Barron Looks Like a Lock

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">ORLANDO - This summer represents a special occasion for Earl Barron.

For the first time, the Heat's 25-year-old center has been with the same team for an entire season. It's a distinction overlooked by some, but not the 7-foot reserve with a shooter's touch.

''I love Miami,'' Barron said. ``I love the team. I love the staff and everything about it -- the city, the fans. I would love to definitely go back there, so that's why I'm out here working hard.''

After his four-year college career at Memphis, Barron went undrafted in 2003 and then bounced from Turkey to Huntsville, Ala., to the Philippines. His big break came last summer, when he secured a partially guaranteed contract with the Heat and earned a spot on the team's final roster. The Heat has until July 29 to exercise an option that would keep Barron under contract for next season. If that doesn't happen, he would become a free agent.

''There are teams that have asked about Earl, so I know other teams like him, so we're very happy with Earl,'' said Heat general manager Randy Pfund, who wouldn't comment on Barron's contract status.

While Barron's official standing remains in limbo, all indications suggest he will return to the Heat. Barron dominated the summer league in 2005 and he's doing it again this time around. His 24-point average makes him the six-team league's leading scorer.

Barron had 19 points Thursday in an 89-81 loss to the Indiana Pacers at the RDV Sportsplex in Orlando. His summer-league high was a 33-point effort Tuesday against the New Jersey Nets. The Heat's summer-league squad (2-2) concludes play today with a 1 p.m. game against the Magic.

''The coaches have told me just to work on being consistent,'' Barron said. ``To come out every day and have a big game -- not just points but also rebounds.''

Barron is averaging nine rebounds with a high of 15 against the Nets and a low of four, which came Wednesday against the Chicago Bulls and top pick Tyrus Thomas.

In the past year, Barron has worked extensively on his dribbling skills.

''With Earl we've talked about putting it on the floor more and not just shooting it,'' said Heat assistant Erik Spoelstra, the team's summer-league head coach. ``He's always been such a one-dimensional player . . . and one of the things we've wanted him to do this year with his game is put the ball on the floor.''</div>

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