Sun-Sentinal MIAMI -- Heat coach Stan Van Gundy toned down the playbook and turned up the possibilities in Tuesday's 95-91 exhibition victory over the Magic. With centers Shaquille O'Neal and Michael Doleac sidelined by calf injuries, and with injuries also keeping forwards Shandon Anderson and Jason Kapono off the court, Van Gundy examined some alternatives at half-empty AmericanAirlines Arena. Rookie free agent Earl Barron was given time behind starting center Alonzo Mourning. In 25 minutes, there were five fouls, six points and four rebounds, in a mostly nondescript performance. Antoine Walker was given his first minutes of the preseason at small forward. The result was too quick a trigger with 3-point attempts after displaying low-post excellence earlier while utilized in the power rotation. Walker closed 0 of 4 on 3-pointers, 6 of 8 on the rest of his shots. Most significantly, second-year swingman Dorell Wright was given significant time alongside the regulars. That outcome was particularly pleasing, with the 19-year-old closing with 14 points on 6-of-13 shooting. "He played the game simply, and that's a great step for him," Van Gundy said. "That's probably the best day Dorell's had since he's been here, in a practice or in a game." With Anderson out with back spasms, Kapono lost early in the second quarter with a bruised left knee, and Matt Walsh given the night off, Wright had a rare canvas on which to create an impression. He played particularly well in an up-tempo second unit that featured himself, Walker and Gary Payton. "Today was more proving myself, showing I'm ready," he said. "I had a chance to show my athleticism." Before the game, Van Gundy spoke of moving toward simplicity, noting he had already installed 132 play options. "I badly overloaded them," he said. Amid the new simplicity, there was clarity. After averaging 23 turnovers in its first three exhibition games, there were 17 in the team's final home exhibition, with the next four on the road. "The game was a step forward," Van Gundy said. "We played with much better energy. I think there was a conscious effort to make plays and move the ball." Source
The kid's got athleticism. I was hearing the game yesterday and as soon as we secured the rebound Wright had already beat everyone to the other end of the court and was just waiting for the pass to score the easy basket. Him and Wade are gonna make a great backcourt some day.
When I heard the game I thought that this Wright kid was pretty good. He made 2 key free throws late in the game that put it a step out of reach for us. I expect him becoming a pretty good player. Hang onto him,
I've liked Dorrell Wright since he got drafted, and I think he's capable of big things but I just hope they dont send him to the D-League considering its only his second year in the league. On a star studded roster like the one Miami has it'd be hard for him to find time, but I hope somehow he gets in some minutes this year.
I really liked how Dorrell played the other night. He showed his athleticism and I really think he has a great future ahead.
