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.

Submitted by JKota from north miami

Q: It looks like Riley is trying a cover up of Beasley because his non moves are glaringly obvious now. But the bigger question is what if its not? If Pat Riley knew this information about Beasley and him having to go to NBA mandated rehab for failing drug test (it had to another one or Chalmers would be going too), then why didn't Riley make any real moves to cover Beasley's production and why is he counting on an unstable player like Beasley instead of trading him when the chance presented itself?

Answered 08/27/09 13:40:50 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: Maybe because the Heat just isn't ready to give up on Beasley's potential yet. And why would they at this point - unless you'd get back a sure-fire All-Star such as Chris Bosh or Amare Stoudemire? Having said that, if Beasley's biggest issue right now is a failed drug test or suspension of marijuana use, then his rep can still be salvaged with a quiet season off the court and a productive one on it. If the concerns are greater, then his trade value might be lower than a beat-up 1980 Datsun.

Submitted by David from San Diego California

Q: How do you think Miami will fare next season ? . Any chance they could still land Carlos Boozer ?

Answered 08/27/09 13:36:40 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: I think the Heat is still a playoff team, somewhere between the fourth and sixth seed. As far as Boozer, sure, I can see the Heat picking him up next summer - if not sooner. Especially with the uncertainty surrounding Michael Beasley and the expiring contract status of Udonis Haslem. But the Heat will have options.

Submitted by hrocha from ny, ny

Q: with the many bad moves that riley has done in the last few years, why do we still have confidence in him?

Answered 08/27/09 13:34:50 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: "We?" You might have to speak for yourself on that one. Because until Riley makes another really good move, there might be just as many people out there who have confidence as those who don't. The jury is still out on what this all means. At the end of the day, Riley delivered something that no one can take away. An NBA championship just three years ago. He's still one of the most respected execs in the league and has a track record for getting things done. It's been a rough stretch the past couple of seasons. But until this summer, it hasn't been for a lack of movement on Pat's part.

Submitted by alina from romania

Q: what is this?

Answered 08/27/09 13:29:58 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: A really bad question.

Submitted by MV3-2010 from ames, ia

Q: What's the word on A.I. now that beverley left for greece?

Answered 08/27/09 13:28:53 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: The word today regarding Iverson is the same as it was yesterday and the day before that: Posturing. The Heat has several other options to consider, if they do anything at all at this point. Iverson, which I was told from the beginning, would rather play in Miami than anywhere else among the teams that have expressed at least some level of interest. But for whatever reason - money, role, attitude, etc. - he doesn't have as much leverage as he thought at the start of the summer. But this will all come to a head soon. Real soon.

Submitted by John from Miami, FL

Q: Why wouldn't Lebron come down to Miami in 2010 and join D-Wade to win the next 5 championships? You know Shaq is going to mess everything up in Clevland.

Answered 08/27/09 13:24:30 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: Who says he won't? With James, and any of the 2010 free agents, we won't know a thing about where they're headed until they actually get there. Everyone had stamped Chris Bosh's passport out of Toronto a few months back. Now he has as many reasons to stay as he does to go. Same with Amare Stoudemire. This is just my wild, wild, wild opinion here. But I think there's a greater chance that Wade would end up playing alongside James in Cleveland than James coming down here to Miami. But frankly, I see both staying where they are.

Submitted by MichaelBustBeasleyMu from Miami,FL

Q: You have to be quite ignorant and dumb to even think that Michael Bust Beasley will be a starter, even more so out of position at SF, a position we know he stinks at for lack of a better word, especially on the defensive end!!! Q-Rich will be the starter there and Beasley will be made to sit and continue to learn on the bench as should be the case. If he starts, look for the Heat to match their win total from last season at best only. This coming from a die-hard, life-long Heat fan. I just face the facts and reality!

Answered 08/27/09 13:20:35 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: The stated plan before details emerged about Beasley's substance abuse issues was for him to see plenty of opportunities at both forward spots this season. Does that change now? I'm not so certain. If Beasley can get his off-the-court issues in order, he still is what he is: the second-most talented player on this roster. He has to play. Does he have to start? Probably. Quentin Richardson was insurance at the position. But beyond that, what small forward option on the roster doesn't have flaws on one side of the court or the other?

Submitted by don'tHateRileyb from miami

Q: I love the heat, but I feel with Riley's handlings of FA and the roster, tough love in in order (not buying tickets to games like I usually do) to help Wade get help and show the fans should be heard also. With all the free agents we let walk past, with all the players we lost and knowing we won't win a championship, what's the draw for fans to attend Heat games and not boycott by not going to games due to Riley's constant bottom feeding of players like Ricky Davis, Smush Parkers, and Quentin Richardsons? Thanks!

Answered 08/27/09 13:16:34 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: There are still plenty of reason to follow and support the Heat. For one, you have one of the best players on the planet on your team. If things work out with Michael Beasley, he's also an intriguing player. And this is still a playoff-caliber team with what's on the roster right now. That said, I have been somewhat surprised by some of the activity - or inactivity - that has taken place this offseason with the Heat. But Riley apparently is sticking to his guns and loading up all bets for next summer's free agency class.

Submitted by Marcelo from Weston, FL

Q: Hey Mike.... Ok so we get rid of both rookies. Thats gotta mean something is cooking as far as bringing in another player. I know Memphis already made an offer to Iverson, but any chance we jump in the mix and get him? Anything else that you are hearing as far as free agents or trades? Thanks.

Answered 08/27/09 13:13:40 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: Thanks for joining us or sending your questions in advance for this week's Heat chat. Beat writer Michael Wallace here, ready to take your questions during what has been a rather interesting week for the Heat. Marcelo, Considering the Heat had only two second-round picks, it's not a complete shock that neither of them will end up on the roster this season. But the larger issue is whether that means Pat Riley is going to make some sort of move to address the pressing need at the position. I believe a move will be made. It might not - and likely won't - be as big as signing a name like Iverson or Tinsley. It could be as simple as bringing back Luther Head. But with only Mario Chalmers and Chris Quinn available as true PGs, you have to address that issue.

Submitted by frank from miami florida

Q: heat starting five

Answered 08/20/09 13:34:28 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: Short, sweet and to the point, huh? OK. As of right now, with the way the roster stands Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009, here's my projected starting five going in to camp. PG: Mario Chalmers SG: Dwyane Wade SF: Michael Beasley PF: Udonis Haslem C: Jermaine O'Neal

Submitted by james from pompano beach

Q: so mike..now miami heat finally made a move.what do you of trading mark blount for Q-rich,do you think it a good move or a bad move for the heat?do you think they would start him over michael beasly,or do you think he would a bench?

Answered 08/20/09 13:31:57 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: James, I think it was a great move by the Heat. Pat Riley was able to part with an $8 million player who hasn't been productive in exchange for a player capable of scoring double figures each night. Quentin Richardson still has to earn whatever role he'll play for the Heat. I don't think he goes into camp as No. 1 on the depth chart at small forward. But if a couple of things don't go as smoothly as the team anticipates - namely Michael Beasley being slow to pick up the small forward role - than Q will certainly get his opportunity. The best case scenario would be for Beasley to grab the SF job and Q to come off the bench in a swing SG/SF position.

Submitted by Hammad from Hamilton

Q: Mik... so what is the plan on getting Carlos Boozer? Are Miami going to get him or is another team? What are the Utha Jazz thinking to do?Is Miami still intersested in him? If not what else are they thinking?

Answered 08/20/09 13:28:02 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: Ham, I'm not sure at this point how much the Heat is pressing to get Boozer. Utah could certainly get far more for the All-Star power forward than the Heat can provide. I can't see Miami parting with either a future first-round draft pick or Michael Beasley right now for Boozer, which is probably what it would take to get him. Besides, Boozer is a free agent, and the Heat can go after him as a fall-back option next summer if its top two or three other options aren't available after the team re-signs Dwyane Wade.

Submitted by Jon Jackson from Miami Beach, FL

Q: So Michael... Do you think the Miami Heat should sign SG Nate Robinson from the New York Knicks. He has tremendous talent and him and Quentin Rochardson have great chemestry and the Miami Heat should have a group of very talented guards like the Cleveland Cavaliers with Mo Williams And LeBron James. Yes we have Mario Chalmers And Dwyane Wade but worst scenario comes we should have a back-up guard. He is a free agent and we should take the risk. The Knicks have not offered and a man of his calibur should be signed by now. Sincerely, Jon Jackson

Answered 08/20/09 13:25:05 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: Jon, While I can appreciate the confidence and swagger Nate plays with at times, I think you hold him in much higher regard than just about anyone else in the league. I don't think the Heat should touch Nate. Miami doesn't really need him. I'm not sure how much chemistry he has with Quentin in New York. That team got very little accomplished other than getting up shots. ON top of that, Robinson is a restricted free agent, so the Knicks could match any offer made. But I'd be surprised if they Heat ever even considered this.

Submitted by AJ from Vancouver, BC

Q: Hey, Is there still a possibility that Carlos Boozer join the Heat? And will the Heat sign Jamaal Tinsley?

Answered 08/20/09 13:22:03 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: AJ, I think there's a possibility. But I also think the closer we get to training camp, the more set on keeping this roster intact president Pat Riley gets. Keep in mind that the team actually has until February to make a potential Boozer deal - and it was last February when they pushed the button to get Jermaine O'Neal. Riley is nothing if not methodical and calculated when it comes to making major moves like this.

Submitted by Alfonza from Miami

Q: The Marlins won a championship and dismantle,the Heat did the same.It's taking the Marlins some time to get back.How long will it the Heat to get back ? Will the Heat be like the Marlins and lose a percentage of their Fans.Riley should look at a home baseball game, when the Marlins are playing, maybe then he'll see what I'm talking about.

Answered 08/20/09 13:19:54 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: Thanks for joining us for this week's installment of the Heat live chat. Michael Wallace here, ready to take whatever questions you have. Alfonza, There are some similarities with the approach the Heat and Marlins took to win those championships. Both teams loaded up on high-priced players, placed their bets and won titles as a result. Then, both franchise's had to pay the painful price of tearing those teams down and upsetting the fan base. Miami has a chance to get back into championship contension as soon as the 2010-11 season. But it has to re-sign Dwyane Wade and also give him a marquee sidekick. At least that's the plan.

Submitted by Al Hill from Miami,Fl

Q: So Mike..Now that the season is almost here, and the team looks the same.The fans has been waiting for something.I know if I do the same thing,I'll get the same results. Does anybody in authority with the Heat feel the same way? Do they realize we're in this together?

Answered 08/13/09 13:41:32 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: I can appreciate the feelings of the fan base. Many want to see the team do something to improve next season, even if it's a small step that would threaten the bigger plans for 2010. This team does have a hole or two that needs to be addressed. There are options out there. But Pat Riley knows what he's doing. He's gotten it done before. Yes, there have been a few bad moves and gambles in recent seasons. But the team believes the reward of waiting for 2010 is far greater than the risk of doing something roster-wise, right now. That may change. There's still about six weeks left before training camp opens.

Submitted by Marc from miami

Q: mike , if the heat lands allen iverson does that destroys their master plan for 2010?

Answered 08/13/09 13:32:58 by Miami Heat Beat Reporter

A: Nope. Iverson and Miami would only take this shot on a 1-year deal. hw would come off the books next summer when Riley plans to make his free agency splurge.