RealGM Basketball Wiretap

Bosh: Danny Green 'Won't Be Open' In Game 6

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:32:06 EDT

Danny Green has set the record for most three-pointers made in an NBA Finals series, but Chris Bosh was adamant the Miami Heat will limit the San Antonio Spurs guard's open looks in Game 6 on Tuesday.

"[Green] won't be open tonight," Bosh said.

Tony Parker said after Game 5 that he could not believe the Heat continued to give Green open shots.

In Green's mind, if the Heat crowd him more in Game 6, it will lead to additional driving lanes for Parker and Manu Ginobili.

"You have to give up something," Green said, according to David Aldridge of NBA.com.

Game 5 Draws 11.5 Rating

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:58:13 EDT

The NBA Finals averaged more than 16 million viewers during Game 5 on Sunday.

The game peaked at one point with 19.3 million viewers.

With an 11.5 rating in Game 5, viewership was down 9.5 percent from when the Miami Heat beat the Oklahoma City Thunder to win the title.

The series is averaging a 9.0 rating.

Spoelstra: Coaching Turnover 'A Terrible State' For NBA

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 01:48:14 EDT

With 12 of the 30 NBA teams changing coaches since the end of the regular season, Erik Spoelstra ripped the coaching turnover that has gone on, calling it a "terrible state for the profession right now."

"[For] true success in the NBA, you must have consistency of culture," he said. "When you see that type of turnover over and over and over, it's impossible to create any kind of sustainable consistent culture. And we don't see it as a coincidence."

Spoelstra compared the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs as two organizations that have stability starting at the coaching spot.

"San Antonio has been the same way for 15 years with Pop in charge," Spoelstra said. "We don't see it as coincidence.

"I think it's really a shame for the profession of coaching that it's been so volatile. But I'm also very grateful that our organization doesn't behave in that manner."

Wade: Game 5 Will Be Best Of NBA Finals

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 01:40:20 EDT

Dwyane Wade scored 32 points in a resurgent performance for him and the Miami Heat's big three on Thursday, and he believes Game 5 will be the best game of this NBA Finals series.

"I think Game 5 should be the best game of the series," Dwyane Wade said. "Both teams should come out knowing each other, knowing what each other want to do, and it should be a very good game."

The Heat and San Antonio Spurs are tied 2-2 heading into Game 5.

"Game 5 is going to be a big game," Chris Bosh said. "I think we just have to stay in the place that we're in."

Bosh Has No Desire To Lead Non-Contending Team

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 11:40:14 EDT

Chris Bosh admitted he sometimes struggles to accept his supporting role with the Miami Heat.

But he said there is no desire to be the leading man in a lesser situation.

"To be honest with you, I don't want to be the man, like in Milwaukee, no disrespect to Milwaukee," Bosh said. "But I like Miami. There's certain things that you have to go through and give up, and I'm in the process of trying to master my role."

Bosh tends to be the name most often mentioned when it comes to the Heat's position against the luxury tax.

"It's something that you can't ever overcome," Bosh said of being the third wheel in the Heat's hierarchy but the team's leading man on the rumor mill. "So why should you even try to prove people wrong? I just play the game."

Tony Parker 'Ready To Go' For Game 4

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 12:21:09 EDT

After suffering a Grade 1 hamstring strain, Tony Parker will play in Game 4 of the NBA Finals.

“I’ll be ready to go," Parker said at Thursday morning's shootaround.

The Spurs will look to take a commanding 3-1 series lead over the Miami Heat.

“Same as any other player,” Gregg Popovich said of Parker. “I want him to do his job.”

Bosh Plans To Remain With Heat For Remainder Of Career

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 17:14:38 EDT

Chris Bosh is putting his 12,368-square-foot home in Miami on the market.

Bosh said that the decision is not basketball-related and is for his family.

"I'm in Miami for the rest of my career," Bosh said. "I plan to be there. I plan to retire there. I plan to win hopefully a lot more championships there. So that's where home is."

Bosh has the right to opt out of his contract following the 13-14 season.

Game 3 Draws Lowest Overnight Finals Rating Since 2009

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 12:37:59 EDT

ABC drew a 10.0 overnight rating for its coverage of Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs.

The 10.0 rating was the lowest for any Finals game since 2009 when the Los Angeles Lakers eliminated the Orlando Magic in Game 5 (9.4).

Game 3 in 2012 between the Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder drew a 10.4 rating, while Game 3 in 2011 between the Heat and Dallas Mavericks drew an 11.1.

TNT drew a 7.1 rating for Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Spoelstra Expects Battier To Have Impact In Finals

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 16:36:24 EDT

Shane Battier has played just 11 minutes in the NBA Finals after averaging more than 20 in the previous 15 playoff games, but Erik Spoelstra is adamant the Miami Heat forward is still part of his rotation.

“You get to the playoffs and it’s whatever it takes,” Spoelstra said. “He still has an opportunity to have an impact in this series.

“Where I had Mike (Miller) right here in Chicago and Indiana, that’s where I have Shane. He’s the next man up. There will be his moments in this series."

Battier has missed five of six shots in the series' first two games.

“Where I had Mike (Miller) right here in Chicago and Indiana, that’s where I have Shane,” Spoelstra said. “He’s the next man up. There will be his moments in this series” - See more at: http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/heatzone/2013/06/11/erik-spoelstra-says-he-hasnt-buried-shane-battier/#sthash.OcW2RrmA.dpuf

“You get to the playoffs and it’s whatever it takes,” Spoelstra said. “He still has an opportunity to have an impact in this series.” - See more at: http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/heatzone/2013/06/11/erik-spoelstra-says-he-hasnt-buried-shane-battier/#sthash.OcW2RrmA.dpuf

Spurs' Game-Plan Could Lead To LeBron Averaging Triple-Double For Series

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 12:30:35 EDT

The NBA has only had 10 players average a triple-double in a playoff series, with only Jason Kidd completing the feat in the past 20 years.

No player has ever averaged a triple-double in The Finals.

LeBron James enters Game 3 averaging 17.5 points, 13 rebounds and 8.5 assists.

The San Antonio Spurs appear to have built their defensive scheme against the Miami Heat around forcing James to be more of a passer than a scorer.

“What I do know is sharing the ball is contagious, and it allows everyone to feel involved in the offense,” James said. “For me personally, I know I attract a lot of attention. This team has been set up the right way where when I do attract attention, we have guys that can make plays.” 

Heat Become 13th NBA Team With Single Affiliate D-League Team

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 13:44:28 EDT

The Miami Heat, the Sioux Falls Skyforce and the NBA Development League announced that the Heat and the Skyforce have entered into a single affiliation partnership beginning with the 2013-14 NBA D-League season. Miami becomes the record 13th NBA team to have a one-to-one affiliation with an NBA D-League team.

The Heat, which joins the Philadelphia 76ers as the second NBA team to become singly affiliated with an NBA D-League team this offseason, will be Sioux Falls’ sole NBA affiliate and will have full control over the team’s basketball operations. To further solidify the relationship, the Skyforce has adopted Miami’s red, yellow and black color scheme and signature font beginning with next season.

The Heat assigned both Dexter Pitman and Jarvis Varnado to the Skyforce last season, the fourth season of the teams’ affiliation. During the 2012-13 season, Sioux Falls was also affiliated with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers. 

Mike Miller Feels Healthy Enough To Extend NBA Career

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 05:20:59 EDT

MIAMI – After scoring nine points on three 3-pointers in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday, Mike Miller admitted his limited minutes for the Miami Heat this season – and the past two years – have been difficult for him. Yet still, he is fresh at the most critical stage now and has the health to extend his NBA career.

“I feel I have four, five seasons left in me,” Miller said after the Heat’s 103-84 win over the San Antonio Spurs. “That might have something to do with the fact I haven’t played. Sometimes, there’s light at the end of the tunnel, even when you’re frustrated. I feel great, so hopefully it stays that way.”

Miller, 33, averaged 4.8 points on 41.7 percent three-point shooting this season.

Miller has two more seasons left on his contract.

Agent: Bosh Was Key Guy In Formation Of Big 3

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 13:55:46 EDT

When LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh became free agents in 2010, it was the latter that may have had the most impactful role in their decision to all sign with the Miami Heat.

"Really, with the decision, I think he was the key guy," said Henry Thomas, Bosh's agent, who also represents Wade. "Once he made the commitment to go to Miami, Dwyane was obviously going through the same thing and talking to the same teams that the other guys were talking to, but once Chris committed there, that had an impact on Dwyane staying there and I think that had an impact on LeBron coming there."

Because James was already considered the world's best player and Wade had been a Finals MVP, Bosh was considered the third guy in the Big 3.

"I just let it go," Bosh said of the criticism. "That's the only thing I can do, because I'm not going to get 30 and 15, or 20 and 10, with this team. Sometimes you have to sacrifice the glory."

Stern: Other Than Miami, Owners Like Luxury Tax Implications

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 20:04:11 EDT

The union of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh on the Miami Heat has coincided with an increase in television viewership and the general popularity of the NBA.

Stern was asked if the NBA's new collective bargaining agreement will jeopardize that success since it will be difficult for the Heat to keep their team in tact while paying a punitive luxury tax.

"Yeah, as a promoter, absolutely," said Stern about keeping the Heat together. "But there are 29 other bosses I have that think it's a great system. And other than the Heat and South Florida media, our league owners think this is a great idea. Because we have owners who want very much to compete.  And they want to be able to tell their fans they can compete.

"So despite the fact as a promoter, I know the Heat have done a great job. They've put together a great roster. They put together perhaps a team for the ages. It has consequences that they are now dealing with, and actually they're much less harsh than the consequences that would have followed had we gotten what we really wanted in the collective bargaining."

Ray Allen Feels Vindication In Signing With Heat

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 00:50:33 EDT

Ray Allen believes his third NBA Finals appearance brings vindication, especially considering he left the Boston Celtics last season for the Miami Heat.

"You try to look at the situation a little bit closer," Allen said. "You step out on the limb every summer and a guy says, ‘am I going to go to this team or that team?’ For me, I guess there is a little bit of vindication because being here is where my whole hope was of doing last summer.”

Allen agrees Paul Pierce is in a difficult position this offseason because the Celtics could either trade or waive him.

"I guess he is at the mercy of what the team wants to do," Allen said.

TNT Has Largest Audience In History With Game 7

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 19:04:13 EDT

TNT's coverage of Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals drew a record 11.5 million viewers.

The game between the Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers was the largest audience in TNT's 29-year history of broadcasting the NBA.

Locally, the game averaged a 31.7 rating in Miami, but just 21.9 in Indianapolis.

Roy Hibbert expressed frustration with the national media following Game 6, saying "Y'all (expletive) don't watch us play."

The NBA will soon begin renegotiating national television contracts.

Riley Nearly Picked Kaman Over Wade In Draft

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 18:21:47 EDT

Due to the success of the Miami Heat going small in last season's playoffs, Erik Spoelstra further embraced the concept in strategy and in personnel.

The Heat had the best regular season record in the NBA and posted excellent numbers, but their lack of size has been an issue against the frontcourt of the Indiana Pacers.

Pat Riley was sold on the practice by Spoelstra, though it went against his commonly believed notions of how to win in the NBA.

"Pat Riley is a guy that believes in having big men," said Windhorst in an ESPN podcast with Bill Simmons. "Pat Riley almost took Chris Kaman ahead of Dwyane Wade in 2003 because he knew how important it was to have a franchise center. At the time, Alonzo Mourning had just gone to New Jersey. If you look at Riley, he believes in the need to have a center."

Wade was selected by the Heat with the fifth overall pick, while the Los Angeles Clippers drafted Kaman sixth.

Bosh Apologized To Teammates Following Game 6

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 14:07:53 EDT

Chris Bosh apologized to his Miami Heat teammates following Game 6 due to his poor performance.

Bosh has failed to score in double-digits in each of the past three games, the first time that has happened in his NBA career.

"It's hard, it's difficult," Bosh said. "Everything you're going to do in the postseason is difficult. And you're going to be put in situations you don't want to be in and you're going to have to do things that you don't want to do. It's part of it, so you might as well get used to it, being miserable and really loving it."

Bosh is averaging just 11.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 0.7 blocks on 41.1 percent shooting in the series. Bosh has a PER of 11.8 in the series.

Bosh has largely been playing on the perimeter during the series in order to bring his man away from the basket.

"I changed my game in Games 1 through 6 and it hasn't really worked," Bosh said. "I just need to do what I do and just let it all hang out." 

Arison Don't Believe LeBron, Wade, Bosh Have Any Plans Set For 2014

Sat, 01 Jun 2013 13:35:57 EDT

With LeBron James eligible to opt out of his contract in 2014, speculation has already begun in the media of whether he will remain with the Miami Heat.

"The only thing I care about is that we win a championship this year," Micky Arison said. "Next year, the only thing I'll care about is we'll win a championship next year. And then, after that, I'll worry about what you're talking about. July next year, that's when I'll start thinking about it."

James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade can all become free agents, though some combinations of those three could also opt in, which makes putting a plan in place difficult for the Heat.

"I assume they don't pay attention to it," said Arison. "I don't know whether they do or they don't, but I assume they don't.

"I mean, you know, I don't think these guys have a clue what they're going to do in '14."

Chris Andersen Suspended By NBA For Game 6 Of ECF

Fri, 31 May 2013 19:43:31 EDT

Chris Andersen has been suspended one game for his physical altercation with Tyler Hansbrough in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals between the Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers, the NBA announced on Friday.

Andersen will miss Game 6 on Saturday.

The incident -- in which Andersen shoved Hansbrough and escalated the altercation -- also was upgraded to a flagrant foul two.

Hansbrough was given a technical foul on the play but had it rescinded on Friday.

Andersen has established himself as a vital part of the Heat's bench.

LeBron, West, Stephenson Receive $5,000 Fines

Thu, 30 May 2013 10:44:14 EDT

The NBA has issued fines of $5,000 to LeBron James, David West and Lance Stephenson for violating its anti-flopping policy.

James and West were penalized for the same play in Game 4.

Stephenson was fined for exaggerating contact after an elbow from Ray Allen.

LeBron Believes He's Not A Flopper, Sees Advantages In It

Tue, 28 May 2013 13:29:43 EDT

LeBron James has denied he is a flopper, but he believes that it is a useful strategy.

"Some guys have been doing it for years, just trying to get an advantage," James said on Monday. "Any way you can get an advantage over the opponent to help your team win, so be it."

The Miami Heat, especially James, and the Indiana Pacers appear to have opposite views on flopping.

"I think it's well documented. I'm not for flopping," Frank Vogel said.

"It happens," Dwyane Wade said. "We would have no NBA possibly if they got rid of all the flopping."

Vogel: Miami Has Toughest Offense To Prepare For In NBA

Tue, 28 May 2013 11:35:50 EDT

The Indiana Pacers had one of the NBA's best defenses during the regular season, but struggled to contain the Miami Heat in Game 3 on that end of the floor.

“It’s probably the most difficult offense to prepare for in the NBA,” Frank Vogel said. “That’s the challenge we have ahead of us. I have great confidence in our ability to make up for the areas we were lacking in (Sunday).”

Udonis Haslem helped the Heat space the court by hitting from the mid-range.

“When they have us spread out, it’s a little harder to contain, especially when they go small (and) have five guys at the 3-point line,” David West said. “Basically it opens the free throw line all the way down to the baseline. For us, we have to stay the course, rely on our ability to make teams shoot contested 2-point shots. We have to contain the dribble a little bit better and we can’t overreact.”

Miami's 70-Point First Half Keyed By LeBron In Post

Mon, 27 May 2013 12:01:09 EDT

The Miami Heat made a concerted effort to feature LeBron James in the post in Game 3.

The Indiana Pacers did not double James, allowing Paul George to try to defend him one-on-one. The Pacers were afraid to give help on James due to the space it would provide for Miami's shooters.

The Heat scored 70 points in the first half.

"It was something we wanted to get to," Erik Spoelstra said. "To help settle us and get us into a more aggressive attack. We wanted to be a little more aggressive, a little more committed to getting into the paint. LeBron was very committed and focused to not settle."

Seven of James' eight field goals in the game came in the paint.

"I made a conscious effort to sit in the post, to put more pressure on the defense," James said. "Coach Spoelstra wanted me to do that and my teammates allowed me to do that."

Wade Receives Flagrant 1, No Suspension For Game 3

Sun, 26 May 2013 14:33:58 EDT

Dwyane Wade has been given a retroactive Flagrant 1 for his elbow on Lance Stephenson in Game 2.

Wade will not be suspended for Game 3.

Dwyane Wade's Knee More Painful Than Last Season

Thu, 23 May 2013 13:46:35 EDT

Dwyane Wade acknowledged before Wednesday's Game 1 against the Indiana Pacers that his left knee injury is more painful than it was last season.

This season's injury is a bone bruise while last year's involved the cartilage, which required surgery in the offseason.

"It’s unfortunate I’ve had to deal with this thing for two months now," Wade said. "When I feel great, I’m going to attack. When I don’t, I know how to be a team player and give of myself for other guys.

"Even though my knee isn’t 100 percent, it ain’t gone.”

James Jones Plans To Pick Up Player Option With Heat

Thu, 23 May 2013 10:58:24 EDT

James Jones plans to pick up his player option to return to the Miami Heat.

“Unless something crazy happens, I’ll be back,’’ Jones said Wednesday.

Jones, 32, is reportedly making $1.76 million this season.

Spoelstra: Chris Bosh Is 'Our Most Important Player'

Sun, 19 May 2013 01:44:12 EDT

After a strong performance in the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Chicago Bulls, Chris Bosh got his coach, Erik Spoelstra, to reiterate a point he has been making throughout the forward's run with the Miami Heat.

“He is our most important player for a reason,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “We’ve said that for three seasons. He allows everything to work on both ends of the court.”

Bosh averaged 13.6 points and 8.6 rebounds against the Bulls and limited Joakim Noah's rebounding impact.

LeBron Seeks Free Throw Advice From Ray Allen

Sat, 18 May 2013 19:46:44 EDT

LeBron James sought the advice of Ray Allen on how to shoot free throws and the four-time MVP is beginning to reap the benefits.

James shot 80.8 percent from the stripe in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

"We’ve talked ad nauseam about his bad habits when he misses free throws, so he kind of has a better idea of it," Allen said. "He should watch real film of it. Not just game film, but on the court practicing. And then find that routine and stick to it and give himself a better chance."

James has taken to challenging Allen to free throw competitions during practice.

"You don’t want to look crazy making six out of 10 when he’s making 10 out of 10 every time," James said. "So, he puts pressure on me to make free throws, and I just try to translate what we do in practice into the game."

Greg Oden 'Looks Ready To Go'

Fri, 17 May 2013 10:46:49 EDT

Greg Oden is attempting to return to the NBA after not playing since 2009.

Oden has received interest from the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat, amongst other teams.

Deshaun Thomas, who attended Ohio State like Oden, said on Thursday that the two have been working out.

"Man, he looks unbelievable," he said at the draft combine. "He's running. He's lifting weights. You might be seeing a comeback. He looks like he's ready to go. He's running, getting in shape. I'll tell you one thing. For a big 7-footer that's all he does, running and getting in shape. He's looking right."

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