Submitted by Dwayne from Orlando, Florida

Q: Michael, I'm starting to back pedal on my desire for the Heat to trade da Matrix, his last two games are All-Star caliber and more in line with his reputation in PHX. Do you think with a full ensemble of Heat players (Zo, Mags, Jones, Wright,Livingston)this team can push for a higher seed than their current tie for sixth place? I don't see us getting equal value for him, unless we can get Sergio, Pryzbilla & Outlaw from the Blazers. Would you make that trade if you were Riley?

Answered 12/06/08 11:10:14 by Michael Wallace

A: I'm stumped regarding that trade. My initial reaction was 'Yes.' But the more I thought about it, the more I realize and appreciate what Marion does for this team. He's not a No. 1 or No. 2 option, although he's paid like one. Actually, he never was in Phoenix, either. But his production speaks for itself. And if the Heat continues to play this style, Marion is valuable.

Submitted by pedro from miami florida

Q: do you think the heat will make the playoffs?????

Answered 12/06/08 11:07:58 by Michael Wallace

A: Yes. But this team has to stay relatively healthy, which is an obstacle in itself given how the past two seasons have gone for this team.

Submitted by paolo from miami,fl

Q: Hey Michael, Paolo here -- you've not answered many of my questions this season but that is alright, hopefully you take the time to answer this one. Will the Heat challange, or rather protest the controversial call in the previous game against the Clippers. Last season Pat Riley and the Heat protested a ruling in a game against the Hawks and it was later replayed when the miscue occured. Any talks of something similar going on against this time around? The players about coaching staff seemed pretty heated about the situation... im sure you were too if you were covering the game that night.

Answered 12/04/08 14:20:42 by Michael Wallace

A: The circumstances were different with the two games. There's nothing the Heat can protest from the other night. It was just a mixup the refs tried to straighten out, one that cost the Heat. The league has already said that had replay been an option, it would have been determined that Wade brushed against the ref and was therefore out of bounds. Call it what you will. But the Heat did overcome that and come away with a solid 3-2 record on the road trip.

Submitted by Chris from Miami

Q: Is there any truth to these rumors floating around online forums that the Heat are pursuing to trade Marion as soon as possible to get help down low? If they are true, any teams that you've heard in the mix? Only 3 possible spots i'd like to see him going to .. the Clippers for Camby (would have to be a 3 team trade of course for salary purposes), the Knicks ( I personally don't want Curry and his contract but i'd take him if they sent David Lee or Chandler AND a first round pick), or the Kings who could use cap space for their rebuilding and send us get back Brad Miller and HOPEFULLY Salmons and a 1st round pick. I'm sure I am way off on truth and am relying more on my wishful thinking. Feel free to correct me.

Answered 12/04/08 14:18:16 by Michael Wallace

A: Those are the same three teams that keep coming up in terms of a potential destination for Marion. But I tend to believe Marion when he says he expects to be with the Heat the entire season. Yes, that would mean he could walk away with the Heat getting nothing in return. But the team would get a nice salary dump. Having said that, Sacramento would be the best to deal with of the three teams you've mentioned. But the Heat isn't in any rush right now to do anything, I believe.

Submitted by Justin Mark from Houston, TX

Q: Greetings Mr. Wallace, my name is Justin Mark and I am a recent graduate of Prairie View A&M University majoring in Mass Communications/Marketing. Congrats on Grambling State this year, your alma mater had a great run in football. To begin, I think I may be the only Miami Heat fan here in Houston even the state of Texas. Dwyane Wade is my favorite player in the game of basketball. When I first seen him play was at Marquette and he really reminded me of Michael Jordan just 2 feet shorter but his hops was and still is ridiculous. This is my question. When is D.Wade going to get some help? All my friends and line brothers think im crazy because I always say that D.Wade is the coldest in the game. D.Wade needs some help and he needs it fast. I will be vacationing in March of next year and Im coming to catch my first Miami Heat game and im excited. Once again, when will D.Wade get some help and who has a good chance of coming to Miami? Oh yeah if you can tell D.Wade he got the biggest fan in HOUSTON TEXAS....PERIOD! Thanks Mr. Wallace!

Answered 12/04/08 14:15:19 by Michael Wallace

A: Well, it's always good to hear from a fellow SWAC-ster. Yes, My G-men are doing quite well. But the surprise of the league is definitely Prairie View. At any rate, Wade is having an MVP-type start to the season. If he can stay healthy, it could be a special season after what the team suffered through last year. Shawn Marion and Udonis Haslem anchor his supporting cast and are productive veterans. Beyond that, this team does need a true center. Problem is, not many are out there to be had who wouldn't disrupt what the team is building. So Wade and this cast might have to carry the load for a while. And shoot me an email when you hit town.

Submitted by roy mobley from san diego,ca

Q: will #33 play again for the heat and is there trade coming we are very soft in the middle

Answered 12/04/08 14:10:55 by Michael Wallace

A: I'm starting to wonder if Zo will return. He hasn't shown any doubts or anything. But he's found a way to stay busy and active the past few months. We're still about a month away from the timeframe when Zo said he'd make a decision, depending on how his body has responded. As far as a trade, the Heat is always in talks to upgrade the roster at center/point guard. But Riley might be reluctant to disrupt the way things are going with this young team and coach right now.

Submitted by Jared from Rocky Hill, CT

Q: With trade rumors surrounding Shawn Marion this season would it be possible for you to see Marion going to the clippers for Chris Kaman. With Zack Randolph and Marcus Camby, there a little crowded. Kaman would be a good fit for the Heat. He's only 26 and is the low post player the heat need to score inside and protect the paint. Do think that it would be a good trade for both teams.

Answered 12/04/08 14:08:35 by Michael Wallace

A: That trade would make sense for the Heat, although Pat Riley has insisted that he doesn't want to eat into 2010 cap space. It would also make sense for the Clippers, assuming they might want some salary relief after loading up with Camby and Baron Davis this summer. However, the Clippers always seem to have a frontline player hurt. So depth is a premium right now, which is why the Kaman talk sort of died down.

Submitted by Pablo Chiste from Los Angeles, CA

Q: When will see Antoine "Tippytoes" Walker shimmying on "Dancing With the Stars"?

Answered 11/19/08 15:33:06 by Michael Wallace

A: Sorry, Pablo. Antoine won't be dancing anywhere anytime soon. As a matter of fact, he probably would have forgotten how to dance by the time he steps on any stage anytime soon.

Submitted by Chris from Kendall

Q: I've been meaning to ask how you got started as a sports journalist. I've always had a strong passion for the NBA and have considered pursuing a career in it for that reason. I just have no clue where to start! Any advice on where to start? I'd be interested in either sports journalism or something to help the community through sports. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.

Answered 11/11/08 14:25:48 by Michael Wallace

A: Chris, There are several avenues to take. But I have to warn you that it's a very tough economy and jobs are tough to keep and even tougher to come by. I'd start at the college level and work for the school newspaper. If that's not an option, I'd check with a local paper to see about stringing high school games and go from there. Email me at mwallace@miamiherald.com and tell me more about yourself and what you're trying to do and I will try to help as much as I can.

Submitted by Harry Heinous from Coconut Grove

Q: Hey Mike can you ban this Pat from Ft. Lauderdale guy? What a joke. Hey Pat, what about blaming the 2 investors who actually ran the restaurant? And there's a better chance of you being deported than Dwade getting traded from the Heat. Wade's already a South Florida legend. You're just a South Florida bum.

Answered 11/11/08 14:22:59 by Michael Wallace

A: Well, OK then. There it is.

Submitted by ellis cox from miami fla

Q: any word on zo? and do you think he can help this team?

Answered 11/11/08 14:22:09 by Michael Wallace

A: Zo is still around. Ran into him the other night in the locker room before a Heat home game. He still has his locker and is working out every day to rehab from the knee injury. As long as this team stays competitive and in position to make the playoffs - and Zo progresses in his recovery - he'll be back. Should be by mid-January if everything works out.

Submitted by Getting Frustrated W from Miami, FL

Q: Seriously, why is Pat Riley still around? 1) Many players would not come to Heat because Pat's rigorous, injury-causing workouts, using players as scapegoats when they are traded away, only hiring his lackeys as coach instead of say a Larry Brown so no one will question his moves and the old, stagnant outdated offense........ 2) Hired Spoelstra who's using that same mantra: We are defensive, offense will take care of itself...Obviously offense is NOT taking care of itself. Heat need newer sets, better precision, etc. Need new ideology: best defense is a good offense...yes we need defense, but we need balance........ 3) He has the current team stacked with shooting guards and small forwards (most of which who can't shoot well). We don't have a good center, chalmers can shoot to save his life and anyone can see that Chalmers would be awesome as a scoring, penetrating pg. 5) Pat Riley made us lose potential deal because - He knows the value of players and doesn't want to overpay. So he signed Smush, Blount, Davis (who is gone, but was the best of these signings), etc...instead of Rashard Lewis, Mo Will, etc. Should have traded Marion for a point or center while Marion's value was at its highest and its slipping now........ 4) Riley will cause us to lose DWade. You only have so many years to make yourself the greatest in the NBA. At the most its a 15 yr career. Wade is 26. How many years will he wait for Riley to make the right moves. Think DWade won't notice how imcomplete team has been compared to other teams? Take into account Riley's personnel moves and think to himself (even if the roster is in order at the time), Riley may destroy the team again? Thanks for your response...

Answered 11/11/08 14:20:34 by Michael Wallace

A: Riley certainly has admitted his share of mistakes with the roster over the past couple of seasons. But his track record for making successful moves far outweighs anything he's done the past two seasons. What will be critical are the next two years, especially when Wade is able to opt out of his deal in 2010.

Submitted by Jason from West Palm Beach

Q: Hello Michael: I have a question. Why do the Heat continue to play Mark Blount when he consistently ruins the Heat's momentum. We are six games into the season and Mark has played 10+ minutes a game while averaging 1.7 rebounds and ZERO assist per game. I'm sure you too have noticed that Mark shoots the ball as soon as it touches his hands. Thanks, Jason

Answered 11/11/08 14:18:41 by Michael Wallace

A: Yes, I have noticed that. Blount has been asked to do more than spot up and shoot. It just hasn't happened. I'm not sure if he's not willing to stay in the lane, or simply is capable of doing so. At any rate, he watched his minutes go to Joel Anthony in last night's win against the Nets. Maybe that'll be a wake-up call. Or, maybe it's simply too late to make Blount something he is not.

Submitted by theron peterson from miami, fl

Q: I argue with a friend all the time about the value of Marion. I know he is athletic and plays hard, but with a cap number of $17 million dollars and your admission of the fact that he is basically a third option. I also know that Eddie Curry of the Knicks is a poor defender and average rebounder at best, but he is a talented offensive post player, in a league where there aren't many of them. Would you trade Marion straight up for Curry despite his defense and conditioning issues?

Answered 11/11/08 14:16:48 by Michael Wallace

A: No. I wouldn't make that trade straight up. You couldn't make that trade straight up because of the differences in salary. But, if the Knicks were to include, say, Crawford, with the Heat adding filler to make it work, I'd do it in a second.

Submitted by Chris from Miami, FL

Q: We all know the 2009 and 2010 free agent class is stacked with big name high caliber players that all teams are hoping to get their hands on. The Heat seem to be always be linked to go after Bosh or Boozer. Anything is possible, but personally i can't see Raptors letting Bosh go that easily and i think Boozer's game benefits off a PG like Williams so him leaving is iffy too. Every team is shooting high with those two plus the whole Lebron dream. The Heat in my opinion, should seriously look into 2 other players that are rarely mentioned down here in Miami. Sean Williams of the Nets and Chris Wilcox of the Thunder. Two MUCH cheaper alternatives, young players that are talented. Sean is a younger Zo that plays good Defense and has great shock blocking ability. Wilcox provides more offense than Blount/Magloire/Anthony put together plus grabs boards. Beasley/Haslem/Anthony at the PF spot with Wilcox/Sean/Blount at the center with MUCH more money to spend to add more. Thoughts?

Answered 11/11/08 14:14:45 by Michael Wallace

A: I think the Heat has/is positioning itself much better than you give them credit. Bosh would be ideal in this system, and I think he might be the player most willing to leave his current team. Toronto has had a difficult time keeping its marquee players up there. I disagree with your assesment comparing Williams to Zo. That's quite a stretch. But anything can happen. I think it also might simply come down to the player Wade wants.

Submitted by Darryl from Stone Mountain, Ga.

Q: I think that the Heat should have kept Michael Doleac. He was a decent rebounder and had a decent enough shot to open the floor on the offensive end for Wade to operate. He would also help Beasley so the other teams would'nt collapse the defense. What do you think?

Answered 11/05/08 15:57:19 by Michael Wallace

A: Funny, because I said the same thing to a couple of guys that cover the team. Doleac might be on the call-up list pretty soon.

Submitted by ludoic ally from mauritius

Q: thanks for your answer mr. michael!!,did you think that shaun livingston can be a joker in this team despite of returning of his knee injuries?

Answered 11/05/08 15:56:29 by Michael Wallace

A: Yes. But I think it will be a gamble that will take a while to pay off. This was more of a long-term investment. Livingston is still a couple of weeks, if not months, away from getting that explosion back - if it ever comes back at all. But he's a good kid and he's an easy guy to pull for.

Submitted by Steve Lux from Indianapolis

Q: Here in Indy, people are pretty fed up with Jamaal Tinsley's off-court antics. Rumored trades involving Tinsley pop up often around here. One such rumor has JT heading to Miami, as a possible solution to the point guard delema there. Indy needs a PF and the Heat seem over-loaded. Anything to that?

Answered 11/05/08 15:54:53 by Michael Wallace

A: I'm sure there have been some talks. In fact, I know there have been talks. But the Heat isn't willing to give up Udonis Haslem in such a deal. Now Mark Blount, on the other hand?

Submitted by Pat from Ft Lauderdale, FL.

Q: Mike, I worked at the D Wade Restaurant in Ft Lauderdale, FL. I am still unemployed and have been looking to see if Dwayne Wade has made any remarks or even been big enough to apologize for the hundreds of us that lost our jobs. Also have you seen any info on the lawsuit for over 25 Million against Dwayne Wade for walking off and leaving us? And last but least is Dwayne going to stay or are the rumors true that he may be getting traded.

Answered 11/05/08 15:53:44 by Michael Wallace

A: Sorry to hear about the job loss. Wade hasn't addressed the situation other than to say that this has been a difficult time for him on a lot of fronts. As far as the trade rumors, I doubt Wade is going anywhere anytime soon.

Submitted by Michele WIlson from 1650 NE 157 terrace

Q: How can I get some complementary tickets for 3 children (1 girl and 2 boys) and 1 adult. I am auntie and would like to bring them to a Heat game, the 2 boys are really into basketball and doing great in school due to the economy I can not afford to pay for them at this time. I would really like for them to attend a game. Do the Miami Heat happend to have players that sponsor children every now and then? Are they having something for Holloween that mayby they can be sponsored as a guess? Please call Michele WIlson @ 305-213-7841. Thanks for listen and thanks for what ever can be done.

Answered 11/05/08 15:51:47 by Michael Wallace

A: I would say call the Heat's main line and see what options there might be. I'm not sure. I do know players sponsor certain tickets to certain games. But try 786-777-1000.