TNT's NBA Insider David Aldridge is reporting that the Raptors and Zo are very close on a buyout and that once that happens (within 48 hours) he should resign with the Heat. I think it's great for the Heat, anyone see any downside?
This makes Miami a better team if Zo can stay healthy. Imagine Shaq and Zo side by side The Law Firm of Wallace and Wallace will have no answer for the Heat's frontcourt. It also gives Miami that PF that it needs to slow down Tim Duncan (like Malone did with the Lakers). But then again the Spurs could go with Duncan and Malone side by side.
I'm not sure how much better the Heat are adding in Zo. He will help and adding a big body for nothing is always a good move but I don't know how much he has left. Will he even manage to hold up for the rest of the season + playoffs? I'm not so sure. I don't think It makes Miami a lock for anything. They will still have a tough time getting past Detroit and San Antonio.
I think any time you add a player like Zo it would certainly help your team. He is an able bodied 7 footer who can hit the 10-12 foot jumper consistently. Now that he is on a winning team he will also bring a good veteran presence to the team and might be able to teach Udonis Haslem and even Michael Doleac a thing or two. In regards to the playoffs, I think he can be healthy because he has done nothing but rest and workout since the Vince trade. I always thought he was healthy enough to play for the Raptors, he just didn't want to and who could blame him? This dude is essentially playing only half a season, he may just have enough juice for the playoffs.
This would be a good addition for the Heat. Like you guys mentioned Alonzo will come in and contribute some on the offensive end but mainly play goood defense on players like Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan. But if Alonzo does come to Miami what happens to Udonis Haslem? He's been doing a solid job playing at the Power Forward position. If you bring Zo in would you start Haslem or him? Would you go with a veteran or youth? Stan Van Gundy will have some decisions to make.
Tough time getting by Detroit? The first time they met the Heat, the Heat lost to a clutch inbound pass layup. The second time they met the Heat, the Heat corrected their mistakes and beat em. The only people who have a tough time getting by Detroit is their fans who still think they are "the team to beat"....they have a tough time getting over it! Anyways this is addition makes the Heat a better team and gives em that PF that they're gonna need to slow down Tim Duncan. Can you guys imagine TD and Malone going at it with Shaq and Zo?
People who doubt the Pistons are not very smart people. The Pistons turn It on in the 2nd half of the season and have often slacked off in the early part of the year. They are built for the playoffs, not the regular season. Head to head match-ups in the season don't mean much. The Pacers beat Detroit last year 3-1 and lost in 6 at the ECF. So again head to head don't mean anything come playoff time. Oh and for the record, the Pistons win against the Heat was without Ben Wallace. The Pistons threw away the 2nd game after controlling It throughout, missing their normal shots when It mattered gave Miami the win. But keep believing what you like, keep thinking the Pistons aren't going to be right up there when the playoffs come around, keep thinking the Heat are going to roll to the finals. You will be in for a surprise come april/june. The Heat could very well make the finals but the Pistons will be a big test. It's one thing to beat teams in the regular season, It's totally different having to beat a team 4 out of 7. Anyway, now back to Zo. He has been bought out and If he clears waivers could sign with Miami in a few days.
...and now back to reality. ESPN is reporting that Zo has been waived and when he clears waivers his contract will be bought out.
If 'Zo stays healthy, this adds some good depth to the bench. Miami already has a good bench, and 'Zo brings some experience in. He should mesh well, I would love to see this Miami team win a championship with him too.
if zo has no problems not being the main man, and is ok with not scoring 15ppg+ then it should be fine
If the Heat can get 'Zo, then they would have the first three picks from the 1992 draft, Shaq, 'Zo, and Laettner. That would be pretty cool. Miami would only sign him though if they feel that he can stay healthy.
I'm watching the Heat and Spurs game right now. Alonzo is there with his son. When he walked in the crowd burst into applause. Then Bill Walton and Dr.Jack Ramsay are talking about the buyout and how they are 99% sure that Alonzo will sign with Miami. Alonzo declined an interview so they haven't talked to him yet.
Alonzo signing with us gives us several options to go with: 1. Zo spells Shaq or Haslem, which in turn allows Doleac to spell Haslem as well, or vice versa. One of our biggest problems is points in the paint against us when Shaq is on the bench. Plugging Zo in the middle now definately changes the oppositions opportunity to attack the rim. 2. Haslem is the man and I appreciate the work he puts in, but sometimes the height difference can be a problem. Zo is a taller, stronger defender who could prove as a stronger defender against teams like SA and Detroit. The Pistons added the final piece to there team when they traded for Rasheed last season. I believe this move puts the Heat in a similar situation. I like the makeup of this team, and I believe in the starters that we have right now. Im not one who is looking for a trade at this time, so to add Zo to the Heat without losing anything substantial is really a plus.
Am I the only person that hates this? The heat are considered by many to be a contending team,and now they get to add Zo for....nothing?!?Damn you Terrell Owens.The NBA's players saw your crybaby tactics when you refused to play for Baltimore and demanded to be traded to philadelphia.Now Malone was about to try it,Alonzo just did it.This annoys me almost as much as the lakers adding Payton and Malone for dirt cheap.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting GiantMidget:</div><div class="quote_post">Am I the only person that hates this? The heat are considered by many to be a contending team,and now they get to add Zo for....nothing?!?Damn you Terrell Owens.The NBA's players saw your crybaby tactics when you refused to play for Baltimore and demanded to be traded to philadelphia.Now Malone was about to try it,Alonzo just did it.This annoys me almost as much as the lakers adding Payton and Malone for dirt cheap.</div> Hate it then Midget
Haslem is gonna be special... they need to keep him... and keep him happy. We'll regret it if we lose Haslem and he goes to another team and starts getting 18 and 11.
Alonzo needs 2 come off the bench without a dizoubt haslem needs to start as PF. I think he's a great addition to the team especially when it comes to playoff time. My confidence will stay strong in heat winning playoffs if alonzo plays well with the heat and avoids injury.