Heat shut down injured Wade

[cranrab]

Heat shut down injured Wade for rest of season
Associated Press

Updated: March 10, 2008, 11:25 AM EST

Dwyane Wade's season with the Miami Heat is over.

Heat coach Pat Riley announced Monday that Wade, the All-Star guard and 2006 NBA finals MVP who has battled left knee pain throughout the season, will not play in Miami's final 21 games this year.

Coach Pat Riley told the Miami Herald that Wade will have a "stimulation treatment" on Tuesday.

"I think it's time," Riley told the paper. "We've been walking around on eggshells with this thing. This treatment will help him."

The move was expected, although its timing — with so much of the season still to play — was mildly surprising. But Wade missed Miami's game against the Golden State Warriors on Friday because of knee stiffness, telling Riley at the time that it pained him just to get out of bed.

The next day, Wade looked strong playing in Atlanta. But with all hope of the playoffs gone, the Heat — the NBA's worst team at 11-50 — and Wade decided Monday that the time was right to give the franchise's best player additional time to heal and rest.

Wade, who had surgery on his left knee and left shoulder last May, will have a long summer.

He still intends to be part of USA Basketball's team that will compete in the Beijing Olympics in August, and the Heat will open training camp about four weeks after the games. So getting him time to rest and further rehabilitate the knee now, in Miami's eyes, seems paramount.

Wade finishes the season averaging 24.6 points, fifth-best in the NBA

 

[footluva]

thank god!!! now when does pat riley excuse himself from his head coaching duties. i mean cmon they've only won 11 or 12 games, they traded shaq, i mean what else is left. PAT RILEY I KNOW YOU ARE LOOKING AT THIS, "SIT DOWN/FIRE YOUR SELF"!!!!! YOU ARE A DISGRACE. YOU HAD YOUR RUN NOW IT'S OVER.

can somebody say stan van gundy? i bet he's sitting in orlando like you stupid bastards

 

[Built4Life]

Riles got what he wanted and that was the elusive ring. The Heat just have bad talent who don't mesh well. SOme of the young guys will come around, but that may take some time. Wade should have been benched after the All Star game, but I guess they wanted to see what the tandem of Marion and Wade would be like. If they are lucky and get the number 1 draft then their fortunes could turn around in an instant. Wade was injured all year, and an injury will hamper your performance.

 

[Muzikal]

i HATE living in miami.. shitty ass dolphins, heat, marlins, and the fucking florida panthers. B.O.M. = bombs over miami

 

[slowmotion]

Riles got what he wanted and that was the elusive ring. The Heat just have bad talent who don't mesh well. SOme of the young guys will come around, but that may take some time. Wade should have been benched after the All Star game, but I guess they wanted to see what the tandem of Marion and Wade would be like. If they are lucky and get the number 1 draft then their fortunes could turn around in an instant. Wade was injured all year, and an injury will hamper your performance.

Riley already had rings from his time with the Lakers.

 

[Rollie_Fingaz]

i HATE living in miami.. shitty ass dolphins, heat, marlins, and the fucking florida panthers. B.O.M. = bombs over miami

Believe it or not, the Heat can be fixed relatively fast. A healthy Wade and a re-signed Marion are good building blocks. Plus you will have a LOT of salary cap space next year.

Give up some of those expiring contracts for Mike Miller and try to convince one of those big name free agents to sign (preferably Jermaine O'Neal) and you have a squad that will be competitive next year.

Not to mention I have faith that Parcells can turn around the Dolphins.

 

[RunawaySlave]

Once again, it's the FANS who get shitted on. "Shutting down" Wade because he has "general soreness" in his body. I mean, if the guy was really hurt, then protect him, but the guy just played the other day and WANTS to play but the idiot coach thinks his team has nothing to play for??

Heat have "nothing to play for"?? Try telling that to the guy paying a small fortune for seasons' tickets and who drives hundreds of miles a year through all kinds of fucked up Miami weather to go to these games

Tell you what Pat...since the Heat have "nothing to play for" how about all 10,000 fans go to the box office and demand refunds?? I bet if the fucking stadium was EMPTY, Dwayne Wade would be playing with 2 broken legs no matter what the team record was

 

[Entrepronegro]

good d-wade need to get ready for next season cause this season is ruined.

 

[Calaback626]

^^^ I'd Smash that chick in ya icon somethin fierce ^^^

 

[xfactor]

Once again, it's the FANS who get shitted on. "Shutting down" Wade because he has "general soreness" in his body. I mean, if the guy was really hurt, then protect him, but the guy just played the other day and WANTS to play but the idiot coach thinks his team has nothing to play for??

Heat have "nothing to play for"?? Try telling that to the guy paying a small fortune for seasons' tickets and who drives hundreds of miles a year through all kinds of fucked up Miami weather to go to these games

Tell you what Pat...since the Heat have "nothing to play for" how about all 10,000 fans go to the box office and demand refunds?? I bet if the fucking stadium was EMPTY, Dwayne Wade would be playing with 2 broken legs no matter what the team record was

C'mon man. An injured Wade is doing more of a disservice to the fans by being out there banged up. Not only is he hurting the fans, the game, but he's furthering the damage to himself.

He's a true competitor but why continue to play when all he's going to break himself down even more? I'm 100% convinced that his shoulder is still fucked up from last year and that seems to be his main problem.

 

[RunawaySlave]

Then sit the guy down. If he's really as injured as that, he shouldn't have been out there from the beginning. But the reports I read never indicated that there were any specific injuries. Only that he was "sore" (which is understandable, considering how many falls he takes)

I maintain that half the "injuries" in the NBA wouldn't even happen if so many players weren't always flopping around.

All that falling down is taking a toil

Anyway, it STILL does not excuse the sentiment of shutting down a player because the team "has nothing to play for"

As long as they are drawing a salary, there is SOMETHING to play for. Damnit

 

[RunawaySlave]

Orlando clinched a playoff spot on Saturday.

 

[Rollie_Fingaz]

There is still a chance that Mourning may come back. If he's healthy he could give valuable minutes in the middle/

A lineup of Wade, Marion and Mourning is not a bad lineup.

 

[cranrab]

Once again, it's the FANS who get shitted on. "Shutting down" Wade because he has "general soreness" in his body. I mean, if the guy was really hurt, then protect him, but the guy just played the other day and WANTS to play but the idiot coach thinks his team has nothing to play for??

Heat have "nothing to play for"?? Try telling that to the guy paying a small fortune for seasons' tickets and who drives hundreds of miles a year through all kinds of fucked up Miami weather to go to these games

what better thread than this one to bring up a topic that just made national attention on TNT?

Agent responds to Timberwolves owner: Anyone questioning Kevin Garnett's effort 'is delusional'
By Rick Alonzo
ralonzo@pioneerpress.com
Article Last Updated: 03/18/2008 06:03:55 PM CDT

The Minnesota Timberwolves have been accused in recent seasons for tanking down the stretch to try to improve their draft position. But owner Glen Taylor strongly denies it, especially regarding what happened at the end of last season.

"It was more like, I'd say, K.G. tanked it," Taylor said today.

Kevin Garnett took himself out of the lineup late last season, Taylor said. Garnett missed the last five games with what was said to be a sore right quadriceps.

"I think the other guys still wanted to play, but it sure changed the team and didn't make us as (good)," Taylor said.

Andy Miller, Garnett's agent, vehemently denies that his client "tanked it."

"Every person is entitled to his or her own opinion," said Miller.

"While I believe this opinion is somewhat jaded and skewed, I think it speaks for itself. K.G. is a consummate professional, one of the most competitive and team-success driven players I've ever known and probably anyone in the NBA has ever known. His effort and care and consideration for the game of basketball and for his teammates, the organization and the individuals that play with him speaks for itself."

Miller says Garnett was injured.

"He was absolutely injured at the end of last season," Miller said. "He was injured throughout the entire season and played through the injury. There's nothing K.G. wanted more than to win and bring a championship to Minnesota. Anyone that would question his effort is delusional and self-serving.

"We've moved on obviously to a different and higher place, from K.G's point of view. As far as Minnesota is concerned, I hope they would move on. They're in a different place now. Their goals and situation is much different."

Garnett was traded during the offseason to the Boston Celtics.

Taylor said he believes the Wolves should try to win as many games as possible down the stretch this season. It's the right approach for everyone involved, from players to fans, he said.

"I just think at this point where we are, these are the characteristics that are most important — that they play defense, that they play together, that they know that they can win," Taylor said. "I just really believe it is the right thing. I haven't had to argue with (vice president Kevin) McHale on that or coach (Randy Wittman) on that. They all just agree on that."

Taylor said there's no point trying to lose games down the stretch this season in hopes of improving their odds of getting one of the top few draft picks.

"Let's be realistic," Taylor said. "We've never been lucky."

The Wolves have never improved their projected draft position via the lottery. Every team that misses the playoffs qualifies for the lottery. The worse you finish, the higher the number of Ping-pong balls you get for the lottery. The team with the worst record has a 25 percent chance of winning the lottery, but is guaranteed to draft no worse than fourth.

Taylor said he believes his team might finish with the fifth- or sixth-worst record in the league if it keeps playing well and winning games. The Wolves, owners of the league's third-worst record (16-50), have won four of their past six games.

"I would just say, why are we winning? We're winning for them (the team)," Taylor said. "I think the other thing you're doing is, you're winning for your fans. I think we've got to show the fans that there is a plan, that we're going to improve next year. You can see where we were and this is where we're going and that next year we should be a better team."

Taylor said he thinks the team's biggest improvement next season will have to come from the development of the players already on the roster, not through the draft or free agency.

He said he's enjoyed watching the team improve this season under the circumstances. The Wolves are young and rebuilding.

"It's so much more fun to see a bunch of guys working up close to their ability," Taylor said. "I'm telling you, they can be better. Randy tells you that, too. We can play better defense. (That's more fun) than to see a bunch of guys that have way more ability and wouldn't pass the ball and wouldn't get down to the end (of a game) and put the pressure on (opponents)."

Regarding Wittman, Taylor said he believes the coach "has done a good job" this season.

"I can tell you at the end of the year, I'm going to ask Randy and his staff to do a better job next year," Taylor said. "It isn't just, 'The team's got to be better.' I think it was a difficult job we gave him this year because you've got so many new guys, and you're trying to figure out individually what they should do and how they're going to work together."

 

[RunawaySlave]

Cran, when it comes to fans and the abuse they get, I kind of disregard anything a commentator or writer has to say. Those guys all go to the games for free. Oftentimes, even the writers have transportation to the games PROVIDED for them and get to stay at hotels. Courtesy of the paper or station they work for.

And we KNOW the commentators get treated like royalty. Many of them are ex-players and have been getting that kind of treatment since their college days. Some of them even got a little of it in high school.

I say all that, to say that their perspective on fans (who trudge through blizzards, tax revenues for team owners, stadium costs, rainstorms, increases in property taxes, decreases in jobs, intense heat, gas prices, and whatever other little surprises Mother Nature and Uncle Sam have in store for them just to support these fools), is probably somewhat flawed.

These guys are damned lucky and need to remember that shit

 

[cranrab]

Cran, when it comes to fans and the abuse they get, I kind of disregard anything a commentator or writer has to say.

'nuff said.

i thought this was a good place to continue this topic, given the KG fuel added tonight, since we had already started a thread.

i'm certain we'll see MORE of this down the stretch of the regular season too. IN SPITE OF the playoff seeding race in the west, I'M SURE we'll see entire squads "shutting down" to preserve energy and health going into the playoffs.

of course, that will be at the expense of THE FAN.

 

[RunawaySlave]

Unfortunately, you are absolutely correct.

I can understand RESTING starters. Giving the backups a chance to get their feet wet. But to simply "shut down" under the guise of having "nothing to play for" disgusts me.

Not when there's some 10 year old, whose parent might've saved up ALL SEASON to give their child a chance to see their heroes (whether you like it or not....you are a fucking hero to them and in essence...a role model) perform for ONE game. Or the season ticket holder working 3 jobs so he can afford those tickets (I know people). Or the guy paying 12 bucks for a damn hot and soda (that would be me) to support your 1 million dollar average salary, 335 dollar meal per diem, free medical coverage, unlimited sick day, having ass

As long there's ONE mutha fugga braving all the shit this society puts in front of them to watch you, there is something to "play" for


**off ma soapbox**

 

[Riggz]

My raptors played them last night...it was over in the 1st quarter..it's real sad what's going on in Miami. My 9 year old nephew and I were reminiscing about when we used to use the Heat in NBA Live 06. Those days are over...

 

[trick20]

if they can keep marion and add artest or agent zero..plus a lottery pick they could bounce back

 

[cranrab]

Marion out for season with foot injury
Associated Press

Updated: April 3, 2008, 2:45 PM EST

Miami Heat forward Shawn Marion will miss the final seven games of the season because of a left foot injury.

Marion has been sidelined with back spasms that forced him to sit out 11 of the past 12 games. He will undergo treatment and will not be able to participate in basketball activity for about 30 days.

Marion appeared in 16 games for Miami after being acquired in early February as part of the trade that sent Shaquille O'Neal to the Phoenix Suns.

Marion becomes another in the long line of Heat players out for the season with injuries, a list that includes Dwyane Wade, Alonzo Mourning and Dorell Wright, all of whom have knee problems.

Marion can choose to become a free agent after the season.

The Heat have the NBA's worst record, 13-62, and are just 5-42 since Christmas.

 

[mindstretcher]

pbbfhhhh...this trade might be the turning point in his career, i truely hope not though. on the real, i think miami might have exposed him.

and oh yeah, get this, marion apparently had the audacity to say that he still might opt out in the offseason. he said something to the extent that he was still "undecided".

come on now....he aint opting out of shheeeiitt!

 

[RunawaySlave]

Marion becomes another in the long line of Heat players out for the season with injuries, a list that includes Dwyane Wade, Alonzo Mourning and Dorell Wright, all of whom have knee problems.

Could it be the drill sargeant practices Riley tries to run.
(and who isn't even there for these days?)


I wouldn't blame Marion for opting out if he can

 

[cranrab]

I wouldn't blame Marion for opting out if he can

no state income tax is a huge incentive to stay, but personally, i'd choose to opt out also.

team in flux, front office unstable, why risk getting traded and having NO say in where you end up when you could become a free agent and CHOOSE amongst your suitors?

 

[mindstretcher]

Isn't Marion making max money? $16 mill/yr i think hes making. Hes aint seeing this kind of money again if he opts out! As a matter of fact, Ill be shocked if another team offers him anything near that vicinity!

That was my whole point when i said he aint opting out of sheiit! And what, now he's shutting it down because of plantar fascitis?? Come on fellas. Him and his agent knows his value is dropping with each game he plays for the heat. Smart business move to be honest, in case he does decide (he'll be an idiot mind you) to opt out.

Very rarely i see a player leave for less money to head to a better situation at his age, but than again stranger things have happened like Joe Smith turning down a 100 milion and Sprewell saying no to a 3yr/21mill to never to play ball again. lol

 

[cranrab]

Isn't Marion making max money? $16 mill/yr i think hes making. Hes aint seeing this kind of money again if he opts out!

shawn marion is making $16+M this year and stands to make $17+M next year. that isn't a "max" deal, is it? i thought "max" deals topped out in the $20+M range like shaquille o'neal and kevin garnett.

i'm thinking more about where he wants to PLAY, and less on how much he wants to get PAID. he was getting PAID in phoenix, but wasn't happy there either.

so let's say he leaves $17+M on the table next year to play somewhere that could afford him (complete hypothetical), like charlotte. maybe they DON'T offer him the same money, but it could still be in the same ball park AND charlotte would STILL be well under the 2008-09 salary cap.

more importantly, he'd still have proven young guns to play with:

raymond felton
jason richardson
gerald wallace
emeka okafor (maybe)

unlike the situation in miami, which is one enormous question mark.

 

[Rollie_Fingaz]

shawn marion is making $16+M this year and stands to make $17+M next year. that isn't a "max" deal, is it? i thought "max" deals topped out in the $20+M range like shaquille o'neal and kevin garnett.

i'm thinking more about where he wants to PLAY, and less on how much he wants to get PAID. he was getting PAID in phoenix, but wasn't happy there either.

so let's say he leaves $17+M on the table next year to play somewhere that could afford him (complete hypothetical), like charlotte. maybe they DON'T offer him the same money, but it could still be in the same ball park AND charlotte would STILL be well under the 2008-09 salary cap.

more importantly, he'd still have proven young guns to play with:

raymond felton
jason richardson
gerald wallace
emeka okafor (maybe)

unlike the situation in miami, which is one enormous question mark.

Your theory is cool, but I personally think that the Knicks will make a play for both him (providing they make the right offer to him) and Jermaine O'Neal. They are the only team dumb enough to give him max money.

 

[outlaw]

i HATE living in miami.. shitty ass dolphins, heat, marlins, and the fucking florida panthers. B.O.M. = bombs over miami

Fallback...
2006 championship for the Heat
Everytime the Marlins make the playoffs they win the World Series (6-0)
5 super bowl appearances for the Dolphs are better than most in the league
Panthers