Riley says NO to FA - Beasley's real reason 4 rehab

[heat4life]

Per Ira:

Riley downplays free-agent move; slip-up led to Beasley sanction



By Ira Winderman South Florida Sun-Sentinel

2:34 p.m. EDT, August 28, 2009


Allen Iverson is out, Michael Beasley got in over his head, and the Miami Heat's curious offseason now comes with a few more answers.

In two separate developments Friday, it was learned that Heat President Pat Riley has decided to forgo the free-agent market when it comes to his team's lack of depth at point guard, and it was confirmed that Beasley's current stay at a Houston inpatient rehab facility is the result of a compliance failure in the NBA's substance-abuse program.

On the personnel front, Riley, through a team spokesman, shot down speculation that this week's move overseas by second-round pick Patrick Beverley was the precursor to his team adding a veteran point guard in free agency.

Instead, with the Heat hard up against the NBA's dollar-for-dollar luxury tax on excessive payroll, Riley related that the preference is to augment the team's rotation at the position through a trade. The Heat currently has only incumbent starter Mario Chalmers and seldom-used reserve Chris Quinn at the position.

A move away from the free-agent market at the position would mean a move away not only from Iverson, who has been linked in recent days to the Memphis Grizzlies, but also Jamaal Tinsley, Flip Murray, Bobby Jackson, Brevin Knight, Tyronn Lue, Jason Hart and Damon Jones.

The trade market could open the door to the likes of Rafer Alston, Anthony Johnson, Steve Blake, Chucky Atkins or possibly a sign-and-trade move for Ramon Sessions.

As for Beasley, a source familiar with the situation confirmed that a misstep by the 20-year-old forward while participating in an outpatient program resulted in more stringent guidelines being established.

The source said the lapse was not related to drug use but rather adherence to program rules. The current stay is not voluntary, but is the only avenue for a return to the court.

Under NBA policy, neither the league nor the Heat is allowed to comment on the substance-abuse program, including whether a player even is part of the program. It was learned earlier this week, however, that Beasley was entered into the program for an infraction during last year's NBA rookie symposium.

While the forward still is expected in time for the Sept. 28 start of training camp, his new timetable in the league's program could have him away from South Florida until just days before the start of those sessions at AmericanAirlines Arena.

Because the program is under the auspices of the NBA, Beasley will be able to continue basketball training in the interim, but likely will not be able to work out with teammates. Typically, Heat players spend the opening weeks of September working out as a group in informal sessions in South Florida.

I guess A LOT of people panic about Beasley in what seems to be another minor sign of his irresponsibility rather than a serious issue with drugs.

Also, I wonder if Alston is the target here since he expires at the end of this season. I would welcome a 2nd go around. Also, Steve Blake sounds intriguing but I doubt Portland trades him.

Good to hear Ira clear things up for the fans.

***** Sorry, here is the link

[GameTime_3]

Miami needs to address the backup PG position before the season starts.Does Riley truly believe that Chris Quinn can be the Backup(Starter if Mario goes down)? If so, we are in for a long season. Also, glad to hear that Michael is serving this due to his problems with the Rookie program and not due to him being depressed or anything of that sort.

[dolphinatik]

When you piece it together ... now it sounds more like Beasley's controversial twitter was about him being punished more severely than severe depression. Still dont know if its true but It makes sense.

Great article. Sad to here there will be no AI.

[Diggity Dave]

I'd love to see a trade for Alston. He's fresh off a deep playoff run and is familiar with our system.

[CoolD]

Sounds just like more smoke blown.

[Diggity Dave]

I love how the Real GM headline reads "Heat Won't Add Another Point Guard", and in the same article, it says that the Heat will look to add another point guard via trade.

Real GM, where misinformation happens.

[Hoops23]

I doubt a PG earning a salary similar to Alston is the target unless Heat is trading Q-Rich for the 5th time. I doubt Miami will trade Haslem for Alston considering he and Beasley are the only legit PF.

My point is if Miami trade Dorell and Quinn for Alston, then Heat is required to sign a free agent to complete the 13 man roster which oppose what Riley said in the article.

I think Miami will trade for a small salary player matching the contract of either James Jones or Dorell Wright.

Probably the exception to add a free agent is if Miami will trade three players for Boozer.

I love how the Real GM headline reads "Heat Won't Add Another Point Guard", and in the same article, it says that the Heat will look to add another point guard via trade.

Real GM, where misinformation happens.

I'm not defending RealGM but I think the point is they want to attract readers thats why they make headlines like that.

Anyway, the content is what is important and not the title. And inteligent readers will not buy with the title but the content. As they say, "dont judge the book by its cover".

[rgw]

I love how the Real GM headline reads "Heat Won't Add Another Point Guard", and in the same article, it says that the Heat will look to add another point guard via trade.

Real GM, where misinformation happens.

I'm not defending RealGM but I think the point is they want to attract readers thats why they make headlines like that.

Anyway, the content is what is important and not the title. And inteligent readers will not buy with the title but the content. As they say, "dont judge the book by its cover".

That's the difference between reporting and sensationalism. You can't take a site seriously when they are consistently reporting trade rumors that never happen and dream up the most attention-grabbing headline that is either a half-truth or a patented lie.

[Cloud765]

I think they added that we will "look for depth via trade"

[Garbs_7]

Would you guys have any interest in Luke Ridnour? Solid vet who played decently stating a lot of games for the Bucks last year. On a 6.5 mil expiring contract so he doesn't hurt your 2010 plans. Bucks need to shed a few mil for Sessions so would you be willing to deal James Jones? If that doesnt work maybe add in Diawara or Anthony?

[HIF]

Ridnour is an expensive dead end. If we had that money we could offer sessions and get him easily.

[SmushedPennies]

No way we take on more money in the trade. That's why we're not signing anyone. Ridnour would interest, but I think he might be too pricey.

I've started a discussion with PO fans starting with Blake for Jones (had a good season with them last year, provides needed shooting) viewtopic.php?f=28&t=940679&p=20635337#p20635337

One said they wouldnt want a 3rd/4th SF for their back-up PG, yet said he'd do a deal revolving around Outlaw/Blake for Haslem/Jones...strange. Id take it, though.

[BBallFreak]

If Miami's going to get more talent than they give, and in the case of adding Ridnour that is the case, than they're going to have to take on more money. It's just like moving Blount for Q-Rich. That cost us cash.

I'm cool with giving up guys who aren't needed for a guy who is and adding some money to our payroll.

The real scoop to all this is though that Miami won't be adding the likes of Jamaal Tinsley or Allen Iverson. Good call IMO. Let's make sure we get the right kind of player for this team...

[Lane1974]

I agree -- also, certainly if Wade wanted AI or Jamaal, they'd have been here. AI burned his bridges with a lot of front offices with how he handled the Detroit situation last year.

[BFRESH44]

I Really don't like this. And they're are slim pickings as options via trade(when you consider what we'd be willing to give up) so I really hope this nothing but blowing smoke.