Updated: Sep. 22, 2005, 5:08 PM ET Glove work: Heat sign Payton to one-year deal Associated Press
MIAMI -- Gary Payton signed a $1.1 million, one-year deal with Miami on Thursday, the latest move in an offseason filled with significant roster changes by the Heat.
Payton, a nine-time All-Star, again joins Shaquille O'Neal -- who lured the veteran point guard to Los Angeles two seasons ago in what ultimately was a failed title quest with the Lakers, who lost to Detroit in the 2004 Finals.
Payton and Jason Williams -- another new Heat addition -- will be the team's primary point guards entering training camp, which opens in less than two weeks.
"We are very fortunate to have been able to acquire a player of Gary Payton's stature," Heat president Pat Riley said. "He is a proven veteran and will be a big addition to this team."
Miami lost starting point guard Damon Jones to Cleveland earlier this summer; Jones signed a four-year, $16.1 million free-agent deal. That move came after the Heat acquired Williams, James Posey and Antoine Walker in a 13-player, five-team deal -- one where Miami gave up swingman Eddie Jones, another starter from the team that won 59 games last season and posted the Eastern Conference's best regular-season record.
O'Neal lobbied for the Heat to sign Payton, a free agent who averaged 11.3 points and 6.1 assists for Boston last season, saying he was "the only guy in the world" that could help Payton win his elusive first championship. Payton played with Seattle in the 1996 Finals against Chicago, then returned to the title series with the Lakers two seasons ago -- losing both times.
Miami is the fifth team Payton's played for in 16 NBA seasons, and he comes with career averages of 17.6 points, 7.2 assists and 2.0 steals per game. He's third on the NBA's all-time steals list (2,331), sixth in assists (8,508), 12th in minutes played (43,309) and 25th in points (20,829).
They'll lose to Indiana in the conf finals - 7 game series.
Indiana will lose to San Antonio in 5.
Shaq is *still* the dominant force on that team and he's a shadow of his former self. He'll get hurt and Wade will score 55 one playoff game...
there will be a girl wearing a green shirt on the 17th row, center court.
holy shit, I rule at predictions.
Gaazy wrote:Now vonk on the other hand, is one of the most self absorbed know it alls in my memory of this site. Ive always thought so, and I still cant understand why in gods name he is here
Granger isn't as big an addition as people make him out to be.
Indiana is good because they had a good team last year, but losing Reggie will hurt them more than you would think. They haven't been a bad locker room team in the past, mostly because of Reggie, but look at the people on that team. They have locker room drama written all over em.
Artest will retake defensive player
he'll average 21ppg, along with J.O. being a 20/10 guy.
Phoenix will lose in the first round to Denver.
A frustrated Kevin Garnett will demand a trade halfway through the season... won't get it til they finish 11th and scrap their whole roster for young guys, ala Charlotte.
Gaazy wrote:Now vonk on the other hand, is one of the most self absorbed know it alls in my memory of this site. Ive always thought so, and I still cant understand why in gods name he is here
What team has enough young talent to make a trade for garnett?
Answer...NJ or Chicago. Most likely Chicago. It wouldnt surprise me one bit to see Chicago and Minny do a deal half way through the year. With Heinrich and Gordon both playing the point (more or less) it wouldnt shock me to see a Gordon/Curry maybe another lesser player like Duhon for Garnett.
Or the Celtics? They have alot of young talent they could trade. The 1 thing celtics need to do is, get rid of Blount and Raef Larentz, Raef is making 13 mil this year, and so is Paul Pierce
Susvain wrote:Or the Celtics? They have alot of young talent they could trade. The 1 thing celtics need to do is, get rid of Blount and Raef Larentz, Raef is making 13 mil this year, and so is Paul Pierce
Not enough 'young' talent... especially compared to Chicago. I think that they look lilke the best fit for him.
Maybe Cleveland... they bought enough 'tradeable' talent (ala Dallas) to satisfy Minnesota's needs - and $$.
I don't see KG going to a 'veteren' team... not by any means.
Gaazy wrote:Now vonk on the other hand, is one of the most self absorbed know it alls in my memory of this site. Ive always thought so, and I still cant understand why in gods name he is here
im kinda doubtful about indiana's status. but i don't think there would be any drama. i think they've seen the repercussions of what their drama cost them. don't know why but i still have hope for the pistons. im thinking they will give the heat a great run at the conference finals.
Gaazy wrote:Now vonk on the other hand, is one of the most self absorbed know it alls in my memory of this site. Ive always thought so, and I still cant understand why in gods name he is here
Gaazy wrote:Now vonk on the other hand, is one of the most self absorbed know it alls in my memory of this site. Ive always thought so, and I still cant understand why in gods name he is here
sigh... people need to stop comparing the lakers to the bulls.. bulls would have won 8 titles in a row if jordan didn't retire.. .so they won 6 in a row with jordan around. thats double what the lakers did. dynasty is winning more than a few in a row to me in basketball.
aka Celtics, Bulls those are the only 2. until someone comes up with 5 in a row or something
OuchyFish wrote:Vonk I thought you were a Mavs fan. Fuck the Spurs and that shitty city.
I'm the biggest Mav's fan most people know...
I'm simply being realistic.
Gaazy wrote:Now vonk on the other hand, is one of the most self absorbed know it alls in my memory of this site. Ive always thought so, and I still cant understand why in gods name he is here
Malluas wrote:sigh... people need to stop comparing the lakers to the bulls.. bulls would have won 8 titles in a row if jordan didn't retire.. .so they won 6 in a row with jordan around. thats double what the lakers did. dynasty is winning more than a few in a row to me in basketball.
aka Celtics, Bulls those are the only 2. until someone comes up with 5 in a row or something
x2
