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Miami Heat and Shaun Livingston: a marriage of mutual convenience?September 30 08  NBA news mixed with analysis … Their News: "Shaun Livingston isn’t coming along for the ride. According to Kevin McHale and Jim Stack, their efforts to sign the former Los Angeles Clippers guard are over and they said he instead has chosen Miami, a signing that has been neither confirmed nor announced." (Star Tribune, Jerry Zgoda) Our Quick Analysis: Little risk. All upside. Why wouldn’t Miami sign Shaun Livingston? Marcus Banks and Chris Quinn are the only point guards on the Heat’s roster. Why wouldn’t the former blue chip prospect join South Beach? Nothing is confirmed, but Livingston and Miami would be a good fit –a marriage of mutual convenience. The lanky table-setter gets an opportunity. The Heat gets a cheap contributor to hold the fort until their big-ticket contracts expire next summer. Two things are worth considering. First, Livingston missed all last year with a nasty knee injury, so he is still a risk. The Heat should sign him with an eye for the long-term, but also ink a stop-gap veteran like Damon Stoudamire. Second, Miami’s athleticism at shooting guard and small forward will help defensively. Dwyane Wade and/or Shawn Marion can give Livingston a break by guarding opposing point guards. Remember, in Phoenix, Marion often matched-up against opposing ball handlers to give Steve Nash a rest. Miami and Livingston are a match. Besides, what other options do the team and player have? Should the Heat sign Livingston? Get at us in the comment box below and return to HoopsVibe The Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of Calpounder. |
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