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.

Submitted by Pete from Lebanon, PA

Q: You know Mike, I'm going to speak up in support of Udonis Haslem. I hear his name mentioned as possible trade bait all of the time. Udonis is one of the hardest working, grittiest, toughest guys in the NBA. He has one of the toughest and most thankless jobs on the team crashing the boards, setting picks, taking charges and diving for loose balls. He pulls down his fair share of rebounds night in and night out and has developed a nice short range shot when teams leave him unguarded. He loves Miami, never gets in trouble and is a locker room leader. We get rid of Udonis we will have one heck of a time getting half of what he brings to the team for not alot of money. Let's stop trying to package him in a deal and start appreciating one of the most unsung guys in the history of the franchise.

Answered 09/03/09 13:37:48 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: Pete, Well said. I've found Udonis to be all of those things you've described, and more. I do know that the Heat has a very high appreciation for everything that Haslem does. And that's from every level of the organization. If you believe the front office, Miami has turned down trades involving Haslem in the past. Pat Riley said after the season that he'd never want to deal Haslem. But business is business. If it wasn't a trade that made the Heat a great deal better, there's no reason to deal UD.

Submitted by Phillip Raskin from Seoul, South Korea

Q: Hi -- you are doing a great job with the column/Heat. Thank you for that. It's great to keep up with the team even though I am thousands of miles away. My question: Since we rarely keep our first round picks, pick too low to get someone strong (obviously D-Wade and even Beasley exceptions but were both top-five) and/or choose poorly, why not do the Auerbach move and choose someone a year early (as the Celtics did with Larry Bird in 1978). Or is that illegal now? We could have used the Daequan Cook pick on Derrick Rose AND ended up with Beasley too. I would have to assume there's a rule against it because it's been 30 years and certainly public knowledge; however, the way we're doing with picks maybe we can just draft 16-year old prospects and wait 3-4 years and do better than some of our picks.

Answered 09/03/09 13:33:18 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: Thanks for the well wishes from afar. Yes, there are rules against that sort of drafting right now, when it comes to college prospects. But that's generally the way things work out with a lot of foreign players. Just look at the Ricky Rubio situation in Minnesota. It's a great risk to do that these days, even as the NBA team maintains the NBA rights to that player. The Heat simply has had a bad run of luck with the draft overall in recent years. Dorell Wright has yet to pan out, Wayne Simien is out of the league, there was no pick in 2007, and Daequan Cook was chosen at a time when Rudy Fernandez and Aaron Brooks were still available. Of course, that one's hindsight. But still.

Submitted by John from miami

Q: mike when will the individual season game tickets come out? Around how much is the 300 level be worth?

Answered 09/03/09 13:27:09 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: This is the easiest question I've had to answer all day. All I can tell you is to check Heat.com or call the AmericanAirlines Arena box office.

Submitted by goodluckheat from miami

Q: With FAs more likely staying with their teams in 2010, shouldn't we try to get Boozer this year when its likely we will end up with him next year. If not we may be risking Wade walking away because of another wasted year and inactivity. Let Haslem go for a year via trade. He's not a game changer, he's a role player. Let's see if a Wade/Boozer tandem can be effective. If not, we didn't lose because he's not signed to a long term contract. Lastly, Bosh/Oneal didn't work in Toronto and Boozer may be a better fit if we plan on keeping Oneal for a cheaper price.

Answered 09/03/09 13:26:07 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: There certainly seems to be no rush regarding Boozer with the Jazz, or maybe even the Heat. Miami knows it can get him next season. Right now is tough because although Haslem would thrive in Utah's system, they already have their version of Udonis in Paul Millsap. Beasley, damaged image and all, is the only other significant chip you could send to Utah to get Boozer, and I don't think the Jazz want to touch that now. And as far as Bosh and O'Neal not working out in Toronto, there's a pretty good reason for that. They didn't have Dwyane Wade on the roster to smooth over some of the rough edges. But I don't see Toronto trading Bosh and by the time he's a free agent, Jermaine could wind up elsewhere.

Submitted by Marcelo from Weston, FL

Q: What up Mike.... Every week I check in with you to see what's going on with my beloved Heat.. They say that "no news is good news". Well in this case, now news is bad news.. I see that Iverson still has not signed with anyone. That makes me wonder. WHY AREN'T WE GETTING HIM??? Besides that, any news on any trades? Doubt it now that Beasley is going thru some rough times.. I personally hope they don't deal him. I'm one of the few that still see a bright future for this kid. But first off, hope he gets his depression/drug use under control. Nothing wrong with a little maryjane here and there but save for after your career is done!

Answered 09/03/09 13:20:54 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: Marcelo, Thanks for continuing to come back. I wish I had a bit more news to offer you this offseason. But it is turning out just as Heat president Pat Riley intended at this point. Yes, Iverson is still out there. I can't see him getting a deal any better than the one Memphis has offered. If the Heat was willing to spend $3.5 million on Iverson, which is what Memphis reportedly has on the table, then Iverson would have been here long ago. I've always had the feeling that the Heat wasn't willing to go beyond $2 million for Iverson. As far as Beasley, his future is certainly up in the air right now. The drug rehab stint hasn't helped. But even before that, there was no clear indication that Miami was completely sold on the guy as a long-term answer. There's plenty of talent there. But does he truly fit what the Heat wants? My guess is that there will be some serious discussions by the Feb. trade deadline, with Beasley at the center of things.

Submitted by roy s. sears from richmond,ca.

Q: Hey Mike! You know how I feel about Beasley. The Heat should have not drafted a guy that's limted in his skills with the second pick. Please do not say he is gifted offensively. He is not so gifted at the position the heat need's him to be gifted at that's pf. Could the heat had traded him for Boozer early in the year? If so why not? Stephen Jackson is available. Whould the heat consider him? Please do not say he's a head case. The guy play's hard and he compete's. We could have a lineup of wade,iverson,jackson,boozer,o'neal now that's a playoff team. This current group is not a playoff team.

Answered 09/03/09 13:14:56 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: Roy, While there were discussions about a potential Beasley trade this summer, I'm not sure how far they got with Utah. The Jazz probably could get a lot more back in return from another team than what the Heat would be willing to give up at this point. That said, I do believe Beasley is a very talented player who was deserving of the No. 2 pick, all things considered. Stephen Jackson is available, it appears. But the Heat already is above its limit of swingmen. Yes, Jackson is better than anyone the Heat has on the roster. But Golden State won't let him walk for nothing. And besides, he still comes with a contract that extends well beyond the end of this season, which might not place him in the Heat's plans. Finally, I disagree with your last point. I think this current roster is a playoff team. Could it repeat last year's fifth-place finish? I'm not so certain. But I have a hard time, with Wade on this roster, finding eight teams better in the East. It's a top-heavy conference, but the Heat will find a spot among the bottom four if healthy.

Submitted by Jonathan from Puerto Rico

Q: Dwyane Wade's game last season was nearly perfect. My question is, is Wade working on the parts of his game that are far from perfect, specially free-throw shooting?

Answered 09/03/09 13:08:10 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: Thanks, again, for joining me - or for leaving your questions - for this week's live Heat chat. Michael Wallace here. The countdown to training camp is officially upon us. It kicks off Sept. 28. At any rate, lets get right to your questions. Jonathan, D. Wade is coming off an incredible season as the league's leading scorer. But he also did plenty of other things. His 100-plus blocks and 100-plus steals put him in rare company in NBA history. As far as what he's working on this summer, judging from his Twitter activity, he's managed to squeeze in a few workouts amid a summer of new business deals and cross-country traveling. As far as his free-throw shooting, he was a pretty decent 76 percent. But considering the amount of times he gets to the foul line, I'm sure he'd like to see that percentage jump into the mid-80s.

Submitted by Rusty from Ft Lauderdale

Q: Don't you feel that Riley should be replacing Spo for a more experienced coach? It's well known he is reponsible for many losses due to his rookie status. Getting better players would be negated due to Spo's lack of proper use for these players. Wade will quit this team if he can't depend on good coaching. What do you think of my question?

Answered 08/27/09 14:04:05 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: Spoelstra did have some inconsistent moments during his first season on the bench. But some of that was to be expected considering his status. He should - and will - be given a chance to work through those first-year kinks. He also did a lot of good for the team as well, from the standpoint of communication and innovation with the team's approach in some areas. Yes, Dwyane Wade had a lot to do with the turnaround from a 15-win season to 43 victories. But Spoelstra was part of the reason for the ride as well.

Submitted by john from Your Location (City, State)

Q: I think the best move for the heat to finish their offseason is to acquire flip murray. he is so good and he would make the heat a team with plenty of weapons? you think he might still land here?

Answered 08/27/09 14:01:08 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: There certainly could be worse ways to end the offseason. Flip certainly delivered a few daggers to help Atlanta finish off the Heat in the first round of the playoffs last season. He would be a good pickup.

Submitted by onemorequestion from miami, FL babe!

Q: If this Michael Beasley situation was known by Pat Riley and heat as they are playing it, then why didn't he get something better than Q when Artest (Turk) and a slew of talent was available...non action with that knowledge seems worst than an unexpected event occurring without a plan b. I hope we really do land Bron his offseason or I see Wade departing in a sign and trade (so he gets max deal) if he waits for nothing...

Answered 08/27/09 13:58:33 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: All of the facts about who did/knew what and when with Beasley haven't come out. And they probably never will. But from what I gather right now, it's an issue all sides believe they can get beyond once Beasley completes his time in the rehab facility. Having said that, it's hard to determine exactly what Beasley's trade value around the league is at this point. Should Riley have gone with his instincts and dealt Beasley on draft night for a package of veteran players and/or draft picks? Perhaps. But since the Heat decided to keep him, they have to see how this plays out at least until the Feb. trading deadline.

Submitted by rileyisfailing from Miami, FL

Q: Ok, Beasley had trade value...now with drug problem, psychological issues, and not learning from his past issues at rookie symposium, his stock, no matter his talent must have dropped since his odds on playing hard, staying off of pot (they were smoking at symposium), and suicidal comments and tantrum FTW, have exposed him as unstable. Many of us didn't understand when Riley didn't trade him for Bosh or Boozer, proven players. But I don't understand many of Riley's moves: letting future allstars walk for Smush, Ricky, etc. or why riley tried to use a super star he has to sign in the next year as his scapegoat for inactivity (i won't do anything til our star signs) or not upgrading the team to keep his star happy. Riley has basically made a series of bad moves, I think starting from as far back as releasing SVG. How can the fans trust him any longer and if fans can't and he's bad PR for the Heat, then why hasn't he been fired yet?

Answered 08/27/09 13:54:18 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: Wow. WOW. That's a lot said right there. I guess I'm stuck on the part about letting future All-Stars go for Smush Parker and Ricky Davis. Who are those future All-Star players? You can't be talking about James Posey and Jason Kapono, could you? While I agree that Riley has had a rough patch when it comes to the moves he's made (or not made) recently, the Heat is only three years removed from an NBA championship. As far as trading Beasley for Bosh or Boozer, Toronto might never have been interested in such a deal. Utah is anyone's guess. What needs to happen right now for the Heat and most fans is for the season to get here in a hurry. Because believe me, there has been plenty of frustration on both sides with how this summer has played out.

Submitted by Pete from Lebanon, PA

Q: Hey Mike: I was suprised & saddened to hear about Beasley. Certainly, my #1 concern is for his recovery and welfare. I am a little concerned that his remarks seem to indicate his playing the victim in all of this. He doesn't understand why people want him to grow up, everyone is on his case, etc. I hope his thoughts move more along the lines of his little girl. Hopefully that will provide some inspiration for his growing up. Basketball is secondary to that.

Answered 08/27/09 13:47:49 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: Pete, Well said. I can honestly say that Beasley is one of the more fun guys to cover on this team because of his jovial and playful attitude. But there are times when you'd like to see him take a more serious approach in certain situation. He's a kid playing a game. That's how he sees it. But now, he's being paid as a professional to perform a job and carry himself in a more professional manner. It's a tough adjustment for him, as we've seen. But there is no denying that this kid has tremendous talent. He shouldn't waste it.

Submitted by justin from miami, fl

Q: In regard to your story on Beasley going to the rehab center being related to what happened at last summer's rookie symposium, there is something that does not add up. Why isn't Chalmers being required to go to a rehab center since he was with Beasley during the incident last summer? The only explanation I can come up with is Beasley had a 2nd drug offense. Any incite?

Answered 08/27/09 13:43:39 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: Details are sketchy, mainly because it's a private matter and the league doesn't discuss substance-abuse matters. But my assumption, based on conversations this week, is that there were either ongoing concerns of drug possession or use with Beasley or a failed test in the aftermath of that rookie symposium. The fact of the matter remains that it's a sad situation that one can only hope will turn out best for all sides involved.