex parties are the cure, but then again who wants herpes? That doesn’t cope well with these big name free agents doing public appearances. Even Delonte West gets clowned on and supposedly it’s just a birth mark.

Shortly after being featured in People magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People", Miami Heat All-Star Dwyane Wade became Sean John's clothing line's new ambassador.

Wade will be representing the brand starting with the next fall advertising campaign.

"Dwayne Wade is the Sean John man," said Sean John owner, Sean "P. Diddy" Combs. "At such a young age, he has become one of the best players in the NBA. We're going to make Dwayne Wade the first NBA male supermodel!"

People involved with the NBA and sports media are really sticking their necks and reputations on the line. I love it! Their true colors are shown. We have never witnessed anything like this before. The entire free agency arms race is 10x more explosive than the Big Network’s extravaganza about Brett Favre and his jeans. Everyone has a hard on for LeBron. Analysts on television, print, and radio are arguing against each other over speculations. Speculations? That’s another word for opinion. Get your popcorn and enjoy the freak show! I have!

Marija Kero, better known as The Knicks Chick, checks in with her first videoblog of 2011. In this episode of Out of Bounds Marija discusses Amar'e Stoudemire's role in the resurgence of her beloved Knicks, and why the Miami Heat's intro stinks.

Nene, 29, has long coveted Miami and Dallas as landing spots, but would have to force his way to one of those teams via a sign-and-trade since both are well over the cap. And whereas LeBron James was able to get a max deal through a sign-and-trade when he went from Cleveland to Miami, Nene would have to settle for a four-year deal with 4.5 percent raises under the new system in such an arrangement.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Will he take a reduced salary to compete for a championship?

Today, the world wide web is filled with articles on the Miami Heat somehow adding Nene, the top free agent of 2011, to a roster already loaded with big-tickets.

Reports suggest that Pat Riley, the oil-slick GM, will offer Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller to the Denver Nuggets in a sign-and-trade for the Brazilian post.

Keep in mind the Heat and Nene would already have agreed on a multi-year extension as part of the deal.

In theory, this sounds good. In reality, it’s a long-shot because Nene seems determined to hit a homerun on the open market and won’t give ‘Riles’ a South Beach discount.

Unless we’ve got it wrong (it wouldn’t be the first time) and winning is his priority. Then Nene will take less for a chance at hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy in June.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Joining the Heat "would be fantastic," Dalembert said Sunday night from Haiti in an interview with FOX Sports Florida. Miami is where more than 50 of his relatives live and is about one hour south of his home in Boca Raton. As for the volunteering part, Dalembert likely would require a big pay cut to join the Heat, which will be over the salary cap. Dalembert, who made $13.43 million last season for Sacramento, might have to sign for the $5 million mid-level exception.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The Miami Heat nearly won a championship in 2011 with an ozone-sized hole at center.

Free agent center Samuel Dalembert wants to sign with the Miami Heat, plug that hole, and help Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade take the final step in 2012.

Dalembert, who spent last year in Sacramento, has a considerable size advantage over Joel Anthony and Udonis Haslem, the posts currently on the Heat’s roster.

On some level, Dalembert could fit. However, it’s worth noting that the lanky five was kicked off the Canadian national team and criticized for his work ethic and attitude in Philadelphia.

So the Heat may look elsewhere for reinforcements down-low.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

LeBron James: Miami/South Florida let's go!!!! HEAT is gone be on FIRE

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: And so ‘The Redemption’ begins.

LeBron James and his Miami Heat were public enemy number one during 2010-11, as fans, media, and even some players objected to the way they came together as free agents.

Simply put, they were the villains, which made for great ratings and publicity.

Sadly, this momentum has been delayed by a petty, annoying, and trivial five-month lockout, where owners and players fought over minor issues when the framework of a deal - like the split of Basketball Related Income - had been in place for weeks.   

Now James begins the massive task of reshaping his image. Remember, the All-World three-man was routinely criticized and booed during the NBA Finals.

He was must-see TV. Just not in a good way.

In a sense, the lockout was good for James. It gave him time to pause, reflect and escape the harsh glare of the spotlight.

Time will tell if he’s learned from past errors. The shortened 2011-12 season holds the answer.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

I'm a simple creature, and as such it doesn't take a whole lot to keep me content. With the weather warming up, then, and the NBA playoffs in full swing, I was already a fairly happy chappy. This morning, though, things just got a whole lot better.

After reading a number of vague reports that 'Toine was mulling a comeback, ESPN today reported that Employee Number 8 was indeed bringing his four-point-shooting ass back to the league. If the league will have him, that is. Here's the information we have right now: 

HoopsVibe is proud to welcome Marija Kero, better known to many of you as The Knicks Chick, to the team. Marija will be checking in with videoblogs covering everything from her beloved Knicks to Ron Artest's latest hair-related mishap. In her first piece, Marija shares her thoughts on Boston's bad temper, the surging Mavs and the ghosts of NYK past appearing in the postseason. 

Yes. I said it. NBA general managers will be wasting their time chasing superstar guard Dwyane Wade. If you are still planning to pursue the man, it is not good if he is the number one option for any ball club, besides Miami, among others in the talent pool this summer. For a while there, he was the secret real prize. However, things change with time. Today, he is not the number-one grand prize as believed before and here’s why.

I’m officially starting the “Save Michael Beasley” campaign. This is a long arduous journey filled with hot babes, hot sex, drugs, booze, self destruction, hot Miami nights, self loathing, self reflection, and change – not necessarily in that order.

When the dust settles after a fantasy draft, we kick ourselves in the teeth with our picks. Why did I draft this guy in the first place? Why did I reach? We ask ourselves that all the time. The guys on this list are inconsistent or gets injured a lot. Or both.

Dear Chris Bosh,
Amar’e once said, “No doubt about it, I’m better than Chris Bosh.”

I start taking a couple of steps towards Pat. Udonis Haslem steps in and I shove him out of the way. Then Zo tries to grab me. I threw him aside like he was a rag doll.Now it's me and Riley face-to-face, jaw to jaw. I'm poking him in the chest and he keeps slapping my finger away and it's getting nasty. Noisy, too. He's yelling "F--- you!" and I'm yelling back, "No, f--- you!" Zo is trying to calm us both down and he has this kind of singsong panic in his voice. He keeps saying, "Big fella, no big fella, big fella!" I finally turn around and tell him, "Don't worry. I'm not going to hit the man. Do you think I'm crazy?"

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Shaquille O’Neal’s tell-all tour continues. No player, coach, man, or woman will be spared.

The future Hall of Fame center has a spill-the-beans book coming out, so he and his people have leaked excerpts to create a buzz.

Like O’Neal’s World Wars with Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant. Like O`Neal`s take on LeBron James ignoring Coach Mike Brown in Cleveland. Like O`Neal`s lack of a relationship with iconic center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

The latest: O’Neal nearly fought Pat Riley, also known as the oil slick, during practice with Miami. Of course, O’Neal says he was heroically sticking up for teammate Jason Williams.

This may or may not be true. There’s no disputing O’Neal has had problems with coaches.

There was the fallout with Riley. There were problems with Phil Jackson, another all-time great on the sideline. And he undermined Terry Porter in Phoenix.

So before blaming others, O’Neal should perhaps look inward first. This, however, is unlikely.

--Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

1 hour ago: Would love to see @JCrossover in a Heat uni! What you guys say? 1 hour ago: Maybe @SteveNash in a Heat uni! So we can help each other get our 1st ring

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Lockout or not, LeBron James is recruiting.

'The King' recently tweeted that he’d like Jamal Crawford and Steve Nash to sign with the Miami Heat when the labour impasse is solved.

Crawford, a perennial Sixth Man of the Year candidate, would punish opposing defences for double-teaming James and fellow Heat superstars Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade.

He’d have the same role as Mike Miller. Except Crawford can create off the dribble and has had better luck staying healthy.

The former Bull, Hawk, and Knick is a free agent. Nash, however, is not.

The two-time MVP still has a year remaining on his contract with the Phoenix Suns, so he’d need spend-thrift owner Robert Sarver to buy him out.

Then there are concerns about Nash’s mediocre defense. His teammates and basketball IQ should make up for his tiny stature, though.

We just need a new collective bargaining agreement to see if James’ tweets become reality.

--Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

A random NBA fan wrote on Twitter a message directed at Heat owner Micky Arison. "Fans provide all the money you're fighting over," wrote the fan."Honestly u r barking at the wrong owner," replied Arison on his Twitter feed. Arison has been categorized by NBPA Executive Director Billy Hunter as part of a group of owners eager to reach a deal with the players.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The players union may be splitting, but so are the owners.

Case in point: Micky Arison, the owner of the star-studded Miami Heat, who tweeted his frustration over the two sides not finding common ground on a new collective bargaining agreement.    

Arison wants to settle on a new CBA, so his Big Three can win a championship and he can maximize his investment of hundreds of millions of dollars in Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade.
 
Clearly, Arison isn’t alone in wanting to settle. Other big-market, ‘have’ owners are comfortable in winning these negotiations with players and do not wish to extract blood.

Unfortunately, the Bulls, Celtics, Heat, Lakers, and Knicks are in the minority. The Blazers, Bobcats, Bucks, Suns, and eighteen other owners are determined to have total victory.

And so we continue to wait for basketball.

--Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

“Everybody’s always asking, ‘Who is better between Kobe (Bryant) and LeBron?’” Johnson said. “I’m like, Are you kidding me? I’m like you’re kidding me … Kobe, five championships; LeBron, zero. I love the young man though. I know he’s going to get better in the fourth quarter this year.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: He speaks the truth.

Magic Johnson isn’t hating on LeBron James by saying that the Miami Heat three-man can’t compare with Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant.

Magic’s reasoning is fair: Bryant has five championships, while James has none.

After all, championships have long been the mark of greatness in the NBA. Superstars, the real elites, measure themselves by the number of times they hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy in June and not individual statistics.

Johnson was simply holding James accountable to this criteria. To be fair, James is currently superior to Bryant, but has yet to enjoy true post-season success.

Until James does, he’s not in the same company as Bryant.

O.Sandor

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

RT @_celestial: @KingJames Hey LeBron, what's one thing most people don't know about you?(How much I miss my fans in Ohio/Cleveland)

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Absence, it seems, has made LeBron James’ heart go fonder.

Not long ago the All-World superstar showed little or no regard for his fans in Cleveland, announcing on live television he was leaving the Cavaliers for the Miami Heat.

And then it began. The hate.

Cavaliers’ owner Dan Gilbert declared jihad in a letter on the team’s website. Fans burnt his jerseys. And The Backlash to The Decision started.

James, of course, responded. He told anyone and everyone he was an Akron guy and that he was not, in fact, from Cleveland.

After a year of defiance and being public enemy number one, James is changing his tune in an attempt to make peace with those he perhaps alienated.

Now he misses his fans in Cleveland. Six months ago such an admission would have been about as likely as pigs flying.

--O.Sandor

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
 

In addition to (LeBron) James, (Dwyane) Wade and (Chris) Bosh, the Heat were represented at Saturday’s game by free-agent point guard Mario Chalmers, with former Heat player Dorell Wright also among those participating. Heat forward Udonis Haslem, still working his way back from last season’s foot injury, coached James’ team.

Center Eddy Curry, a Heat free-agent target, was a no-show, leaving unanswered questions about his conditioning. Wesley Matthews and Lou Williams also were removed from the rosters, with Harden and Tristan Thompson added.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: This wasn’t supposed to happen.

The media had been reporting on the new and improved Eddy Curry, who had lost one hundred pounds to specifically earn a contract with the star-studded Miami Heat when the lockout ends.

Curry’s body wasn’t the only thing that had supposedly changed. His supporters claimed he had matured and wouldn’t be a distraction.

Saturday’s friendly at Florida International University was key. Curry had a chance to suit up with or against potential teammates, while developing a relationship with the Heat’s rabid fans.

That opportunity is gone.

Fans aren’t talking about Curry’s skill or fitness. Instead they’re wondering why a player who wants to join the Heat couldn't bother to turn up.

If he wasn't healthy, why not attend and earn some goodwill?

It’s not a great first impression. The more things supposedly change with Curry, the more they seem to stay the same.

O.Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The South Florida Classic was exciting, but everyone wanted to know when the NBA games would happen.

Yesterday Dwyane Wade led Team Wade to a 141-140 win over LeBron James’ Team James in a charity match at Florida International University.

A game with several All-Stars is worth watching, however, fans and media were focused on the three month old NBA lockout.

Click the video below, watch Carmelo Anthony discuss his love for the Heat’s Big Three, and Wade, and consider his thoughts on the NBA’s labour impasse.

-O.Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: NBA players have handled the lockout in different ways.

Heat superstar Dwyane Wade got into a shouting match with Commissioner David Stern at a bargaining session; Nets table-setter Deron Williams is playing in Turkey; Laker great Kobe Bryant has spread his brand and may sign in Italy.

Then there’s Stephen Jackson. The newest edition to the Milwaukee Bucks has released a lockout inspired rap song.

Click the video below, give Captain Jack’s work in the booth a listen, and get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below. 

(By the way, listener discretion is advised.)

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Despite the on-going labour strife, two of the game`s biggest stars, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, are continuing with workouts.

What does it mean?

Well, nothing if owners and players fail to find common ground on a new collective bargaining agreement and financial framework.

Nevertheless, click the video below, watch ‘The Big Two’ train in Miami, and get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

--O. Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

If the NBA institutes a hard salary cap and eliminates the mid-level exception, the Celtics would likely to be forced to build around their Big Four with minimum-salaried players.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The new NBA will be different.

With the luxury tax likely replaced by a hard cap financial structure, have-franchises like the Boston Celtics will have a top heavy payroll.

Translation: the green and white will pay big-ticket salaries to Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Rajon Rondo, and everyone else will earn the league minimum.

So GM Danny Ainge and the club’s front office are searching far and wide for bargains that can plug holes and fill roles next to their Big Four.

The green-and-white’s front office are scouting colleges, Europe, Asia, and anywhere else there's basketball.

This, of course, could be the new reality of the NBA, where a hard cap and revenue sharing creates some semblance of parity between big and small markets and have and have-not franchises.

In theory, an NFL style system sounds good, however, the NBA has always been a star driven league with high profile franchises. Think of the following for LeBron James and 'The Heatles' last season.

The NBA’s new and different financial system may kill the golden goose of showcasing players and teams.

--O. Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

I do think they’ll take a chance on Eddy Curry. They’ve worked him out several times and have been impressed with what they saw. The only concern was Curry’s weight, but he has been working hard this summer and has dropped over 100 lbs. He’s been in Tim Grover’s ATTACK gym every day and he’s determined to prove he can still play. Don’t be surprised if they sign him after the lockout ends. He’s a low-risk, high reward addition who could make a difference in Miami.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The Miami Heat had a top-heavy salary structure under the old collective bargaining agreement.

They’ll have little room to strengthen their roster when the lockout ends and the new, stricter financial system is finally agreed upon by owners and players.

After all, the Heat took on three ‘max’ contracts when they signed Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade in July of 2010.

So Executive Pat Riley will have to go value-shopping whenever there‘s a free agent period, and hope to find a deal or two.

Fortunately, there will be bargains. Like Eddy Curry.

The puffy post became a league-laughingstock, earning and spending tens of millions of dollars per year to gain weight on the Knicks’ injured reserve.

Apparently, Curry wants to salvage his career. He’s dropped over 100 pounds and is eyeing a spot on the Heat’s roster. Curry`s post moves would create space on the perimeter for James and Wade and allow Bosh to roam on the elbows.

Best of all, the price would be right for the Heat. 

--O. Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

“My only problem is the whole misuse of the name,” Bosh said. “If I stink it up on the court…. my family takes a lot of pride in our name. My ancestors, we’re very prideful with the Bosh name. I don’t like it being made fun of. I don’t think they appreciate it, either.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: He’s once again taking ‘Heat’.

Just twelve months ago, Chris Bosh was taking flak for the way in which he left the Toronto Raptors and signed with the Miami Heat as a free agent.

The criticism continued all year as Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade became targets for hoop heads living outside South Beach.

Most of it was fair. Some of it was not.

Over the summer, James and Wade have managed to avoid the spotlight and keep a low profile, while Bosh has continued to be a target.

ESPN’s Skip Bayless recently called the left-handed power-forward Bosh Spice, implying he was soft and precious like a member of the all girl group from Britain.

Recently, Shaquille O’Neal, when making his first appearance as a TNT broadcaster, took a swipe at Bosh, saying the Heat had two superstars in James and Wade.

Here’s the bottom line: Bosh is the third star. There will be a backlash until he wins a championship.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

I believe, for the first time in the history of this franchise, it is championship or bust, sort of where Riley stood during the best of Lakers times.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It’s championship or bust for the Miami Heat in 2012. Just like in 2011.

The Miami Heat made a bold statement when they won The Great Free Agent Sweepstakes of 2010, signing superstars Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade to multi-year contracts.

With this coup, the organization committed to winning a championship each year. And nothing but hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy and hosting a victory parade will do.

After all, owner Mickey Arison invested nearly $300 million in these three players. And James - at the post-signing celebration - predicted ‘multiple championships’.

So the Heat have set lofty expectations, which justifies reporter Ira Winderman suggesting it’s championship or bust in South Beach.

To fulfill these lofty expectations in 2012, the Heat must upgrade the point guard position and shore up the bench.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

The Miami Herald reported Sunday that they expect one of the first calls the Heat make to be to free agent PF/C Nene.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: They’ll call. They’ll talk. That’s as far it will go, though.

Despite having little cap space, the Miami Heat reportedly have interest in signing Denver Nuggets post and soon-to-be-free agent Nene.

Having interest is fine. Getting a sought after center to take a huge pay cut is unrealistic.

The Brazilian opted-out of the last year of his contract with Denver, leaving close to $11 million on the table. Whenever the lockout is settled, he’ll ask for, and likely get, term and money as a free agent.

The Heat are in no position to offer either. With $65 million in committed salary for 2012, they`ll have little-to-no flexibility when the owners get their new financial system.

So the Heat will call Nene. He may listen and consider taking less money to play with Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade.

Then he’ll remember what he gave up ($11 million) and will sign a big ticket pact with another team.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News with the comment box below.
 

We’re going to make some plans. We’re going to plan to do something,” Bosh said in a telephone interview from Los Angeles. “I think just getting around each other, I think it’s important as far as team-building is concerned and just getting something going. We’re pretty much still in the process of doing that.”

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Like the EPMD album, the Miami Heat has unfinished business.

At least that's the way superstar Chris Bosh sees it, who told reporters the Heat would start preparing for the 2012 season even though there’s little sign the NBA's labour troubles will be resolved.

The Heat, right or wrong, has been called many things by those outside Florida: arrogant, cocky, self-absorbed, villainous, and evil.

But there's no doubting their dedication as Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade seem focused on returning to the Finals and winning the championship that eluded them in 2011.

Consider that the lockout provides ample free time for the Three Kings to enjoy their wealth. They could lie on a beach, party non-stop in Vegas, and appear at training camp, whenever the lockout is solved, looking like former Vancouver Grizzlies post Bryant Reeves.

Instead, all three are working. Wade and James are focused on improving their already strong chemistry, while Bosh is punching the clock.

When training camp finally opens, the Heat - because of Bosh, James, and Wade’s determination - has to be the early favourites.

--Oly Sandor.

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"The playoffs run 57 days," he said. "For me, it was 56 days, 23 hours and lots of minutes of pure anxiety. I really didn't start to enjoy it until there were about 30 seconds left in the game . . . and it finally dawned on me that we had finally beaten the Evil Empire and all those doubts."

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Mark Cuban wasn’t staying quiet forever.

The renegade owner of the Dallas Mavericks recently broke his silence and told reporters he took satisfaction in beating the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals, who he dubbed the ’evil empire’.

Yes, there’s nothing like fuelling the fire of the Mavericks-Heat rivalry. Cuban, however, dumped a gallon of gasoline on it.

It’s all rather ironic considering Cuban’s Mavericks were public enemy number one in 2007 when they lost the Western Conference Quarter-Finals to the underdog Golden State Warriors.   

The tables have turned. For now, Cuban is on top. And he’s loving it.

--Oly Sandor.

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Los Angeles Lakers forward Ron Artest will put on his dancing shoes on the newest season of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars”.  My source close to Ron Ron has confirmed that Artest is one of the participants on the 13th season of DWTS.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Dwyane who?

Yesterday the world wide web was buzzing with reports Miami Heat superstar Dwyane Wade will appear on ABC’s Dancing With The Stars.

Today the reports are different. Wade is apparently out, while Ron Artest, the Los Angeles Lakers’ larger-than-life swing, is in.

Wade, a smooth and graceful scorer, seems more suited for success on the dance floor, however, Artest could charm with his personality.

Hopefully, neither appears and have to get back to their day-jobs because owners and players settle on a new collective bargaining agreement.

Sadly, Wade and Artest are more likely to dance with a partner on television than to dance around an opponent in an NBA arena. 

--Oly Sandor.

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“I don’t know, but I did hear rumors and his name (Wade) did come up. I also heard Ron Artest too.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: NBA players have extra time with the lockout, and some are doing, well, interesting things with that extra time.

Take Miami Heat superstar Dwyane Wade. According to Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Hines Ward, Wade is rumored to appear on Dancing With The Stars if the lockout stretches into the regular season.

Yes, you know the show. The very one Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban embarrassed himself on.

Wade is a smooth, graceful athlete, so he’d probably hold his own as a dancer. The spotlight/pressure wouldn’t bother him after spending 2011 as public enemy number one with the Miami Heat.

Lets hope there’s a season and Wade doesn’t make his dancing debut.

--Oly Sandor.

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“They met us in the Eastern Conference finals, and they were one player away from making it a very, very, very tough series,” Wade told ESPNChicago.com during an event for his “Wade’s World” charities. “Derrick Rose is evolving into a phenomenal player. You could look and see they’re one player away from being there every year.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Dwyane Wade thinks the Chicago Bulls aren’t far off.

Yesterday Wade declared that the Derrick Rose led Bulls are one player away from potentially beating his Miami Heat, who won the Eastern Conference championship in 2011.

Wade is correct when stating the Bulls need a shooting guard to take the offensive pressure off Rose, who too often had to create a scoring opportunity on every possession.

However, the Bulls' options could be limited by the new collective bargaining agreement, which would make it difficult, if not impossible, for an upgrade.

The club already has $61.5 million in guaranteed salary for 2011-12. They only have eleven players on the roster.

Now suppose the owners get their hard cap with no exceptions or loop holes.The Bulls will have to look in-house for another scorer, which means getting greater production from the highly paid Carlos Boozer.

Yes, Boozer. Remember him?

Boozer sustained a freak injury in training camp, missed significant parts of the regular season, and found himself on the bench for parts of the Bulls' playoff run.

Boozer has four years and $60 million left on his contract. No contender can get such weak production from such a big-ticket.

The Bulls will likely have little or no money for free agents. And Boozer may have to be the difference-maker Wade speaks of.   

--Oly Sandor.

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Love or hate the Miami Heat, Dwyane Wade knows that he and teammates LeBron James and Chris Bosh set a trend the rest of the NBA will follow for years. “Yes, we have,” Wade said. “I don’t know whether it’s a good thing or a bad thing, but more guys are going to look to team up and do things like that.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: You can’t fault them for what they did. You can, however, fault them for how they did it.

Yesterday Dwyane Wade told media he, Chris Bosh, and LeBron James started a trend for superstar free agents last summer by signing with the Miami Heat.

He’s right. The days of one superstar leading a contender is over. The crème de la crème have to partner up to win an NBA Championship (of course, the new collective bargaining agreement may change this).

Contrary to popular opinion, there’s nothing wrong with great players seeking each other out and deciding to play together.

Free agency is about choice, right?

In fact, it shows this trio values the collective experience of winning more than being The Man on a second rate franchise.

So credit Bosh, James, and Wade for deciding to share, but criticize Bosh, James, and Wade for the way they came to this decision.

Last July, Bosh and Wade took the cameras everywhere. They talked about making a documentary on their free agent experiences; they fired off annoying, mindless tweets.

Bosh, in particular, showed a lack of respect for the Toronto Raptors, the team he led for the previous seven years.

Then there was James. ‘The Decision’ was an exercise in how not to handle free agency. He went from beloved superstar to hated villain.

Bosh and Wade also became bad guys when they pranced on stage and held a championship celebration -even though they hadn’t won a game or practiced together.

Wade is right. The Three Kings started a trend for free agent superstars. Some of it was good; some of it was bad.

--Oly Sandor.

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