"Although Butler is the frontrunner for the small forward spot, the Heat is not ready to trust the backup spot to 18-year-old rookie Dorell Wright, whose slender frame seems more suited to the backcourt. The Heat, which still has its $1.6 million lower exception and $2.5 million left from its midlevel exception, has other options. Mark Bartelstein, agent for veteran forward Eric Williams, has been in regular discussions with Heat General Manager Randy Pfund. Williams, 32, averaged 9.1 points and 4.7 rebounds in 28.7 minutes per game in 79 starts for the Celtics in 2002-03. He averaged 10 points and 4 rebounds with the Celtics and Cavaliers last season. Williams' defense, ballhandling and leadership qualities have been praised since his days at Providence. If the Heat grows impatient in its pursuit of free-agent power forwards Robert Horry and Karl Malone, Rodney Rogers remains a viable solution to fill out its primary power rotation of O'Neal, Michael Doleac, Udonis Haslem and Malik Allen. "Rodney's physicality inside would aid Shaquille and keep other teams from doubling down on him," said Rogers' agent, James Williams, who has Miami and San Antonio atop his wish list. "Rodney's the type of guy that you want to account for on the floor." At 6-7 and 265 pounds, Rogers owns a 35.3 percent 3-point shooting mark. He has averaged 11.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2 assists in 12 seasons but is coming off two disappointing years with the Nets. However, when Rogers started 10 straight games for an injured Kenyon Martin from March 19 to April 6, he averaged 16.4 points, 8.3 rebounds and 4 assists." http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/sfl-hea...la-sports-front
Rodney Rogers has more offense skills than Eric Williams, but the version of Rogers that you see now late in his basketball career doesnt give half the effort of Eric Williams. If this was Rogers coming off his days in PHX, I would say that the Heat should go after him because that Rogers would have been an excellent fit alongside Shaq. His size & shooting touch from the perimeter would really have stretched the defense & losen things up for Shaq. And he could have also been a legit scorer alongside Shaq in the high post because Rogers use to have a decent post up game. But with the lack of effort & inconsisent play Rogers displayed on the Nets over the pass 2 years, I wouldnt touch him with a 10 foot pole. Eric Williams on the other hand isnt as offensive gifted but he is clearly a leader. And is a very verstile defender and gives alot of effort on D, which Rogers doesnt. And he has an ok game in the mid-range area so he will provide the heat with a few baskets here & there. I'll go with Eric Williams' intangablies over Rogers' inconsistent offensive skills.
Im saying they should go after Williams he's a great role player and he hustles a lot on the court. Off the court he's a great guy in the locker room, from what I've read.
I think even in his current condiotion, Rogers would help the heat immensely, especially if they're able to sign Horry as well...Rogers is a huge physical presence who can knock down the 3 with accuracy as well...I think he'd be the ideal complement to Shaq...
Go after williams imo. He has more basketball knowledge and would help the team out more and bring a good attitude. While rodgers over the years has begun the down fall of his career. He is out of shape now and his offensive game is no were near what it once was signing him would be like signing childs, kemps, or another out of shape player who had a great past. Williams is still very much in shape he can rebound pass and run the break better than rodgers imo. Also he has a great attitude when it comes to playing with young superstars so he would be great for wade. He also doesnt want the ball every time down court and would fit well with shaq. Though the heat are a very bad three point shooting team so they may target rodgers for that reason since skip was there top three point shooter and he was signed by the raptors earlier this off season and he did only shoot 40% the league average these days.
apparently the nets are also looking to sign eric williams. the heat are also looking for another backup pg and are interested in charlie ward. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Sun-Sentinal:</div><div class="quote_post">Interest in Ward While the Heat continues to shop for free-agent forwards such as Eric Williams and Robert Horry with its salary exceptions, it's still in the market for another backup point guard, despite the recent signing of Keyon Dooling. The agent for longtime Knicks nemesis Charlie Ward said the interest is mutual. "Charlie's history with [Pat Riley] and the addition of Shaq to go with the dynamic Dwyane Wade, plus Charlie's roots in Florida puts Miami in the running," said Ward's agent Craig McKenzie. "Charlie doesn't make mistakes." After 10? years on the Knicks, Ward, 33, was traded to the Spurs in the second half of last season. The 6-foot-2 Ward, who has averaged 6.3 points and 4.1 rebounds while averaging 36.6 percent from 3-point range, would most likely command the veteran minimum's $1.1 million. Now that the Nets have cleared salary space by dealing Kerry Kittles to the Clippers, they're believed to be battling the Heat for the services of Williams. </div> http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/sfl-hea...la-sports-front
I think they should go after Eric Williams. They already have thier 4 Man big Men rotation set, and they need depth at the 2 and 3 since Wright is not quite ready. PG: Dwyane Wade/KeyonDooling SG: Eddie Jones/DorrellWright SF :Eric Williams/Rasual Butler PF: Udonis Haslem/Malik Allen C: Shaquille O'Neal/Michael Doleac Those are the top players that'll be getting PT if they get Williams, and it seems solidified with him.
Well apparently the Nets will be announcing the signing of Eric Williams, so he's out of the picture.
And Rodney Rogers is going to a different team as well... the Heat really need to take action fast and pounce on the remaining FAs or else we won't have too high a chance to win it all...
They NEED to get Karl Malone. People dont relize how great a defender he is right now. THey just say hes some olf bastard who should retire. He IS the BEST FA currently available even at his age. He is the most fit player in the WHOLE league. He could probably play until hes 45 if he wanted to. They need to get him. Horry would be nice too. I wouldve loved to get Eric Williams but apparantley hes already singed with the Nets. I cant believe the Nets actually made a good move this off season.
