News On The Horizon 7/16/2014

Work begins on rebuilding Miami Heat roster--Miami Herald

Chalmers shot 33.3 percent from the field in the Finals and 14.3 percent from three-point range for an average of 4.4 points per game. If he returns to the Heat, he’s expected to compete with Norris Cole for the starting point-guard position.

Miami Heat agrees to multi-year deals with Luol Deng, Mario Chalmers, Chris Andersen--Miami Herald

Heat draft pick Shabazz Napier, a four-year college player, had a dreadful debut in the Orlando summer league where he shot 27.5 percent from the field and 16 percent from three-point range. His game has improved in the Las Vegas summer league, but it’s clear the Heat will need more from its point-guard position, especially now that James is gone. Chalmers provides the Heat with a veteran point guard familiar with Heat coach Erik Spoelstra and his systems. Meanwhile, Norris Cole is a reliable backup ready to take the next step in his career. With James gone, Chalmers will get his chance to become a next-level point guard, and Cole will have the opportunity to take that next step in his career for which he has been waiting.

Chris Bosh sees rebuilt Heat having renewed motivation--South Florida Sun Sentinel

Among Bosh's returning teammates are Dwyane Wade and Udonis Haslem, who are expected to have their new Heat contracts finalized shortly; Mario Chalmers, who reached agreement on a two-year deal Sunday; and Norris Cole, the lone Heat player under guaranteed contract at the start of free agency. Several other members of the 2013-14 roster also could return.

Heat push forward: Chalmers, McRoberts, Granger signed--South Florida Sun Sentinel

Beyond those already locked into the Heat's personnel orbit -- a group that also includes returning point guard Norris Cole and intriguing summer-league prospects James Ennis and Justin Hamilton -- a source familiar with the Heat's strategy confirmed that the team will also be positioned with a $2.7 million "space" salary-cap exception for an additional player from the still abundant free-agent pool.
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With Chalmers back under contract, it gives the Heat flexibility with the contract of Cole, who is due $2 million this coming season.

Heat rookie Shabazz Napier in different situation since draft--South Florida Sun Sentinel

Napier would much rather concentrate on how his situation has changed since being drafted. Before James left, he was originally expected to serve as the backup to guard Norris Cole. All signs pointed toward Mario Chalmers, the starter the past three seasons, leaving via free agency.

Haslem returns; Heat renounce most of bench--South Florida Sun Sentinel

Otherwise capped out, the Heat are now expected to add players who fall through the free-agent cracks, as well as youthful prospects, with summer-league players James Ennis and Justin Hamilton included in that group.

The Heat also remain eligible to conduct trades, which could put Norris Cole's $2 million salary into play.

2013-14 Norris Cole Highlights--Cleveland State Hoops

Summer league wins would be a nice bonus for Kings--Sacramento Bee

Kings coach Michael Malone didn’t begin summer league expecting to win the title, but you wouldn’t know that by the look on his face following a listless second half in Friday’s 85-69 loss to San Antonio. Even though it’s summer league, the defeat bothered Malone. The Kings were outplayed despite starting five players who could be on their opening-night roster, including three – Ben McLemore, Ray McCallum and Derrick Williams – who started last season.

After that loss, the Kings rebounded to win back-to-back games in the league’s opening round. The summer league tournament starts today.
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McCallum hasn’t shot well (33.3 percent), but he had 12 assists in the Kings’ 89-75 win over NBA D-League Select on Monday.

BADER CONCLUDES ORLANDO SUMMER LEAGUE WITH 76ERS--ougrizzlies.com

Top Mid-Major Dunkers to Watch in 2014-2015--Mid-Major Madness

Keifer Sykes, Green Bay: We might as well put Keifer Sykes on every list we make this preseason because he can do it all. While Sykes isn't huge, he can elevate and he should be a staple once again this year on Horizon League video boards.

Broken finger ends Phoenix Suns center Alex Len's summer league--The Arizona Republic

Summer Suns win

Suns second-round draft pick Alec Brownshowed off his calling card — shooting — in the Suns' 93-82 victory against the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday night.

Nordgaard to Brown: 'Work tail off all the time'--Green Bay Press Gazette

Broekhoff Called Into Boomers Camp--valpoathletics.com
Trio of Former Crusaders Head to Finnish National Team Camp--valpoathletics.com

Two Former #HLMBB Players of the Year Named to World Cup Training Camps--Horizon League Network