MARISSA SILVERA of the Miami Herald reports: Isaiah Rider, the talented but disruptive guard who was released by Denver on Tuesday, will not be pursued by the Heat, according to coach Pat Riley.

Rider, who must be on waivers for 48 business hours (which started Tuesday and does not include Thanksgiving) could be claimed by any team. He was averaging 9.3 points this season.

Riley said he is ``not intending to do that [put in a claim]. I don't need any more confusion. I am not saying that I wouldn't entertain that. Whether it was him or any other free agent, to inject another person to have to teach would just create more confusion. Unless that player was so far above and beyond from the talent standpoint, I don't want to have to teach somebody else.''

Riley's position would appear to nullify any considerations for guard Jim Jackson, who is also available.