[外電] 乳摸兩三事
If the Heat thinks this draft decision isn't obvious -- and many league
executives believe it is -- then Pat Riley's challenges get only tougher from
here as he tries to find a high-quality point guard, smooth over the Shawn
Marion situation and maximize the mid-level exception in what one league
official calls an ''awful'' free agent class.
''The Heat is over-thinking this,'' said an executive with another lottery team
who has spoken to the Heat and wonders why Miami has considered moving down
from No. 2. "Michael Beasley is the most talented player in this draft.''
Chatter on looming Heat decisions:
‧ The draft: Miami keeps sending mixed messages. Believing Chicago will take
Derrick Rose, the Heat told one NBA official that there's a good chance it will
draft and keep Beasley, unless something particularly enticing surfaces.
There's support on Riley's staff for keeping him.
But the Heat told another official there remains uneasiness about Beasley's
maturity (numerous people believe that's coming from Riley) and a continued
fascination with O.J. Mayo. And Nets president Rod Thorn told media Tuesday
that ''a lot of people think Miami is not going to take Beasley'' and might
trade the pick, noting "they've been very impressed with Mayo.''
In fact, ESPN reported that the Heat worked out Mayo Tuesday in Miami (as
well as Arizona point guard Jerryd Bayless) and is considering drafting Mayo
second overall.
The Heat has spoken with Seattle and Memphis. But many expect Minnesota will
take Mayo at No. 3 if he's available.
One general manager said the proposals from Seattle ( Chris Wilcox and the
No. 4 pick for Mark Blount and the No. 2) and Memphis (some permutation
involving Mike Miller, Kyle Lowry or Mike Conley Jr. for No. 2 and
Blount/Daequan Cook) make little sense for Miami. ''That's not enough value,''
the GM said. ``The team that gets the best player usually makes out the best,
and that's Beasley.''
The Grizzlies distanced themselves from the Conley report, and one GM said,
''Conley is the bigger asset than Kyle Lowry, but it's debatable if he will be
better.'' Another executive said he has to think Miami ``will realize Beasley
is too good to leave on the board. You take him and figure it out later.'' But
the infatuation with Mayo has left that in doubt.
‧ The Marion situation: Marion, who will play out the final year of his
contract for $17.8 million, has not asked for a trade but might if the Heat
remains opposed (as expected) to an extension at similar money. But the Heat
won't be pressured to deal him, knowing Marion -- whether he's unhappy or not --
would be motivated in a contract year. In fact, the Heat already has rejected
trade proposals.
One executive who spoke to the Heat said Miami would consider dealing Marion
for a top player but also would be content allowing his contract to expire next
summer and in 2009, sign Carlos Boozer, who would love to play here, or Elton
Brand, if he doesn't opt out now.
Contrary to speculation, as of Monday, the Heat had not offered Marion to the
Jazz for Boozer, or to the Clippers for Brand, and it's difficult to see either
Western team accepting that. One GM said if he were the Lakers, he would make
a Lamar Odom-for-Marion swap. And with Golden State likely needing to spend a
lot to re-sign Monta Ellis, that GM said the Warriors should consider a
hypothetical Baron Davis-for-Marion trade (there's no indication this has been
discussed. Davis, like Marion, is expected to bypass an opt-out.)
‧ Point guard: A Western Conference executive says Sacramento's Beno Udrih
is the only quality starting point guard who could be affordable with the $6
million mid-level exception, with Anthony Carter, Chris Duhon, Keyon Dooling,
Carlos Arroyo and Jannero Pargo lesser options. That's why a trade remains
logical, barring Miami somehow getting Rose or Mayo. One Heat official said
Kirk Hinrich's name was raised by Chicago -- that's still a possibility.
Toronto's T.J. Ford is expected to be traded shortly, but his height (5-10),
contract and injury history raise red flags.
‧ Center: Riley will pursue one, knowing he cannot assume Alonzo Mourning will
be healthy. An NBA official expects Heat interest in free agent DeSagana Diop,
with Kwame Brown, Lorenzen Wright and Francisco Elson among other free-agent
options.
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