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Haslem Returns; Heat Take Game 2

May 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment

I have to admit, I gave up on this team tonight. Not proud of it, and probably another reason why Twitter, Facebook, and the MiamiHeatwave Forum is not a good thing to have access to instantly. Gives you no temperance and patience.

Yet, to be fair, the Heat looked like the same, listless team that played in Game 1 on Monday night against the Chicago Bulls. The Heat offense was predictable, lacked energy. The Bulls defense extra tough, their threes were falling – anything the Heat did in the second half of that game was a disaster.

That is why heading into tonight’s game, you just knew things should have been different. There is no way, I thought, that Dwyane Wade and Lebron James would combine for 33 points again in this series. There is no way this Heat defense would continue to allow the Bulls second and third chance opportunities off of wild tips that fell into Bulls’ hands. But that is the way it was looking after the first quarter.

Then, things changed. Udonis Haslem entered the game. His energy made an impact right away. He only played 23 minutes, but he was 5-10 for 13 points and 5 rebounds. He had a couple of dunks in transition which gave the Heat a lift and the confidence it needed to push for the win on the road.

What is also crucial about Haslem’s contributions is that he provides an experienced, low post presence while also adding depth to the bench. Let’s face it, the Heat’s bench this series thus far has been light. Mike Miller and James Jones have yet to provide any significant scoring of any kind. Mike Bibby was 1-5 from three point range. In fairness, the Bulls have played excellent defense and closing out even the tiniest of spaces, crowding Heat shooters who just can’t get good looks. In fact, the defenses on both sides are so good that one has to feel that whomever emerges from this series, the winner is going to have a pretty good chance of taking the title because of their defensive strengths.

Lebron James came alive at the end of this game and much like he did to close out the Celtics, he hit big shot after big shot to take home the win. It was Haslem’s energy that lifted this team and gave them the zip they needed to get out of the doldrum they were in during the 1st quarter.

And so I ventured back to Twitter, Facebook, the forum, saying yes, I did doubt the team tonight but they gave me reason to doubt. Watching how the Heat managed to win this game despite going scoreless for about 4+ minutes in the fourth, was very encouraging. It wasn’t until Lebron hit a three to break the 73-73 deadlock that the Heat scored – and that was precisely the punch they needed to get going.

Right now, the Heat head back to Miami having beaten the Bulls for the first time this season. It couldn’t have come at a better time. Not to mention, this is the first time the Heat have beaten the Bulls in the playoffs since May 4, 2006 – the first time the Heat ever won a title. If the Celtics series was about beating up on the neighborhood bully, then beating the Bulls is about chasing away the ghosts of the past. And don’t think those ghosts weren’t felt – Scottie Pippen had a seat right by the Heat’s bench.

Now, they’ll all come back to Miami to try and pin up two more wins with the possibility of heading back to Chicago to close it all down.

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Paul Pierce – Studio Gangster

May 3, 2011 By Leave a Comment

He’s the kind of guy who would probably be the first to get his ass kicked if these games were played in the ‘hood. He’s the kind of chump player that just gets under your skin. Frankly, he’s the kind of player that makes me wonder why is he so good?

Heat fans, respect what Paul Pierce has done while in Boston. Respect the fact that he has made the most out of riding coattails with Antoine Walker in his heyday and now with the other 2 pieces in the big three. The Celtics are like the big brothers to the Heat, trying to rough them up and intimidate them even though young bucks are quicker, younger, and not scared. Guess the Celtics have yet to figure that out.

But there is another side to Paul Pierce that just rubs you the wrong way. It isn’t his soft game that he seems to think is so great but the way he tries to act tough while on the court. This is the reason why Udonis Haslem, a man who grew up forged in the fires of Liberty City here in the 305, called Pierce a “studio gangster”.

Let’s review:

It all started after the Celtics beat the Heat 112-107 in Miami for the second time in a row in just about two weeks. Pierce quipped, via his Twitter account, “It’s been a pleasure to bring my talents to south beach now on to Memphis”. UD didn’t like that. His response, “Man, ain’t nobody paying them dudes no attention, man. You know what studio gangster is? Look up that, look up the definition of studio gangster. I’m here to play basketball. First of all, I don’t tweet. So I wouldn’t know what he tweeted if you guys didn’t tell me.”

True, Udonis isn’t into tweeting. Not really his style. But that is the point – Pierce is the kind of guy who talks tough when he has his boys around. But on his own? His game has to be told, because it can’t be sold on its own. Again, look at what he did before KG and Ray Allen showed up. Nothing.

So most think that Pierce’s ejection was unwarranted on Sunday. They’d be wrong. The evidence is in the tape – the Celtics were far more aggressive physically against the Heat than the Heatles were with the Green. James Jones foul? Hardly anything out of line there. On a subsequent play, Wade tosses an ally to James for a dunk – and guess who was there? Paul Pierce. Watch the replay as James stares down Pierce afterwards.

What happens next? Pierce sets a cheap, hard screen on Wade as he cuts down the baseline trying to chase after Ray Allen (whose entire offensive game consists of shooting threes off of screens). Pierce lays into Wade, tries to flex his feeble arms like he was going to do something and balls up his fists, then apparently says something to Wade that would not be suitable for a family show like this (something along the lines of making a reference to Wade’s mom and Lebron James’ mom with Delonte West). Tech #2, gone.

Pierce is soft and is a dog whose bark is only loud when he has backup. He is what Udonis Haslem described. Now, the Heat just have to finish off the Celtics and end this budding rivalry.

Follow Paul Pierce’s Twitter feed and see what he posts now.

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Tim James Night and Miami Basketball Heritage

March 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment

He was drafted by the Miami Heat back in 1999 in the first round. He was a player that made the University of Miami basketball matter to the city. Tim James was from Miami, he grew up here and decided to stay here for his college basketball days and proved to be a significant player in trying to rebuild the image of Hurricanes’ basketball.

Tonight, James was honored in the Home Strong program by the very same franchise that drafted him for his service in Iraq.

Tim James, however, was also the definition of Miami basketball. He was an exciting player; he could score, block shots, grab rebounds. He was a leader; quiet, stoic, and humble but his game was loud. James was recognized as a blue chip prospect in basketball, coming out of Miami he helped put the city’s young talents on the map. Udonis Haslem, James Jones, Steven Blake, and many other young players filled with basketball hopes would find more opportunities to play ball in other colleges around the country because, in part, of James’ recognition coming out of high school.

When Tim James was drafted by his hometown Heat, a lot was expected of him locally – maybe, unfairly. The kid showed solid promise for the next level. He could shoot the ball, was athletic, and showed that he could defend well enough to earn his keep. The Heat gave him some good looks, but ultimately, Tim James bowed out of the NBA soon after his name was called for the draft – in 2001. He would go on to score 11 points for the Heat in 4 games, then would be traded and finish out his NBA days for Charlotte and Philadelphia, ultimately playing overseas in professional leagues and retiring in 2007.

Yet it is James’ legacy that cannot be overlooked. James Jones attended “the U” because of Tim James. The Hurricanes started winning games and become something of an exciting team to go out and root for. Being built by then-coach Leonard Hamilton, the Canes had a strong defensive identity that eventually got Hamilton to be Michael Jordan’s hand picked coach for his Washington Wizards. Miami basketball was coming up. Then there is Udonis Haslem, another local kid who played against James, who would go on to win titles at the collegiate level for the Florida Gators and has also helped bring home an NBA championship to his hometown Heat. Haslem wears #40 to this day, in part, because Tim James wore that number.

Tim James will be honored for his military service – and that is commendable, to say the least. He signed up on September 12, 2008 to honor his country – the stuff of legend for a kid who rose out of the troubled neighborhoods of Liberty City. But there is an untold story about how much James affected Miami basketball, and helping to create more opportunities for young players to get out of troubled neighborhoods and onto college campuses.

Tim James may not be remembered for his professional basketball career, and will surely be honored for his dedication and sacrifice to the principles that are inherent in our society as Americans, but his leadership should not be overlooked in all aspects of his life. He has inspired other kids from South Florida to think big and find other opportunities to play basketball and get access to better lives. He also has chosen to put himself in harm’s way, despite all the money he has made as a professional basketball player, his selflessness and dedication to protect the way of life that he has enjoyed makes him a hero. With the Heat honoring Tim James tonight, they not only honor the soldier serving his country, but the local kid who helped to create more opportunities for other kids like him coming out of tough neighborhoods.

Read More:

Dan Le Batard’s story of how Tim James ended up in Iraq

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Udonis Haslem Arrested

August 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment

This morning, it was reported that Udonis Haslem was arrested for marijuana possession. It seems, a year later, that the Heat are facing another drug scandal with another player. This time, however, it happens to be the hometown kid.

Haslem’s attorney attests that his client will be vindicated and was wrongly arrested. The Miami Herald reports that it was a passenger in Haslem’s car that actually possessed the drugs. He fessed up to it, too, by all reports.

There is not an official comment from the Heat yet, and as charges are pending there is no issuance of a penalty coming from the NBA – yet. If the charges stand, it would be a black eye on what was an historic offseason for the Heat. If Haslem is acquitted, it may serve as not just a relief for the Heat but perhaps a wake up call that should permeate a little more deeply into the Heat’s clubhouse. Some have suggested that Haslem has had a hard time coping with the recent death of his mother, but nothing to indicate whether or not this incident would have been effected by his loss.

The past two offseasons the Heat have been faced with a drug scandal. Last year it was Michael Beasley, which ended up getting some confused reporting about how serious it was and whether or not Beasley enrolled himself into rehab. In 2008, it was Mario Chalmers who was under the gun as there was suspicion over marijuana use while at a rookie introduction program for the NBA.

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Gatornation to Miami: Heat Re-sign Udonis Haslem and Add Mike Miller

July 13, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The Heat continue in their pursuit of hand-crafting a dynasty in an instant. In signing Mike Miller the Heat get the outside presence they haven’t had since Glen Rice. As reported earlier on MiamiHeatwave, Miller is expected to receive a 5 year deal worth about $30M. In order to do that, the Heat had to land the big three first (to give Miller incentive to sign with Miami) then trade away their #2 pick from the 2008 draft in Michael Beasley to free up enough cap space.

Then the Heat, wishing to retain the other remaining member from the 2006 season, re-signed Udonis Haslem. In fact, UD took much less to stay in Miami – a four year deal that is worth $20M (Haslem made $7.1M last season). Most likely, it will be the last contract of his career and will keep him in Miami with the possibility of adding hardware.

“That’s my college roommate,” Haslem said. “He’s like Dwyane is to me, just a different color.” In signing both Miller and Haslem, the Heat not only gain two quality players to bolster this roster but they also keep building a locker room culture that is very palatable – it is quickly becoming a dynasty that is being built among friends. Haslem turned down bigger offers from the Jazz, Mavericks, and Nuggets to play with Miller who he calls “my boy from day one.”

Haslem will look to wrap up his NBA career in his hometown, averaging 10 points per game and 8.1 rebounds. He came to Miami as an undrafted free agent that lost a ton of weight after his college days. Meanwhile, Mike Miller has earned a reputation for being a very good scorer and shooter, averaging 13.7 points per game throughout his career. Both will reunite in Miami, recalling their Gator Final Four appearance back in 2000 while contending for championships in the NBA.

Discuss this latest move with us on the MiamiHeatwave forum!

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