To play the part of experienced mentor, the Miami Heat will turn to an old Heat veteran.

Bimbo Coles, who spent the first five-plus seasons of his career with the Heat, is in Miami and is expected to sign a one-year contract with the team today.

Heat coach Pat Riley has already penciled in rookie Dwyane Wade as the team's starting point guard and has signed Rafer Alston as a probable backup. But Riley still felt he needed a veteran at the position to mentor Wade and Alston, and to fill in and play when necessary.

Coles met with Riley in August and the two discussed the possibility of him returning to the Heat. Riley has fond memories of Coles from his first season as the Heat coach. In 1995-96, Coles played and started 52 games under Riley, averaging 12.8 points, 5.7 assists and 3.9 rebounds. It had been the best season of his career, but on Feb. 22, 1996, Coles was traded along with Kevin Willis to Golden State for Tim Hardaway and Chris Gatling. Hardaway went on to be the best point guard in Heat franchise history.

Via Miami Herald

Miami Heat

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