Wright Could Miss All of Training Camp

Shapecity · Sep 28, 2008

Insisting he has gotten past coaching and is content in a full-time front-office role, Pat Riley said two days before the start of training camp, "I haven't given practice one thought."

But that doesn't mean the Miami Heat president doesn't have plenty on his mind.

Riley, during a conference call today, revealed several factors that will impact Erik Spoelstra's first training camp as coach.

In his comments, Riley said:
Forward Dorell Wright could wind up missing all of training camp, as he rehabs from the meniscal tear of his left knee the sidelined him for the final 24 games of last season. Riley acknowledged that the surgery was more complicated than initially disclosed, but said the team remains hopeful of having Wright back on the court by the Oct. 29 season opener in New York.

Forward Udonis Haslem has been limited by a toe injury in recent days, leaving his availability for the opening camp sessions somewhat in question.

Due to luxury-tax concerns, the Heat currently does not have the funds to add another player, even one at a minimum salary. Riley said the team stands $415,000 in payroll from triggering the dollar-for-dollar luxury tax.

Because of that, undrafted free-agent guard Jason Richards will be carried on the final 15-man roster, despite already being declared out for the season due to a torn ACL. In essence, that will leave the team with only 14 roster spots for active players.

Riley said the Heat remains intrigued by free-agent guard Shaun Livingston, who continues to rehabilitate from a severe knee injury sustained in the middle of the 2004-05 season. Riley, who compared Livingston's build and promise to that of Magic Johnson, said the luxury-tax issues would preclude an immediate move toward the former Los Angeles Clipper.

"Right now," Riley said, "we're not in the market for anybody.

"We are happy with the roster we are going into training camp with."

In discussing what he expects to be a limited public presence, Riley said he has given Spoelstra clearance to make all decisions regarding the playing rotation and game strategy.

"That's behind me and I love watching Erik work," said Riley, who stepped down as coach after the Heat went a league-worst 15-67 last season.

Riley said he has had frequent conversations with Spoelstra regarding personnel, saying the intent is to move forward with the 20 players currently working with the team, the league maximum for camp, despite question marks at center and point guard.

"If we're a little unbalanced right now," Riley said, "we'll try to correct it."

Asked if he had an organizational preference about the team's starting forwards, with Haslem, Shawn Marion and rookie Michael Beasley all in the mix, Riley said, "It's Erik's decision. It's not mine."
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Source: Sun-Sentinel

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Wright Could Miss All of Training Camp

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Wright Could Miss All of Training Camp

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