Michael Wallace covers the Miami Heat for the Miami Herald. A native of the Washington D.C. area, Michael attended Grambling State (La.) University and has previously covered the NFL, college football and college basketball.
Miami Heat Live Chat
Chat live on Thursdays between 1-2 p.m.Most Recently Answered Questions
Questions 16 - 45 of 523 (Page 2 of 18)Submitted by Adrian from Miami
Q: Hey Mike! If Jermaine Oneal stays healthy and plays like he did last night, all season, any chance he resigns with Miami after the season?
Answered 10/29/09 13:17:49 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter
A: If he plays like he did last night, I think it would be a strong possibility. Jermaine has been challenged by the front office to deliver all-star numbers this season. If so, he could be looking at a new deal after the season. Of course, keeping up last night's pace will be easier said than done. Jermaine has performed in peaks and valleys since he arrived in the trade. Injuries have been a factor, but now he says he's the healthiest he's been in years. He's truly the X factor on this team in terms of how dangerous it can be this season.Submitted by Pablo Chiste from Los Angeles, CA
Q: I still see Haslem as our second most complete player. Why shouldn't he be starting over Richardson? It's not like Beasley is a monster on the boards or that Haslem will be taking Beasley's shots.
Answered 10/29/09 13:15:20 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter
A: Pablo, I agree with your take. But it's hard to argue after last night's results against New York. Yes, it was only the lowly Knicks, but the Heat showed an offensive spark that hadn't existed for much of the preseason. Udonis is a valuable player on this team. This changeup is working for now. We'll see how things continue to go.Submitted by roy s. sears from richmond,ca
Q: Hey Mike! You and all the heat expert's say that this is it for D. Wright. You say he will be given one last try to prove his self. You and me know's the writing is on the wall. He is projected 9th or 10th in the rotation. What type of chance is that. How come the heat just want go ahead and cut him or release him. This kid can play. Get him the right coaching. He could be something. Look at Trevor A. All it took was the right organization and a coach that does'nt play mindgames. That's all Wright need's. I just don't think he has confidence right now
Answered 10/22/09 13:21:08 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter
A: Welcome to this week's Heat chat. Let's get right to the questions. Dorell is in the final year of his contract so it's understandable that this is a make or break season for him. The former first round pick has been hampered by injuries, roster shakeups and inconsistent play since he arrived in 2004. While the talent is there, the time is now to finally show it at a consistent level.Submitted by Banel from Lake Worth Fl
Q: Hi Michael, Im Banel Paulinis and I go to Park Vista High School. Im an intern right now for CBS Maxpreps, I want to be a sports reporter and I was just wondering if you could give me some advice and tell me about a sports reporter.
Answered 10/15/09 13:39:36 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter
A: I'll be glad to share anything I can. Contact me at mwallace@miamiherald.com.Submitted by yanni christon from staten island ny
Q: Mike, I respect your basketball intelligence and agree with most of your opinions ranging from D.Wade truly wanting to stay in Miami to M. Beasley's high ceiling and potential. I however feel that unless Beasley can make major strides this year in supporting Wade and becoming a legit number two option, the Heat will struggle to make the playoffs. I look at Atlanta ,Toronto, Washington , Chicago and even Detroit ( along with the big three... Cleveland, Boston & Orlando)as potential playoff teams. I think many of these teams have made changes in the off season to improve their talent. I know you feel that the Heat can fall in to the six to eight slot.. however, I'm not that confident. Mike, by the Feb. trading deadline, if the Heat find themselves in a dog fight for one of the final play off spots, do you think that Riley would pull a deal off to solidify making the play offs but perhaps jeopardize their 2010 cap space in doing so. ( by taking back non expiring contracts ) ?
Answered 10/15/09 13:37:17 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter
A: Absolutely not. Riley would in no way jeopardize the grand 2010 plan to make a subtle playoff push. The focus will always be on 2010's free agency.Submitted by Jose Otero from Bradenton,Fl
Q: Hello Michael: I am really dissappionted that with all the offseason work, our point guards are terrible. I really think John Lucas is our best point guard. Chalmers and Quinn are a joke. Can't we try to trade for Rafer Alston? We have a surplus at small forward..What do you think? Also, dont you think Jones is our best small forward right now..He looks to be getting into his old form..Thanks for your thoughts Michael.
Answered 10/15/09 13:27:33 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter
A: Lucas is a great story and an even better kid but he may be caught in a numbers crunch with Arroyo in the picture. The Heat is likely to exit the preseason with Mario Chalmers, Arroyo and Chris Quinn at point guard. Chalmers and Quinn are already on guaranteed contracts.Submitted by Cameron Ader from miami florida
Q: do you think that carlos arollo will be the back up point guard?
Answered 10/15/09 13:19:27 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter
A: Yes. Arroyo has the scoring and playmaking skills to help the Heat. He also has the rust right now from his time out of the league. Once he works out the kinks, the Heat will have a decent 1-2 punch at the point.Submitted by surin,Tony from 1745 NW 122st Miami ,fl 33167
Q: Now is clear that pat Riley is right on the money but for this move will help a lot better.If i was him ,i would get stephen jackson from golden states to help this team to find his true spot against all the elite eastern team.The truth is why will you wait to get him latter at the date line that's equal to lamar odom or even better rightnow for this team. wright,quin,diawara and one of this dratf can make this possible to jackson.After we will be a solid team as everyone else.peace out...!
Answered 10/15/09 13:12:08 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter
A: Welcome to this week's Heat live chat. Let's get right to the questions. First off, Golden State will likely want Michael Beasley in any deal involving Stephen Jackson. I don't think Pat Riley is willing to do that just yet but the longer this ordeal plays out with Jackson, the more you have to wonder if the Heat may gain interest. Jackson's scoring ability would fit well at small forward alongside Dwyane Wade.Submitted by renzo from miami
Q: mike i know this has nothing to do with the heat but can you take a cam recorder to the american airlines arena?
Answered 10/08/09 13:18:16 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter
A: Not sure about that one. I'm sure folks have used their phones and digital devices to record limited video. But I don't think recording an entire game is allowed. Especially if your plan is to put in on the black market and make bootleg billions. Not sure there's much of a market for that. But it's Miami. You never know.Submitted by Yanni Christon from staten island ny
Q: Looking at the Heats roster,and the fact that many teams in the east have improved their talent , its a fair bet to say the Heat are not playoff bound. With the potential for a deep and talented 2010 draft, do you think the Heat should be looking forward to a top lottery pick (D.Favors, J.Wall, E.Davis, G.Monroe...)? Along with adding a top tier free agent and retaining Wade , the Heat could be a contender next year.
Answered 10/08/09 13:16:35 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter
A: The Heat will never look to the draft for a savior unless it truly hits rock bottom during the season. That was the case two years ago when Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O'Neal went down and the season was tanked before the All-Star break. This is a playoff team as it currently stands. It may be a sixth or seventh seed. But when there's a Dwyane Wade (healthy), there's a way. The Heat is stockpiling draft picks right now as "chips" as Pat Riley likes to call them. I don't think he sees immediate help in next year's draft. He does see it in next year's free-agency crop and with potential trade partners.Submitted by timmytim15 from east lansing mi
Q: why is Erik Spoelstra wanting Chris Quinn to be the backup when Lucas is a better player. to me. Chris Quinn gets beat off the dribble and he cant give you any offense. why why why ??????.It's mind boggling to me but, I'm not the coach. The game I saw on tv Lucas played well. Mario isn't doing that good of a job either. Mario and Quinn combining to shoot 2 of 13 from the field with four turnovers that's not good. Do you think Lucas will be there at the start of the season. I'm have not deemed as the saver of the Heat.
Answered 10/08/09 13:14:06 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter
A: Thanks for joining this week's edition of the Heat live chat. The preseason is underway. I'll get right to your questions. While Lucas has looked good in spurts, with his change of pace and energy off the bench, keep in mind that it has come late in games against fellow training camp fodder trying to make a roster. That said, Lucas has been given a look with the first and second team offense in practice. He may earn a bit of playing time earlier in games as the preseason progresses. The word from the Heat is that Chalmers and Quinn are simply having a rough start that goes against everything they've done behind closed doors in practice. Take that for what it's worth. What matters most is what happens in games.Submitted by Pedro from San German, P.R. (former Miami resident)
Q: Michael: Why cann't the Miami Heat sign up Carlos Arrollo, as a back up point guard? He has NBA, olympic & world experience, He's available, will come cheap in accordance with NBA standards & he will bring more fans to the court, just like he did in Orlando. He's not that old either. Thanks! Pedro
Answered 10/01/09 13:41:38 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter
A: Good question. I do know the Heat has had several opportunities to make a move for Carlos, yet the team either bypassed or Carlos held himself in higher regard than the Heat did. But I like Carlos and think he would be a great fit for this roster, especially if he's willing to come off the bench. But the Heat seems willing to bide it's time with the point guard situation.Submitted by hoping from aventura
Q: Whats wrong with the miai heat? I want to believe that they will one day be good but it might take losing d wade in a block buster trade, I don't want that to happen I am a d wade fanatic tell me what you think
Answered 10/01/09 13:11:46 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter
A: I think the Heat is a team that is putting one season's worth of faith in its current roster in hopes that it will be enough to get back to the playoffs, perhaps even secure a top-4 seed. I do not think Dwyane Wade will walk away from Miami after the season, when he becomes a free agent. AS long as Pat Riley is in place and the Heat shows Wade at either the Feb. trade deadline or next summer that it will bring in championship-level talent, Wade will almost certainly stay.Submitted by WillSomeoneFinallyBr from Hialeah
Q: Spolestra has only been a coach for one year...however for a 1st year coach, he doesn't seem to take much advice...he always has long explanations to why he's right or it wasn't his fault...He doesn't blame himself much...blames the team for failures, yet he's the head coach. Do you see Spoelstra humbling himself this year, taking scouts and critics alike advice and starting Bease or being ultra stubborn and doing his way even at the cost of losing?
Answered 09/24/09 13:56:56 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter
A: I don't think Spoelstra is nearly as bad off as you suggest. I do think there are a couple of areas where he does need have some significant improvement. But overall, I thought it was about as good as could be expected for a first-year coach. He does have to get his rotation set and has to manage late-game situations a bit better. But he did coach the team, with Wade's help, to 43 wins.Submitted by Oscar from Kendall
Q: Would you prefer Beasley coming off the bench again or in the starting lineup?
Answered 09/24/09 13:48:52 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter
A: I really don't have a preference. As long as he's put in position to help the team win. I do think he will initially come off the bench early in the season. He's going to have to prove that he can outplay/perform Quentin Richardson or James Jones. Does Beasley have far superior talent? No doubt. But can he be trusted to execute at both ends of the court? That's the question. And make no mistake. For some reason, there is a far greater burden of expectation placed on Beasley than the others he's battling for playing time.Submitted by Pete from Lebanon, PA
Q: Hey Mike! I am thrilled to hear about Tim Hardaway's number being retired this year. Tim was one of my favorite guys, maybe didn't put up big numbers, but was, along with Zo, the heart of the franchise in the years this franchise was turning around. He came up biggest in the big games, too. I'm happy for him. Also, on a side note, have you heard anything about how Beas is doing? It was nice to see Haslem step up and give him some support. Thanks.
Answered 09/24/09 13:34:15 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter
A: Hardaway is certainly a polarizing figure at this point in his life based on the comments he made two years ago. I've received just as many emails bashing the Heat for retiring his jersey as I have in support of Hardaway. Timmy is at peace with that. He also is working to restore his image, and it's been tough. As far as Beasley, Mike arrived back in Miami this week and has been working out at the practice facility with teammates. He's said to be in great shape and ready to embark on a much-improved season. He needs basketball at this point, considering what he's put himself through. This season will go a long way in revealing the type of player and person Beasley is capable of being.Submitted by Pete from Lebanon, PA
Q: I tip my hat to the Heat management for taking voluntary pay cuts in order to keep other staff from being laid off. I know the economy has been tough for many off us, Herald people too. It's great to see people will to think of others during these times. Great job to people like yourself and others in the press to pushing forward in a tough industry. I know it's the love of the job that keeps you guys going. Keep your heads up, things will get better. Thanks for all of your hard work & for taking the time to put quality sports coverage into our hands. Your one of the best at it too Mike!
Answered 09/24/09 13:30:49 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter
A: Pete, I appreciate the support and the kind words. Keep your head up as well. It's people like you who keep people like us in the newspaper business going in tough times. Peace and blessings to you and your family.Submitted by WeNeedSomeHelp from Miami
Q: what can we say...different year, same results...no new star to help dWade, but we're inviting Lucas and Randolph...with personnel transactions like these, when is enough enough?
Answered 09/24/09 13:28:51 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter
A: Don't make too much out of the camp invitations to Lucas or Randolph or anyone who shows up Monday for the start of camp who doesn't have a gauranteed contract. While Miami is on the verge of having two spots open for the regular-season roster, my guess is that those are in reserve in case the team needs to take on additional bodies in the event of a trade. Having said that, I can understand why there is some frustration with the lack of moves made this offseason. This team will have to stay healthy and catch a few breaks in order to finish between 5th and 8th in the standings for the playoffs.Submitted by Luis from Miami
Q: Do you see the Heat adding Jack Mcclinton for Training Camp? Given a shot I think he can be much more valuable to this team than Chris Quinn and given he is good friends with D Wright maybe he can help him get his act together again?
Answered 09/24/09 13:25:48 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter
A: Thanks for joining this week's Heat live chat. Michael Wallace here. Sorry for the delay. Computer problems slowed us, but didn't stop us. So here goes. Given that McClinton was just released by the San Antonio Spurs yesterday, he could very well wind up in Miami's camp. But the Heat did have some questions about his overall ability to be a playmaker. We'll see how it works out, but I would think he might have an opportunity in Miami at some point.Submitted by Alex from Miami
Q: what outside players have been confirmed for camp?
Answered 09/17/09 13:24:54 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter
A: Confirmed? None as of yet that I know of. But there have been a few invitations handed out. You could probably expect former Davidson guard Jason Richards and former Siena standout guard Kenny Hasbrouck to be among those present. The Heat also recently worked out former Duke forward Shavlik Randolph, who has been trying to stick with an NBA roster the past two or three years.Submitted by roy s. sears from richmond,ca
Q: Hey Mike! Pat Riley made a statement earlier this year when he said he wanted wade to make these player's better this year. What's wrong with Riley? How much better do you think Chalmer's will be this year? He play's the passing lanes great but can't guard staight up. Made M Bibby look like I. Thomas lastyear. This roster is patheic. Who is the postup option? Please don't say J. O'neal. Who is the defensive stopper/or person who is going to guard the top smallforward's in the league? Haslem has plenty heart. But he is undersize. Who's going to rebound? Please do not say O'neal. The same guy who played a whole game with 3 rebound's. You have a bunch of lowbudget spotup shooter's with no legitimate postup game. Final question. Who's going to score when wade is on the bench? Please don't say Beasley. You can't count on this guy. And he takes bad shot's. Can't blame Wade for not re-upping
Answered 09/17/09 13:19:27 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter
A: OK then, Roy. You took the words out of my mouth. For every question, you shot down any possible answer. The truth is, the roster does have plenty of questions. Yes, Mario Chalmers and Chris Quinn are under contract, but the Heat still doesn't have a true NBA-caliber point guard. And that's including the minutes Wade takes over the ball-handling duties. Udonis Haslem is more than a capable rebounder. And Beasley proved last year he can be a consistent scoring option when given adequate playing time. But yes, there are concerns with Jermaine O'Neal as far as his health. And there is no answer at small forward entering camp. Plenty will have to come together in short order for this team to be a legitimate playoff contender. Wade opted not to sign an extension, and it was a smart move. It was also as much about business as it was basketball.Submitted by choochoo from florida
Q: okey mikey... tell us something we don't know about Dwyane Wade's pending free-agency status! just kidding... is there any realistic chance Jermaine O'Neal can stay healthy and be a top center in the east this year?
Answered 09/17/09 13:13:48 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter
A: Thanks for joining this week's Heat sports chat. Michael Wallace here, ready to take questions. Yes, Dwyane's status has been known and analyzed for more than a year now, with regards to his pending free agency after the season. So there's not much more out there to say. He was part of a wait-and-see situation with the Heat this summer when it came to signing an extension. As of now, Dwyane saw what he needed to see and has decided to wait to address his future. As far as Jermaine, there is no reason, if healthy, he shouldn't be one of the more productive centers in the league. Miami would simply settle for him being at least the second-most productive center in its division. And that won't be an easy task, considering Dwight Howard, Tyson Chandler, Al Horford and Brendan Haywood are his Southeast Division neighbors at center.Submitted by tenisha davis from miami fl 33142
Q: DO U THINK MIAMI JACKSON SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL GOING ALL THE WAY THIS YEAR?
Answered 09/10/09 13:25:11 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter
A: Sure. I can't see why not. They seem to have made some solid free agent pickups and their cap situation is encouraging. Oh, you must have the wrong chat. The high school chat is Wednesdays at 1 p.m.Submitted by HEATBOY from Miami
Q: Given Beasley's trouble with his ability to learn from his mistakes and to stay out of trouble, I really feel Beasley may be mildy retarded. With Beasley's inability to learn and mature based off his previous experiences (and they say experience is the best teacher), our lackluster roster, the ability to get same money that Miami can offer through sign and trade, and there are many more reasons like lucrative endorsements that makes 90 mil satisfactory if he get to keep talent of another team in place instead of having to trade them away, Why would Wade stay in Miami? He can sign for max with another team S&T or walk to another team offering 30 mil less, but allowing that team to keep their talent in place..Miami's future/talent looks bleak.
Answered 09/10/09 13:20:11 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter
A: I wouldn't necessarily go that far. Wade still has far more reasons to stay with the Heat than he does to leave. But I will agree that the pressure at this point is on Pat Riley to deliver by next summer if not sooner. The Feb. trade deadline could be huge for this team. One signature can change the entire outlook of this franchise. And that's Wade's, although it won't come until next summer as an unrestricted free agent.Submitted by AskingTheImpossible? from Orlando
Q: How can Miami sign Bosh at 120 mil (i know it will have to be a sign and trade, they can only offer 90mil) if they sign Wade at 120mil? It's nearly impossible especially with cap lowering. And if they only offer 90 mil(which is still hard), he will stay in Toronto or go to a team that will execute a sign and trade with 120 mil salary. Please explain in context that the cap will be lowering how this will be possible...
Answered 09/10/09 13:17:00 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter
A: Good question. The fact of the matter is that the easiest way for the Heat to execute that type of signing is for the player, in this case Bosh, to sign a 5-year deal for the $90 million. Or even a two-year deal with an opt-out that would allow him to then extend out to the max once he's with his new team, in this case the Heat. It's tough to see how a sign-and-trade would work for a number of reasons. It would be a challenge for Miami to come up with the contracts to match to send back to Toronto, considering Miami has more than $40 million in expiring contracts this season. Another is that Toronto might not be willing.Submitted by WadeAndSee from Miami
Q: Wade doesn't seem to want to commit. When he says "he wants to wait and see what Riley does" that doesn't necessary means he's in favor of Riley. May means if Riley is resigned, Wade may leave due to Riley's non moves recently. My point everything Wade has said has been ambiguous. Only thing I can note is that he's not saying he won't leave, but he's definitely not saying he's staying. That worries me a bit because even Bron comments of "I never said i'm leaving Cleveland...i may sign a short deal soon" and Bosh's (sounds like he was taking shots at Miami-- maybe cause he and Wade are good friends) comments of "I'm glad my team is making moves not just sitting and waiting til 2010" all indicate players in favor of returning to their respective teams. I've not heard anything from Wade of that nature. He's only given PR friendly answers. What do you think are the chances of Wade bolting and is that percentage higher than the rest of the 2010 free agents? BTW, 50% is not a good percentage for a current team to have of resigning its own Unrestricted agents.
Answered 09/10/09 13:13:14 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter
A: Those are all fair points and good observations. But I spoke to Wade again yesterday about these very issues, and he's never given off the impression that he's going to leave Miami. In fact, he's gone out of his way to say that Miami fans essentially "have nothing to worry about" as long as he feels like the team is moving in the right direction. Wade has all of the leverage in this situation, and he knows it. It's in his best interest to at least appear to keep his options open. But at then end of the day, I think he will re-sign with the Heat. I would put it as high as 90 percent, although there is really no way to quantify this.Submitted by Keith Sherman from Miami Fl
Q: Are Heat planing on signing any players to help D.Wade for 2009 or they will wait until 2010?
Answered 09/10/09 13:08:58 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter
A: Keith, At this point, it appears to be simple. What you see is what you'll probably get entering the season with regards to the roster entering training camp. As I mentioned earlier, I do think Pat Riley will be aggressive in his attempt to make moves between now and the Feb. trading deadline. There's just too much at stake right now for the team and franchise, to put all of the proverbial eggs in that 2010 offseason basket.Submitted by Sherif from Miramar
Q: As a season ticket holder I think it is unfair that fans have to endure another season of mediocrity. With highlights that include Chris Quinn, Mario Chalmers and a washed up Q-Rich, what can we expect going into this season? Do you see any trades of free agent pickups before training camp?
Answered 09/10/09 13:07:01 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter
A: Welcome to this week's edition of the Heat sports chat. Michael Wallace here, ready to take your questions. As always, thanks for joining us. Sherif, I can understand that some fans are a bit skeptical about the roster and the inactivity this offseason. But I do think this current Heat team is a playoff team. I do sense that Pat Riley will be as active as ever as the Feb. trading deadline approaches. As far as free-agent pickups, the company line has been that the only additions will be through trades at this point.Submitted by abravo from ny, ny
Q: i really cant believe that chris quinn is our back up pg, and that he played so many minutes last year. it really shows how low the heat have gone, why in god's name cant we get a decent back up pg????
Answered 09/03/09 13:47:45 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter
A: Hey, you can't blame Chris Quinn for being Chris Quinn. He's a great guy and a hard working player. When called upon, he's answered almost every time with the Heat. That said, Miami should make it a priority to get a better backup point guard. It hasn't been a matter of the Heat not being able to do so. Instead, it has decided the investment wasn't necessarily worth it. Then again, maybe the team is a bit gun shy after the failed Smush Parker experiment. In think, one way or another, Miami will do something at the position before the start of the season.Submitted by Dan from Miami, FL
Q: Does the HEAT's lack of activity this offseason pave the way for Wade to skip town next summer? That would just be devasting to a team that is only a few key players away from REAL contention. The Lakes where in a similiar situation when Shaq came to Miami, good but not great team. Then they got Gasol for practically nothing and look at them now. Are the T-Wolves interested in trading Al Jefferson to us for Quinny and Anthony?
Answered 09/03/09 13:42:22 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter
A: Let's see. Al Jefferson for Chris Quinn and Joel Anthony? That might have had a chance if Kevin McHale were still running things in Minny. Regarding Wade, I would think that Pat Riley and Dwyane Wade eventually got on the same page after a rocky start to the offseason. The lack of moves does not help the Heat at a time when just about every team around it in the East has gotten better. But Riley could be loading up to do something big by the Feb. trading deadline. Otherwise, if this team fizzles this season and somehow misses the playoffs, anything's possible with Wade. However, I just find it hard to believe he would leave Miami, with what he's got at stake.
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