Miami Heat's Riley ponders roster moves at center
BY MICHAEL WALLACE
mwallace@MiamiHerald.com
LONDON -- Miami Heat president Pat Riley wants to see how well Udonis Haslem adjusts from forward to center before determining whether an early-season trade is needed to upgrade to the team's power rotation.
Haslem, recovering from a sprained left foot, practiced Saturday after missing the previous workout. Barring a setback, Haslem might make his preseason debut Sunday against New Jersey at O2 Arena in the second game between the teams on the NBA's Europe Live Tour.
The Heat had already planned to use Haslem some at center this season. But that preference became a necessity when reserve center Jamaal Magloire broke his left hand during Thursday's loss to the Nets in Paris.
Magloire returned to Miami on Friday and had a non-surgical procedure to reset the bone in place.
Team officials said Saturday that Magloire, who is expected to be out six to eight weeks, would be reevaluated next week to determine if surgery is necessary. If so, Magloire could most of the season.
The Heat has already been hampered by injuries just weeks into training camp. It's an issue that plagued the team throughout last season, when the Heat went an NBA-worst 15-67 and lost seven top players to injuries.
''It's one thing after another with us,'' Riley said Saturday before the Heat's practice at O2 Arena. ``It's a disappointment because we're down a center and a roster spot. Hopefully, he heals quicker than anticipated.''
The Heat has 16 players under contract and must reduce that number by one through a two-for-one trade or by cutting a player owed guaranteed money - before the Oct. 29 season opener a New York.
The recent signing of point guard Shaun Livingston put the Heat's payroll slightly above the league's $71.2 million luxury tax threshold, meaning a move must be made by the February trading deadline to avoid having to pay a luxury tax.
''We can't (make any other moves),'' Riley said. ``We have 16 roster spots now that are under contract. We're going to go with what we have. We haven't seen Udonis yet.''
A healthy Haslem, who is 6-8 and has primarily played power forward throughout his five-year NBA career, would give the Heat a second veteran in the post. Mark Blount has started at center, with second-year shot-blocker Joel Anthony and rookie David Padgett the only other options.
Haslem and forward Shawn Marion have both been mentioned in recent trade speculation, but Riley said the Heat remains committed to rebuilding with both players in tow.
But Riley also said he has kept his phone lines open for a potential move during the regular season if the team fails to mesh in preseason play.
''This is where we are at this point,'' Riley said. ``Once training camp is over, we're on the phone I'm on the phone every day with people, and we'll see what happens next.''
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