Heat has five-man battle at point guard

Israel Guiterrez of the Miami Herald reports that the Heat are prepared for a training camp battle to determine the stating point guard position. They have five similar players all working to be named the starter.

No other position will see this much competition during the next month, with Travis Best, Anthony Carter, Mike James, Eddie House and Khalid El-Amin all contending for court time. And that's just what Riley had in mind when he loaded up with point guards heading into camp.

''It's going to be a wild month,'' Riley said. ``That's what I want. I want it wide open, and the last man standing, the best man standing, the guy that helps the team function the best in our style of play is the guy who will start. But there is no guarantee for any of them.''

It is assumed that Best will have a slight head start even though he is currently hampered by a minor calf injury that will limit his participation when camp begins. Although Riley doesn't want to award any of the five a job yet, he did provide a minor hint that Best will be his main man. ''I think he's a hell of a player and can play the game specifically for a certain game that we want to play,'' Riley said.

Best’s quickness and shooting ability should help him perform well in the up-tempo, perimeter game Riley plans to play. Carter can run and play an up-tempo game and is healthy, but his shooting is suspect. James was impressive in the summer leagues, but is just a rookie. House will likely get more time as the shooting guard. El Amin is a longshot who will have to impress Riley just to get a spot on the roster.

For these five, surviving the next month will be a victory in itself. ''They're going to have they're hands full,'' Riley said, ``because these kids are hungry . . . and they're ready to roll.''

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Miami Heat

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Heat sign El-Amin, Johnson

The associated Press reports that the Miami Heat have filled out their training camp roster. They signed free agent point guard Khalid El-Amin and former draft pick Ken Johnson on Thursday.

The 5-foot-11 El-Amin was a second-round selection of the Chicago Bulls in the 2000 draft. He played in 50 games for Chicago in the 2000-01 season and averaged 6.3 points and 2.9 assists. He split time between the CBA and France. He will compete for a backup spot with Anthony Carter and Mike James behind expected starter Travis Best.

Johnson was Miami’s second round pick in the 2001 draft. He played in Italy and the CBA last season. He will compete with Vladimir Stepania, Sean Marks and Ernest Brown for time at center. Alonzo Mourning will miss at least the start of the season while battling kidney disease.

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Timberwolves Sign Free Agent Kendall Gill

NBA.com reports that the Minnesota Timberwolves have added some veteran experience to their roster. Vice President of Basketball Operations Kevin McHale announced the team has signed veteran free agent Kendall Gill to a contract. Per team policy, no financial terms of the agreement were disclosed.

"Kendall gives us depth at a couple of positions," said McHale. "He is an athletic, veteran player who will help us on both ends of the court."

Gill averaged 5.7 points (.384 FG%, .677 FT%), 2.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 21.7 minutes per game in 65 contests (started 49) for the Miami Heat last season. He missed 16 gmaes with a broken pinky finger in November and December.

In 12 NBA seasons, Gill has career averages of 14.2 points (.437 FG%, .301 3pt%, .753 FT%), 4.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.67 steals and 31.6 minutes per game.

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Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat

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