Miami Heat

Michael Wallace

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.

Herald writer Michael Wallace answers your questions

Most Recently Answered Questions

Questions 16 - 35 of 274 (Page 2 of 14)

Submitted by Robert from Miami, FL

Q: Michael-- Do you believe Riley made a mistake trading Shaq to the Suns for Marion and Banks? Do you think Riley believes it was a mistake? Now all anyone talks about is trading Marion and Banks for a "real" center such as J. O'Neal, who is nowhere near as good as S. O'Neal. Wouldn't you think a team of Chalmers, Wade, Beasley, Haslem and Shaq would be able to go deep in the playoffs? That line up seems much stronger than what they have now. Thoughts?

Answered 02/02/09 12:21:04 by Michael Wallace

A: Riley didn't want to trade Shaq. He had to. Shaq no longer wanted to be in Miami and he essentially went on a physical protest. Yes, he was banged up and needed treatment for his ailing hip, knee, leg. But he grew tired of the Heat. He accomplished what he came to Miami to accomplish. The Heat is a better franchise for his presence.

Submitted by Jesse Crowell from Indio,Ca

Q: why don't the heat pick up a center from over seas or sign a young center from the d league

Answered 02/02/09 12:17:55 by Michael Wallace

A: Roster spots are too valuable at this close to the trade deadline to simply add another tryout-type guy. The Heat wants to maintain as much flexibility as possible in case it needs to take on an additional player in a larger trade.

Submitted by Georgino from Hanover, New Hampshire formerly from Miami, Florida

Q: I've heard some rumors about Shawn Marion being traded for Josh Howard and Jerry Stackhouse of the Mavericks. If that's true, I wouldn't mind if Riley pulled that off. Howard can create his own shot, and Marion leaving would allow Marion the opportunity to play more minutes. Is this feasible, and do you think it would be better than Marion for Jermaine O'Neal?

Answered 01/26/09 13:16:45 by Michael Wallace

A: From a production standpoint, trading Marion for Howard and Stack would make more sense. From a needs standpoint, it wouldn't. This team needs a center it can rely on to get to playoffs and pose a real threat. Truth is, I don't think either O'Neal or Miller for that matter is a better or more productive player than Marion. But based on needs, the field evens out some.

Submitted by Eddie London from Norfolk Virginia

Q: Michael, what year did you attend Grambling State University? Did you play football for Grambling State University?

Answered 01/26/09 13:14:32 by Michael Wallace

A: I was at Grambling from 1993-97. I actually went there to play basketball, not football. I can see, looking at my size, 15 years later, might convince people I played football. Turns out, I wasn't as good at either sport as I thought I was. But hey, I got to the League one way or another, didn't I?

Submitted by Paolo from Miami, Fl

Q: Michael, In a recent article written by you titled Miami Heat rookie comfortable with out an agent -- You mention how the Heat plans to honor Dwyane Wade, Tim Hardaway and Alonzo Mourning for their Olympic efforts in the past. My question to you is, will this day also serve as the day the Heat will retire Zo's and Timmy's jerseys, or will it be just this? What do you know about this right now? Please keep us updated on this matter if anything new develops. Zo is my idol I would love nothing more than to be there on that special day. He has done a great deal for this team... Community and on a personal level myself through his foundations and efforts I would love to arrange to be there.

Answered 01/26/09 13:11:05 by Michael Wallace

A: I do know they plan to raise a banner to the rafters that honors the Olympic efforts. I'm not sure about Zo's jersey, however. From what I hear, that ceremony might be closer to the end of the season.

Submitted by W. Walker from Birmingham, Alabama

Q: How soon will the heat make a trade for JO or whoever to help them at the center post? Also, which started do you think they should trade Haslem or Marion?

Answered 01/26/09 13:09:32 by Michael Wallace

A: As long as the team is winning two out of three games and there's no blockbuster out there to be made, I think Pat Riley and the Heat will take a deliberate approach to acquiring help at center. The trade deadline is still about three weeks away, so there's not rush. I like both Haslem and Marion. But Marion's status as a free agent after this season makes him easier to part with. Haslem is the heart and soul of this team. Wade, no question, is the leader. But Haslem is probably my favorite player on the team.

Submitted by Anthony Aquino from Miami,Florida

Q: Ok why don't the Miami Heat get a TALLER center because if u remember the game against the Houston rockets , Yao Ming had a huge size advantage. Thank you, Anthony Aquino by the way im only 13 and i love the heat

Answered 01/26/09 13:07:06 by Michael Wallace

A: Yao's going to have that size advantage over just about any center in the league. He was unstoppable that night. And the Heat is trying to come up with a trade that would land a solid big man. There just aren't many out there worth breaking apart your team right now. At least among the big men who are available.

Submitted by Davey from Sacramento, Ca

Q: Sacramento and Miami have reported a Brad Miller/K. Thomas trade for Marion? Expiring contracts for both teams? What do you think?

Answered 01/26/09 13:05:14 by Michael Wallace

A: That deal has been on the table for some time. I don't think the Heat is any rush to push the button right now, because Pat Riley wants to see if there's a better deal out there worth waiting for. He knows he's still got plenty of time before the Feb. 19 trade deadline.

Submitted by Manny from Boca Raton, FL

Q: Mr. Wallace I am a big fan of your column. I have a habit of picking up Miami Herald daily just to read your column. I am a die hard Heat fan but never got to go to any games because of my work schedule. I never get a day off as you know the economy is tough. I never miss a Heat game regardless because I watch every game at work. I am really disappointed lately with the Heat's performance, especially, in the third quarters. I know they are playing their hearts out but D.Wade cannot win every game on his shoulders. Sometimes it looks like a one man show. Why can't somebody else work as hard as Wade does and help the team out. Only team efforts can win games. I was curious to know if Zo is really going to join the team or is he going to retire. He is an excellent motivator and I think he should become a part of the coaching team because I know that he is going to be a great influence on this team (not that he is not already). If you get to see the Heat at practice tell them to keep working hard and let them know no matter what happens I will always be a loyal fan.

Answered 12/29/08 18:45:24 by Michael Wallace

A: Thanks. Zo remains a mystery at this point. I would be more surprised if he returns than I would if he retires. But that's just a hunch I have. He's still rehabbing as if he's coming back. I just don't think he has anything else to prove. Now, I do think he's still got something left to give.

Submitted by ludovic ally from mauritius

Q: what do you think for the trade of marion to cleveland!?i it's true or not!!?why?

Answered 12/29/08 18:42:40 by Michael Wallace

A: Never was discussed. Seriously at least.

Submitted by joel edmorin from port au prince haiti

Q: why dont the heat get a real center trade anyone but wade for a center

Answered 12/29/08 18:42:15 by Michael Wallace

A: Because there just aren't too many "real" centers out there who would be worth it. You trade Shawn Marion and you'd be without one of your most productive players across the board, especially on defense. You trade Udonis and you give up toughness inside and the heart of the team. You trade Beasley and you're admitting you made a mistake in the draft. Beyond that, you wouldn't get much in return for what you'd be willing to deal.

Submitted by andrew perez from miami florida

Q: Besides the rumors about marion to clevand for anderson varaejo and tht other guy what other players can they get for marion or haselm

Answered 12/29/08 18:40:24 by Michael Wallace

A: I'm sure they could get plenty for those two if the Heat truly wanted to trade either one. I don't believe that to be the case right now. Of course, this could all change in a matter of days.

Submitted by joe carta from las vegas nevada

Q: Hi, I'll start off by saying I'm from las vegas and a big Marcus Banks fan. I propose a win/win trade Marcus Banks for Stephan Marbury. The Knicks have broken off relations with Stephan and have nothing to show for it. Marcus played for the Knicks coach when he was in Phoenix. Marcus was a back-up for Steve Nash. Stephan needs a change of scenery and Wade needs some scoring assistance. Marcus needs some playing time. He scored 11 points recently (5 out of 6) in 22 minutes in a game that the outcome was alreadt decided before he was given a chance to play. In the next game he's back to last man off the bench. What do you think?

Answered 12/29/08 18:39:22 by Michael Wallace

A: That deal could never happen straight up, because there's about a $17 million difference in salary. You'd almost have to send Banks and Shawn Marion to make that kind of a deal work. But I don't see the Heat making such a move.

Submitted by Cyrus from Los Angeles, CA

Q: I remember Riley talking about leveraging our draft pick to get a franchise type of player. What do you think of an offer of Beasley and Blount for Elton Brand?

Answered 12/29/08 18:37:43 by Michael Wallace

A: Wouldn't do it because I don't believe in Brand being the answer. He's had a stretch of injuries that should be a cause for concern. The same might also be said of Wade, but at least he's already proved to be an elite player in the league and a champion.

Submitted by paolo from miami,fl

Q: Michael, Paolo here again -- I got a question for you: Any other trade rumors surronding the Heat whether it be a big name they are trying to acquire, or player on the current roster they are looking to move? My question is because of the emergence season the season started of Mario Chalmers as the starting PG. He brings good ball skills and can run the offense well. Daequan Cook looks like he is becoming an offensive threat of the bench -- He also brings OK defense. Marcus Banks is the more defensive minded of the group, at least that is his primary focus. With all that said, where does that leave Chris Quinn? well, yeah on the bench where he belongs but do you know of anything of the Heat trying to trade him away to get draft picks or some other position player. Along with Dorell Wright, to me Quinn are the most useless players to ever wear a Heat uniform and we could certainly do with out them. They are a waste of money and bench space. They have been given their chances and have not taken full advantage of them. If in fact we do trade Shawn Marion, which I hope isn't the case -- can we package these scrubs in that deal if not be able to trade them away individually?... though i dont believe any NBA team will want them unless they are truly rebuilding... hope to see their careers take off, but elsewhere their time here is up. I consider just about every guy on the Heat roster valuable and useful and except for these two. If we do win a title with this group Riley has to call it 13-strong not 15 because these guys will not have nothing to do with it..Ill rant more about them throughout the season if they are not moved anytime soon. Happy Holidays! Go Heat!

Answered 12/29/08 18:36:23 by Michael Wallace

A: Pat Riley always says his phone is never turned off when it comes to potential deals. The Heat certainly has options now that players signed over the summer are eligible to be traded. That includes Yakhouba Diawara, Chris Quinn, Dorell Wright and a few others. I've said this for a while now, I think the Heat is content at this moment to see how this roster plays out. There certainly is no rush to do anything with six weeks left before the Feb. 19 trading deadline.

Submitted by Adrian from Washington D.C.

Q: After the move's made in new york on Friday. What do you think the heat need's too do to keep D.Wade?!?!?!?! What move's if any would you make? Plus I think the team should give anthony some run he can not as BAD as some of the other BIG'S we have. What do you think?!. Oh one more thing get Zo back ASAP

Answered 12/06/08 11:26:34 by Michael Wallace

A: Well, turns out your request to get Anthony in the rotation is paying off well. As far as Wade, the Heat can do a lot of things it thinks would convince Wade to stay. But as we saw with the Elton Brand situation in Los Angeles, things can change quickly. The best thing the Heat can do is keep Wade involved in personnel matters and allow him to recruit his marquee sidekick in 2010. But that would require Wade to commit to the Heat at 12:01 a.m. on July 1, 2010.

Submitted by onurhan from Turkey, Ankara

Q: hey michael, i'm a t-mac and d-wade fan. can you see t-mac getting a championship ring? and also what can heat organization do to build around wade and be a contender again?

Answered 12/06/08 11:23:56 by Michael Wallace

A: T-Mac has a pretty short window to get it done. This year would be, by far, his best shot alongside a healthy Yao and a motivated Ron Artest. I like Houston's team. I really do. I'm not sure you'd want to face those guys in a seven-game series.

Submitted by Varune from Miami

Q: Is there anyway the heat can make a trade for Chris Kaman?

Answered 12/06/08 11:22:14 by Michael Wallace

A: Sure, but such a deal would require parting with either Shawn Marion or Udonis Haslem and Pat Riley truly believing that adding Kaman is worth pulling out of the 2010 free agency frenzy. Would that be enough to convince Wade to stay? I'm not so sure.

Submitted by Chris from Miami

Q: I know this is a wild idea, but bare with me as I explain. NY seems super confident in getting Lebron. My opinion though, is that if NY doesn't obtain a big name player like Bosh or Amare in 2010 FA, it'll be harder for NY to get him. I highly doubt he will want to go to another team and AGAIN, carry 90% of the work load. This is why, not being biased as a Heat fan, i feel there is more hope of him coming here because that player,Wade, is already here. Crazy as this sounds, teams are creating cap space for 2010 in hopes of getting Lebron, trying to lure him with money. If the man JUST wants money, he's better off in Europe. A player NO ONE brings up, is JASON KIDD. How many times has Lebron said he'd love to play with Kidd? Kidd is a FA and NO WAY anyone will pay him the 20+ million per year he's getting now. Instead of re-signing Marion, why not attempt to sign Kidd to around 8-10 mil per year? Leaves us cap space even with resigning Wade in 2010. Team will be more attractive for Lebron. Even if he doesn't come, we have that veteran PG we NEED. Could even influence the development of Chalmers/Quinn. Thoughts?

Answered 12/06/08 11:20:39 by Michael Wallace

A: It's certainly an interesting idea. But I don't think Jason Kidd is going to command anywhere near $10 million a year at this stage of his career. He'll be more of a short-term midlevel guy because of his age. I do agree that some team in 2010 is going to "double-up" and get two of the top guys in that class. The Heat is certainly positioning itself to have two max contracts available in 2010, one for Wade and, likely, the player who best complements his game.

Submitted by Dwayne from Orlando, Florida

Q: Hey Michael, How is Shaun Livingston looking in practice? Is he making progress with his lateral movement, explosion, and hops near the rim? Whats a reasonable time frame for us to see him play meaningful minutes?

Answered 12/06/08 11:17:20 by Michael Wallace

A: I wish I could tell you how he's looking. The media only gets the to see the final minutes of practice, if we're lucky. But from what I hear, Livingston is making progress. The Heat continues to take a long-term view on his development. I think he could be ready sometime after the All-Star break.

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