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Michael Wallace is in his second season covering the Miami Heat and the NBA for the Miami Herald. Wallace, a Washington, D.C. native, attended Grambling State (La.) University and has previously covered the NFL, college football and college basketball for newspapers in Louisiana, Florida and Mississippi.
Submitted by M.Rubin from North Miami Beach, Fl
Q: Shaq might have helped to bring us a championship, but he was not a gentleman about his prior employment which gave him great wealth. Since all of us brought #32 shirts which I am sure added to his wallet, we should shred the shirts and send them to his current bosses.
Answered 04/08/08 11:23:48 by Michael Wallace
A: I may be in the dwindling minority here, but I'm not in the Hate-On-Shaq business. Sure, it ended ugly, but the guy was a big reason the Heat won a title. He brought a lot of attention and money to the organization as well. It's a shame it had to go down like that at the end, but Riley hasn't exactly left places on good terms either. So the two sort of deserved each other in a way. It was a productive union followed by a painful, nasty breakup. Both Shaq and the Heat are better off at this point without one another.Submitted by JoeyJr from Palmetto Bay, FL
Q: Just going thru some ideas in my head and I just happen to find something glaring that I don't think I have ever heard mentioned. Miami is obviously needing to get younger and add some talent around D-Wade. If we end up with the number 1 pick, it's a lock that we take Michael Beasley. Considering Beasley is similar to Shawn Marion and there are still mintues needed for Udonis, wouldn't it be in the teams best interest to do a sign and trade with Shawn Marion? He'll be 30 next year so we can get good value for him before he starts to decline. If we can land a shooter or defender at SF in the trade as well as a pick in the 10-12 range, we could go ahead and nab Ty Lawson as well. I mean going into next season with Michael Beasley, Ty Lawson, Dwyane Wade is a solid core of young players to build a franchise around. Not to mention we would have added a shooter, and we already have some ok role pieces on Marcus Banks, Dorell Wright and Udonis Haslem. And the money saved by dealing Marion could go into signing another solid big man. Does this not make some sense? If we are going to go young and rebuild, why not do it on the fly and revamp with one big trade of Marion to get you the means to add tons of pieces to the youth movement?
Answered 04/08/08 11:18:56 by Michael Wallace
A: You raise some interesting points. But it will be interesting to see how things play out with Marion. The biggest reason the Heat traded for him was to unlead O'Neal's contract. I'm still not convinced the Heat sees Marion as a long-term sidekick for Wade. There will be a power play in the coming months between the Heat and Marion. Someone's bluff has got to be called because he has that opt out clause and would go into next season with an expiring deal. As far as the draft, it would almost be better if the Heat ends up with the NO. 2 pick, with Beasley being off the board. That would take away a lot of the tough decision-making that would have to go on otherwise. In that case, you just take Rose, if he comes out, plan on having Marion back for next season and move forward with Wade, Haslem, Dorell Wright and add a shot-blocking, rebounding center through free-agency. If the Heat picks No. 1 or Nos. 3 through whatever, then you have to break up the team in a major way.Submitted by Chris
Q: Few questions. First would be, why are fans asking for Beasley AND BRAND to play with Marion and Haslem? 2 sf's and 2 pf's? Unless Marion opts out and Haslem is dealt elsewhere? Second would be, i feel the PG position is definitely the Heat's biggest need. They trying to incorporate an uptempo offense without a TRUE PG. Any hope of gettin Andre Miller? I know Baron Davis is unlikely to come here so i wont ask. Other question is, what center is really out there that could be an impact OFFENSIVELY and DEFENSIVELY? Hibbert wouldnt fit both. Curry from the Knicks? I hope there is some IMMEDIATE changes to the roster if the Heat expect fans to show up to games next year.
Answered 04/08/08 11:12:06 by Michael Wallace
A: All good questions. Let me first say it would be nearly impossible for the Heat to add Beasley and Brand in addition to keeping Marion and Haslem. Won't happen. All four play the same position. Plus, there are salary issues. Second, I think PG and C are equal in terms of Heat needs. Both are of the highest priority. I would almost lean toward a versatile post presence as the bigger need. Wade, even with his turnovers, is capable of dominating the ball. But the Heat's biggest problem this season is that it didn't have a shot-blocking, rebounding, lane-clogging center. Teams score at will on this team. Are there any in the draft? There are some projects. I like Thabeet from UCONN and Lopez from Stanford ahead of Hibbert at this point, for obvious reasons. The Heat might have to look to free agency to cover this need. One guy who would be a solid addition for mid-level money would be D. Diop, the former Mavs center and current Nets pending free agent.Submitted by Pete from Lebanon, PA
Q: Watching the Heat play LA on Sunday I couldn't help but notice Riley's near-constant smile. It looked like he had it sprayed on w/ permacream. I wonder if he was reminiscing back to his Showtime days. I must say, right away I was upset about the trade, because of how I feel about Shaq, the person, but, no question, this improves the team & I love the up-tempo style, especially in the first quarter. It kind of trailed off, probably because they aren't used to it, but I think w/ time, this may be a step in the right direction. We need a center, Hibbert would be nice & a settled PG, get Haslem back healthy & this could be fun. The right FA moves too in the next couple years are important also. Showtime East redux. Whatcha think Mike?
Answered 03/25/08 12:29:59 by Michael Wallace
A: This is going to be a three-phase project. Getting Marion and Banks and trading O'Neal was step one. The draft, likely a top-two pick at this point, is step two. And using the midlevel and veterans exemptions in free agency is step three. The Heat needs a point guard and shot-blocking center. I'm a Georgetown fan, so I do have a soft spot for Hibbert. But I'm not sure he has the fire defensively to get it done with the Heat in the two-year time frame in place (with Marion set a free agent next season and Wade able to opt out in 2010). It's going to be a busy and eventful summer.Submitted by Dale A from Miami, FL
Q: Seeing as the Heat is going to be in the lottery and the pick they are due to send Minnesota is lottery protected, it would seem the pick will be ours this year. My question is whether we can trade that pick to another team during the off season, or are we obliged to keep it because of the deal with Minnesota? i ask this because if Miami ends up out of the top 2 or 3, their really isn't an immediate impact player available and maybe they could send it in a deal for Brand?
Answered 03/25/08 12:25:41 by Michael Wallace
A: I agree that the Heat would pursue trade options with the pick if they don't get No. 1 or No. 2 overall. The deal with Minnesota does complicate matters a bit. Because league rules prohibit teams from trading first-round picks in consecutive seasons, the Heat would almost certainly make a pick and then trade the player, similar to what Boston did last year. And yes, Brand would be among the targets if things play out this way.Submitted by Newsunsfan from Riverside, CA
Q: Not a question, just a comment. I want you to know how much I have enjoyed your intelligent coverage of the Heat. I am a former Lakers fan who defected to the Heat when Shaq was traded, and now I am defecting to the Suns. Even though he isn't what he once was (who is?) Shaq is still the reason I watch and enjoy basketball. I will check in from time to time on the Heat, because I think things are going to get a lot more fun in Miami now (and Dwyane Wade is also just a joy to watch). But my heart is with Shaq, and Shaq is in Phoenix. (Maybe it's a female thing. I can't help it.) You know, I used to think being a sportswriter would be a dream job, but I can't imagine how hard it must be to cover a losing team. I hope that scenario will change for you soon. In the meantime, congratulations on handling your difficult task with grace. It's been a pleasure reading you.
Answered 03/25/08 12:23:00 by Michael Wallace
A: Thanks so much for the kind words of support. It's certainly been an interesting season to cover. Always something going on. But I appreciate and love my job.Submitted by Anonymous from Carmichael, CA
Q: Why do you think that neither Jason Williams or Ricky Davis did not get traded? As a J-Will fan I was hoping that he would get moved to a team that has a chance to do something. My other question is whether or not you feel the Heat would actually try to resign either J-Will or Ricky?
Answered 03/25/08 12:20:29 by Michael Wallace
A: The Heat either didn't get the trade they wanted or other teams didn't value Williams or Davis - who each has an expiring contract - high enough to execute a deal. I do think the Heat will explore sign-and-trade deals this summer with both. If I had to guess which of the two would be back, I'd say Davis. He has been durable and could be an effective sixth man behind Wade and Marion next season - if his price isn't too high.Submitted by steven from miami. florida
Q: im not a miami heat fan but just was interested in their uniforms. they had a cool team name "heat" but uniforms kinda suck! the alt red is alright, but the home white & road black is very simple. what do you think of the uniforms?? and who can i contact if i wanted them to wear the red jeresy with black shorts?
Answered 03/25/08 12:14:16 by Michael Wallace
A: The Heat has had one of the more basic uniform designs for some time now. I don't have a problem with the black ones. But funny how these things are noticed when the team is struggling. It's not the uniforms. It's the players in them - or not in them because of injuries.Submitted by Anthony from Hialeah, Florida
Q: What do you think about the Heat's chances of getting Michael Beasley as their 1st 2008 NBA Draft pick out of Kansas State University?
Answered 03/25/08 12:11:46 by Michael Wallace
A: Well, considering most teams that finish with the worst record don't get the No. 1 pick in the lottery, I'd say the chances are 50-50 at best (even though they are technically 25 percent, with the worst record). I do think the Heat will get the first or second pick. I think there's a lot less pressure picking second. Then, they can go for need and get Derrick Rose at point guard, if he declares. If they have the top pick, you have to go with Beasley - even though you have two power forwards (Marion and Haslem) already on the roster. Marion can move to small forward, but he's clearly more comfortable in the Heat's offense at the four.Submitted by Monte Schisler from Lewes, DE
Q: The Heat sign Blake Ahearn to a 10-day contract - with all the injuries - do they keep him the rest of the year ? The kids is a shooter and of course a legend from Missouri State.
Answered 03/25/08 12:08:49 by Michael Wallace
A: I think Blake needs to show a little bit more to stick around through the summer program and for training camp. He truly has NBA range on his shot, but he struggles at this level to create space to get that shot off. His handle is also questionable when he's pressured fullcourt. But the Heat liked him enough to bring him in, so there is some confidence in his ability.Submitted by Chris from Santa Monica
Q: Is Shawn Marion going to play again this season, or will he shut it down?
Answered 03/25/08 12:06:42 by Michael Wallace
A: I know Shawn really wants to play again, but when you start talking about MRI's, that means there were greater concerns than first thought. I could see Marion coming back for the final four or five games if he can get his back warm and tolerate the discomfort. But on the other hand, why risk further damage?Submitted by Dale A from Boston, MA (via Miami, FL)
Q: With all the speculation about the Heat trying to pursue Brand this summer, doesn't it make sense for them to trade for him, so that they could potentially field a team with Wade, Marion, AND Brand. If they wait to try to sign Brand this summer they will only have money for one of them. They could send J-will and Haslem, with Cook out to LA for Brand. They could then draft a PG and use the MLE on Pietrus after resigning Brand, Wright, and Marion long term. That would leave the Heat at least 8 deep, with a very formidable starting lineup. Any chance of another blockbuster like this happening before the Deadline?
Answered 02/17/08 19:09:42 by Michael Wallace
A: I don't think Brand will be moved before the deadline. I don't think the Clippers want to break that team up just yet before they find out if Brand and Livingston can return to form. Add those two alongside a developing Al Thornton and a much-improved Chris Kaman and you have a potential playoff team in the West. But yes, the Heat's best chance to land a top-tier player, another one at least, is before the trade deadline. There are several factors that come into play when waiting for the summer to make more moves.Submitted by Scatts from NY, NY
Q: How do you think Riles feels about the SI report about him topping the list of coaches players dont want to play for? Also you think we can pull off a heist a get Jermaine Oneil
Answered 02/17/08 19:06:16 by Michael Wallace
A: Not sure if the Heat is interested in Jermaine O'Neal or his hefty contract. Then again, I never thought the Heat would be interested in trading Shaquille O'Neal. So I consider myself not qualified to speak about all O'Neal-related matters. And Riley was a bit amused by his ranking as the coach no one wants to play for. He's probably more proud of that than anything else.Submitted by Paolo Torres from miami,florida
Q: Okay Mike, last question of the night I promise. In an article posted on yahoo sports with the source being the Atlanta-Journal Constition... It talks raises the questions if the Heat-Hawks game where Shaq was mistakenly charged with a 6th foul causing him to foul out with 51.9 seconds left, if im not mistaking of the time... The newspaper quotes Joe Johnson saying that it is pointless to play the game if he is no longer with the tea. My question to you is what have you heard if anything in regards to if the game will still be played even with Shaq now gone? In your opnion should the game still be played?
Answered 02/17/08 19:03:22 by Michael Wallace
A: Yes, the game still should be played. At least the final minute of it. There was an error that needs to be corrected. And I'm sure the Hawks, who are in playoff position, want to play it because they'll need all the wins they can get to stay alive. The league has not officially ruled on what players will be available for the replace. Both teams have made trades since then, so it will be interesting to see how this comes down.Submitted by Paolo Torres from miami,florida
Q: Mr. Wallace what is this I hear you made it to the Pre-Game Press confrence heald by Sixers head coach Mo Cheeks? According to Heat broadcaster you got in there late and asked the coach what he thought about the trade when the question had already been asked? I heard you asked him about what he thought about the Shaq trade and he said " This is why I hate it when reporters get here late" Whats the deal?
Answered 02/17/08 19:01:29 by Michael Wallace
A: I can't see why any Heat broadcaster would have anything to say about my pre-game schedule, especially regarding another team. But yes, I did make it to Cheek's pre-game session late becuase I was in the Heat's locker room doing pre-game interviews. Funny, but I didn't see any Heat broadcasters in there. Cheeks was speaking at the same time. And to make a long story short, those guys were probably happy that I asked again, because Cheeks gave a far better answer the second time around.Submitted by Paolo Torres from miami,florida
Q: Ok Michael, I must admit not that it my matter to you, or that you make care, but I think its time I stop attacking you in the way I have this season, I hope you understand that this has been the toughest of years for me to handle since Ive been watching the Heat for the past 15 years as I am 21 and have been watching them since the age of 6. I apologize for the way I have come at you with my questions in the past. That said: I wanted to ask you for your thoughts about the recent trade, with Marion and Banks the Heat become more athletic which is the way most people not necessarily including myself wanted to see them go... I like more the power basketball game... That said, would you agree with me that Marion should become an instant starter at SF position for the team making Davis the first SF off the bench followed by Wright, you know my feelings towards him and how I feel about this position. Part 2 of this question is next.
Answered 02/17/08 18:56:16 by Michael Wallace
A: I agree - to an extent. Marion will start at small forward, with Wright being the backup there. I think Ricky's minutes come at back-up shooting guard behind Wade. There will be minutes available there because Wade will shift to point guard late in games. If Ricky's shot is falling and he's playing decent defense, he gets the time. If not, then Wade would also stay at shooting guard and Banks can run the point late in games. It appears that J-Will is no longer a late-game option there at point guard.Submitted by creep from No location specified
Q: great trade for both teams!!!!!!!! now, what are Riley's next moves?????? Big question on the HEAT's cap space for next year? is there a cap for each team? now if we sign MARION for the 17mill and Ricky/Jwil are gone their salaries together are about 14mil, don't we have that as well to sign a BIG TIME FREE AGENT???like BRAND??? with MARION signed our cap would only be around 53 MILLION ...... and heck why not trade HASLEM/BLOUNT for another big time FREE AGENT???? PG BARON DAVIS sign in f/a SG WADE/COOK SF MARION/WRIGHT PF BEASLEY draft C BRAND can he handle it???
Answered 02/17/08 18:53:41 by Michael Wallace
A: Sounds like you have it all figured out. Unless Marion opts out, the Heat won't have significant salary cap space, but it will have plenty of room under the luxury tax, which is important and makes it a player in potential sign-and-trade deals. But those are difficult to do because they require cooperation from two other parties. This team has to address its low-post defense and find a shot-blocker. In a perfect world, Zo's leg will heal completely and he'd be interested to play one more season. But he also doesn't have anything to prove, so this need will have to be met elsewhere. I think you keep Haslem if you can. So many other teams out there are getting players they want without having to give up much. Just look at the Hawks and Lakers.Submitted by Pete from Lebanon, PA
Q: I am appalled at Riley's blatant dishonesty regarding Shaq. Weeks ago he looked us in the eye & told us that Shaq would not be traded & was still a major part of his "plans" for the Heat. Shaq has been a loyal warrior for this franchise & deserves to go out w/ dignity, not to be hung out to dry by the team he played w/ unbearable pain in both hips for. No wonder Riley was voted the coach NBA player would LEAST want to play for in the latest SI Players poll.
Answered 02/17/08 18:48:40 by Michael Wallace
A: You are correct about Riley coming repeatedly and declaring that the Heat had no interest in trading Shaq. But as it turned out and more details were revealed, I believe Pat might have been the last one in the organization fighting to keep Shaq around. Also remember that Shaq played a role in his departure, too. It's true that Pat and Shaq had their differences, but Riley still believed Shaq had something to offer and was committed to playing a certain style. While you can argue whether Riley is well-liked, you can't dispute that he's gotten the most out of his players at every step of his career.Submitted by T. James from No location specified
Q: I've long believed Pat Riley is the #1 problem the HEAT have, but how do you fire a head coach (9-37)who's also president and 5% owner? If he steps aside this summer, what are our chances of a fresh start at head coach and staff and not just another year wasted with an ast. coach filling in as head coach? We need some one who Wade will stay in South Florida for and not jump ship.
Answered 02/17/08 18:44:42 by Michael Wallace
A: You bring up an interesting point. I don't know anything for certain, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Pat step aside in the coming months and focus solely on his front-office duties. He has nothing else to prove as a coach. He does have to prove he can get the Heat out of the mess his decisions lately - in addition to injuries - have gotten the Heat in. Timing will dictate which direction the Heat goes. If Riley waits until late in the summer, I could see him promoting one of his assistants, likely Erik Spoelstra, to head coach. If he steps down soon after the season, then he would almost certainly have to have a search.Submitted by patty from adelaide, Australia
Q: hey mike patrick again from aus, i was wondering if the heat have looked at any of our young talent? we have a young pg/sg/sf in australia joe ingles he is quite good. also nathan jawai a tall centre could help shaq. Patrick Mills a sppedy young point guard and also Andrew Ogilvy who plays for Vanderbilt. Also do you think jwill should shoot more threes? thanks pat
Answered 02/17/08 18:41:33 by Michael Wallace
A: Patty, I'm sure if the guys you mention have NBA potential, the Heat's scouting department has some info on them. They have a scout whose job is to focus on international scouting and player development. Also, J-Will is shooting all the threes he can. He's just struggling to knock them down on a regular basis. It's been a season of slumps for several Heat players, including J-Will.
