News & Analysis: Master Nash and student Dragic, would Magloire make Miami competitive, Ratliff to mentor Philly’s Dalembert

Today’s NBA news mixed with some quick analysis ...

News: “Seeking help at center, the Heat scheduled a Wednesday visit with Jamaal Magloire, 30, his agent said. Magloire, who is 6-11, has averaged 8.6 points and 7.2 rebounds in his career but played in just 31 games last season, joining Dallas after New Jersey cut him in February.” (Miami Herald)

Quick Analysis: Miami, with 64 million dollars in committed salary for 2008-09, can’t afford a real center. Enter Magloire. The former defensive stud and All-Star has fallen on hard times of late, so he’d come cheap. If he sticks in South Beach, expect a center-by-committee approach with Magloire, Joel Anthony, Mark Blount, and Udonis Haslem. This platoon won’t turn the Heat into 2008-09 contenders, but it will keep them competitive while the club sees how Michael Beasley and Shawn Marion fit next to Dwyane Wade.

News: “In what should be the final move of a hectic summer, the Sixers are expected to add veteran center Theo Ratliff. According to a source familiar with the situation, the 6-foot-10 Ratliff has accepted a one-year contract for the veterans’ minimum of $1.4 million. Ratliff, 35, had offers for more money but would prefer playing for the Sixers, the source said.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Quick Analysis: Nothing like the return of the old school, especially when it makes sense on a couple of levels. First, by bringing back Ratliff, the 76ers are getting an experienced ‘vet’ to provide bench relief after Jason Smith’s injury. Second, he’ll mentor young stopper Sam Dalembert, who has a similar frame to Ratliff. Currently, no word on Ty Hill, Matt Geiger, or George Lynch making a comeback with Philly, though!

News: "This is like my dream come true," said the 22 year old Slovenian point guard, who is daydreaming a night after a 14 hour trip to Phoenix. "I can’t believe I’m on the same team with him," Dragic said. "I’m really blessed. This is my next step. I must practice hard in hopes I can replace Steve Nash in the future." (The Arizona Republic)

Quick Analysis: The student is an obvious fan of his master. And, if all goes according to plan in Phoenix, the student will eventually replace his master. Dragic and Steve Nash are the Suns’ understudy and veteran duo at point guard.

Dragic has all the tools: size, intelligence, skill, and a pass-first mentality.The club will benefit long-term by grooming Nash’s successor. In the short-term, Grant Hill, Leandro Barbosa, and Boris Diaw can split back-up table-setter minutes if Dragic isn’t ready to step-in.

(Dragic in Europe. Is he Phoenix’s next great point guard or an overhyped Euro?) 

What are your thoughts on Magloire, Ratliff, and Dragic? Get at us in the comment box below and come back to HoopsVibe The Blog for another round of News and Analysis and more NBA tidbits. Errors, either grammitacl or factual, are due to the time and the author’s need for a second cup of coffee. Photo courtesy of blink4ever: