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.
Miami Heat
Herald writer Michael Wallace answers your questionsMost Recently Answered Questions
Questions 1 - 15 of 274 (Page 1 of 14)Submitted by David from Miami, FL
Q: Could you see Pat Riley kicking Spolstra to the curve in 2010 and taking another shot at the title, with a team that could consistent of C.Bosh D.Wade M.Beasley M.Chalmers Michael Wallace (you could be the fifth guy on a team with Wade and Bosh)so could it happen ?
Answered 06/11/09 13:37:15 by Michael Wallace
A: Can't see that happening. For no other reason that my promise several years ago that I'd only play for Phil Jackson if I ever stepped out on an NBA court. Other than that, Riley will be three seasons removed from the bench and pushing 66 years old. I think Riley would allow his hand-crafted coach to guide his hand-picked dream team at that stage.Submitted by danny from miami
Q: is miami interested in any free agent this summer that is worth spending the money for and i understand that part of the o'neal-marion trade also included a first round pick for miami when would the heat recieve that pick
Answered 06/11/09 13:32:56 by Michael Wallace
A: The Heat is limited to using its mid-level exception. It could also use a couple of trade exceptions. But the team is not likely to offer more than a one-year deal, which would keep its flexibility intact for 2010. That said, there are a couple of intriguing prospects out there if those players would be willing to take such a limited deal. Allen Iverson, Stephon Marbury and Jason Kidd could all help in the backcourt as stop-gap options at the end of their careers.Submitted by Owen Vaciannia from London, England
Q: Hey Michael, Me and my girlfriend are over in Miami for 10 nights from June 29th and would love to catch a game. Have been told this is out of season, is there any college or other type bball events we can catch during this period?
Answered 06/11/09 13:19:20 by Michael Wallace
A: You might have to extend you reservation a bit, but that would put you in range to catch The Summer Groove all-star basketball game hosted by Alonzo Mourning and Dwyane Wade at AmericanAirlines Arena on July 12.Submitted by philippe from deer park, new york
Q: what if Miami traded this years second round pick to New York for Curry the center and send them Dorell and Blunt as well. we would get a big center that can be tutored by Alonzo if Miami offers him the job like Orlando did with Ewing and look at Howard. I believe that Curry is a pretty good center in the right situation and he is also a big body that can benefit from playing next to Wade and Udonus. O'neal scares me because as good as he is for $23 million he is one knee twist away from from killing our year in 2009/10. We need to give Wade a reason to sign with us, and maybe still Bosh next summer as well. Cause if Beasley moves to SF and plays well having Bosh/Beasley/Wade on one team would be a pretty good team for Wade to sign and stay with.
Answered 06/11/09 13:15:30 by Michael Wallace
A: Eddy Curry - even with his Chicago ties - won't be the answer to getting Wade to stay with the Heat. If you take Wade for his word, he wants to be here. But the team does need to make improvements. Curry has had weight and injury issues throughout his career. And that doesn't even take into account his off-the-court problems. The Heat would be better off in this case allowing Blount's contract to expire than to take on curry.Submitted by philippe from deer park, new york
Q: As good as Udonus is, do you think that we are passing up so much for an undersized PF? I am sure that we can get great value in return for him if we were to package him with Blunt and dorell's contracts. We desperately need a real center to groom for the future. We keep saying that we need to groom this young team, but how much grooming do you believe that Wade is willing to do his been here for 6 years already and i am sure he wants to win at least one more ring to show that he did it with out Shaq just like Kobe is trying to do right now.
Answered 06/11/09 13:13:05 by Michael Wallace
A: Sorry for the delay. Michael Wallace here, live in Orlando to cover the NBA Finals. Let's get to the questions. Udonis is a great value for the Heat as well, when you consider the going rates for a starting power forward in the league. The plan, for now, is to build with Udonis in mind. He embodies everything Pat Riley wants in his players. The Heat does have needs elsewhere, but it's going to have to take a can't-resist deal for this team to part with Haslem.Submitted by LR from miami
Q: Mike, I dont like the rotation Spolstra is using. he seems confused. Blount was playing well and didnt see the floor last night. Anthony needs more PT. Spolstra alot of times sits Cook when he is hitting 3's and cools him down. I just think he is messing with the players confidence. I am not a fan of Spolstra. I would have Mcadoo or Rothstein coaching this team. Thanks.
Answered 03/19/09 13:45:12 by Michael Wallace
A: You're going to have to stand in line with regards to complaints about the rotation. There might even be a few players or two in that line with you. But at the end of the day, the Heat is a much more improved team. The rotation is going to be a work in progress all year.Submitted by Mike Goldberg from Miami Beach FL
Q: Do you think the Heat will go another direction and maybe trade Wade and Cook?
Answered 03/19/09 13:43:10 by Michael Wallace
A: I can't see the Heat trading Wade at all, unless he comes out and makes it known that he has no interest in resigning with the Heat. But can't see Wade doing that. As far as Cook, I think the Heat grew to appreciate him even more this season. But if the right deal comes along, I don't think he'd be untouchable.Submitted by Joe from Pinecrest
Q: I want to preface this question by stating that I think Mario Chalmers is a good player (great for a rookie) and will develop in to a very good player for years to come. I have to ask though - have you ever seen a player so poor at finishing at the rim? I've lost count of the number of times I've seen him make a nice move to get to the basket only to either 1) blow what looks like an easy layup or 2) change his shot right at the rim to make what could/should be an easy shot to a ridiculously difficult one? Do the coaches work on layup drills? Thanks
Answered 03/19/09 13:40:05 by Michael Wallace
A: Mario will be fine. He grew up quite a bit as a finisher and playmaker in the overtime loss at Boston this week. What Chalmers needs at this point is consistency. He has the gifts. He has the guts. He simply needs to put them together game after the game.Submitted by David from Miami,FL
Q: The Heat should consider signing Drew Gooden we could use another big man. your thoughts
Answered 03/19/09 13:38:07 by Michael Wallace
A: It's a good thing the Heat passed on Gooden. What has he really done since leaving Kansas? The Heat has sort of been there, done that, regarding ex-Jayhawks big men. Besides, Miami has reached its roster limit of 15 players.Submitted by Bryan Daniels from St. Louis, Missouri
Q: How can I be a baller like Mike Wallace. What up dude?
Answered 03/19/09 13:35:54 by Michael Wallace
A: B. Daniels, you a wild dude, bro. Good to hear from you. But you could have reached me through normal emailing means. But how can you ball like me? It's simple. Just get away from the game for about 10 years, gain a few pounds, get married, have kids and then try to go back out there and reclaim your former glory. That's the blueprint for going from baller to buster.Submitted by Norman dela Cruz from Philippines
Q: Hello Mr. Wallace. I hope you will answer my question even if I am not from the U.S. I am an avid fan of D Wade...who else? Do you agree on how everybody seem to "condition" the mind of the sporting world that Lebron James will be the MVP this year? Yes, Lebron is playing like a true superstar. But as of today, January 10, D Wade is ahead in every critical statistic, in points, assists, steals and even in rebounds, (although I know the the team's win-loss slate is a big factor). Nevertheless, I could not see if Lebron can do what D Wade has done in Miami if their roles were reversed, say, D Wade in Cleveland and Lebron in Miami (just a thought). Thank you and please continue your great column as I learn a lot from your forum.
Answered 02/02/09 12:33:23 by Michael Wallace
A: That's a great point. But I do see LeBron and Wade as being effective with the other's team. LeBron is ahead in the MVP race right now and he should be. But Wade is right there. I don't think there's much of a gap at all. What Wade is doing is simply unbelievable at times. James has a better and more polished supporting cast. And he's got those guys on course for an NBA title. Wade and the Heat aren't there. But Wade has the Heat solidified as a playoff contender again. Close call overall between the two, though.Submitted by Pat from jacksonville
Q: Mike, I've asked this question before what do you think about Marcus Camby or Chris Kaman as possible centers. I've watched all but two of the Heat games this year and have not seen Mark Blount come near the floor so why wait until 2010, can we get something for him now? and what happened to Shawn Livington.
Answered 02/02/09 12:29:51 by Michael Wallace
A: Camby and Kaman are both good centers. The Heat would be happy to have either one. Camby moreso because of his soon-to-be expiring contract. Blount and the Heat are biding their time. It's the same thing that took place with Antoine Walker. The Heat is simply stuck with his contract. It got rid of one so-called bad contract to acquire a lesser bad one.Submitted by bigjm888 from Boise, Idaho
Q: Is there a "big" in any of the foreign leagues that could be gotten "cheap" to help the Heat out in the front court. It pains me to see the guys trying to defend giving away so many inches & pounds to other teams "bigs". I ask because I don't see the Heat getting any quality here without giving away the heart(Udonis) or soul(Marion), & I'm hoping Zo doesn't come back. His health is more important than anything he has to prove-& it would be to prove only to himself, cause everybody else already knows that he's in a class by himself. Lot of negative comments in the blogs, but seems to me that Spo has got the guys overachieving, even Wade. I truly didn't expect this good a year. But, I'm still lovin' it. Great job, Guys.
Answered 02/02/09 12:27:21 by Michael Wallace
A: As mentioned earlier, the Heat really isn't in a position right now to take a gamble on a big. They've taking huge gambles with the three already on the roster (Magloire, Anthony and Blount). They want a sure thing at this point. Or at least as close as they can get to a sure thing.Submitted by Pedro from Miami
Q: Are we going to give Dorell Wright a chance? I felt Riley never really gave him a chance. He has been inconsistent, but it was under Riley and he’s not rookie friendly. There are plenty of bonefide starters that have not done well for him. I feel Coach Spo might be a better rookie/young player coach. Look at D.Cook. I feel few players in the Heat roster have D.Wright’s upside.
Answered 02/02/09 12:25:40 by Michael Wallace
A: Timing has been Dorell's biggest problem. The Heat has one of the youngest rotations in the league, and he can't get on the court because of his lingering knee issues. It's a shame, because the kid has plenty of talent. He just hasn't been able to put it all together, for whatever reason. His time, though, is running out to get it done with this team.Submitted by luis seoane from miami,fl.
Q: people don't undersand that what will get the heat to a championship is what they are able to do in 2010.the trade for o'neal of toronto includes both marion and banks which gives the heat the right cap space to get a top notch free agent. the other trades don't include banks and the heat would have to do other moves to get enough cap space for lebron , bosch or amare.what do you think
Answered 02/02/09 12:23:54 by Michael Wallace
A: That sounds good and well. But what people also don't understand is clearing cap space gives you a chance to go after top free agents. Memphis and Charlotte have had cap space for years and it hasn't mattered much. It's not a certainty. Miami has a lot going for it, and should be an attractive spot. But if Dwyane Wade hesitates one bit to re-sign with the Heat, that could tarnish any leverage the Heat has to bring in someone to complement him in 2010.




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