July 12, 200422 yr Jordan eyeing Shaq in Miami? E-mail this story Printer-friendly format Search archives Recent Columns -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Olympics fulfills Wade's dream Jul 9, 2004 Curry good bait for deal Jun 28, 2004 Winning will take time Jun 25, 2004 Not even top selection a sure thing Jun 24, 2004 Fizer eyes 'new beginning' Jun 23, 2004 Ads by Google Michael Jordan Autographs Auth. Signed Basketballs & Jerseys Low Prices & Free Shipping www.HallOfFameMemorabilia.com Shaq O Neal Signed Signed Basketballs, Photos & more. Low Prices and Free Shipping www.prosportsmemorabilia.com Michael Jordan Autograph Shop for Sports Equipment! Find, Compare and Buy www.Shopping.com Michael Jordan Autograph Compare prices on Sporting Goods at Pricetool! www1.PriceTool.com Shaq Jersey Yahoo! Shopping: Compare & Save Top brands, great stores, low price Yahoo.com July 12, 2004 It looks as if Shaquille O'Neal is headed to the Miami Heat. Is Michael Jordan next? Now, that would be a dream teaming. Jordan, according to a source with knowledge of the situation, has been in discussions with Heat ownership about joining the organization as an owner. Although there was no other confirmation, it makes sense for both Jordan and NBA Commissioner David Stern. Stern has been trying to get Jordan back into the NBA in an ownership position ever since Jordan's attempt to buy the Milwaukee Bucks failed last year. Jordan has made it clear, after his ugly ending with the Wizards, that he never again would put himself in a position to be fired or managed by an organization, as he was in Washington. Stern has openly listed one of his main priorities as getting Jordan back into the NBA in some capacity. Stern, to his credit, believes in keeping the great names of the game active in the NBA. That approach has proved popular with fans and has been good for business. With O'Neal apparently headed from the Lakers to the Heat in a trade for Lamar Odom, Caron Butler, Brian Grant and a draft pick, Miami might be the perfect location for Jordan. The team would have a good chance to win a championship and Jordan would be in position to use what many say could be his greatest strength as an owner: Attracting top talent to join him. The chance to play with O'Neal clearly would be an enhancement in that regard. Already there is the possibility Karl Malone might sign with the Heat to try for that elusive championship. Miami also was the only NBA team (other than the Bulls) to retire Jordan's No. 23, at then-coach and now President Pat Riley's request, when Jordan was on his retirement/farewell tour. Shaq, Jordan and Riley. Now that's an organization. The Heat has been in financial difficulty in recent years. It's also the only NBA team that has hidden its balcony behind a curtain because of empty seats. Fortunes improved during Miami's exciting playoff run, but rumors remain that the franchise is one of most likely to be sold. The Las Vegas Heat? That's a name that fits the move. South Florida isn't the greatest place for an NBA franchise. Pro basketball never has been big there. Even the old ABA bailed out after a short stay. It has been a struggle for the Heat, which already is playing in its second new arena since joining the NBA in 1988 and historically ranks among the lowest in average attendance. With the lure of Las Vegas, O'Neal and Dwyane Wade in Heat uniforms, and Jordan in an ownership position, it would be no problem for him to put together a major ownership group. Jordan would have a chance to run the first major-league sports franchise in Las Vegas. And what a draw that would be for players. Stern has rejected talk of a team moving there, but the area is growing rapidly as a major retirement destination and it's probably inevitable that a major sports league will move there. Moreover, the NBA tends to be ahead of rival leagues in its thinking. Still, that's probably some time away. For now, forget the recent disclaimer that the Eastern Conference is wide open because, well, you're in the Eastern Conference. With O'Neal, Miami becomes a legitimate power. Sure, it could be short term. O'Neal is 32 with a history of missing games due to foot problems. The result has been an inability to remain in good condition. But they only give out trophies and rings in the present and the Heat would look awfully good with O'Neal. Indiana Pacers CEO Donnie Walsh always liked to say the difference between the East and West was one guy: O'Neal. But the Detroit Pistons are the reigning NBA champions and the Pacers remain a serious contender. The Eastern Conference still may not have quite the depth of the Western Conference. And O'Neal isn't quite the player he was. He averaged a career-low 21.5 points this season and was unable to consistently produce great games in the playoffs, as he once did. He's not old, he's hitting center middle age. But he's still the best center in the NBA. And the competition in the middle isn't quite as daunting in the East. There's also the question of his contract extension. O'Neal is asking for at least $30 million a year for two years starting in 2006-07. But don't be surprised if he settles for less with the Heat, in a sort of Bill Russell-Wilt Chamberlain thing, when Russell took a dollar more than Chamberlain. O'Neal will get more than Kevin Garnett, who makes about $21 million, but probably less than $30 million.
July 12, 200422 yr Don't the Heat have a long term lease at the AAA? Moving from Miami to Las Vegas would be market suicide for the Heat.
July 12, 200422 yr I would die But anyways, damn Shaq's not even here yet and he's already getting everyone interested in the Heat....Jordan, Payton, Malone, etc. Just goes to show you how much he makes a difference.
July 12, 200422 yr if people in south florida dont care about basketball...it doesnt really matter. 454306[/snapback] Where is the article from? It doesn't seem credible.
July 12, 200422 yr this is more than likely BS, charlotte lost their team and had worse attendance. s***, they couldnt even sell out in playoff games. and got another team 2 years later. im guessing this would be something to speculate about if the heat are major contenders and still fail to draw fans (sort of like the marlins) which i doubt will happen
July 12, 200422 yr The Heat always being a bad draw is such bulls***! The heat were the hottest ticket in town not so long ago.
July 12, 200422 yr The Heat always being a bad draw is such bulls***! The heat were the hottest ticket in town not so long ago. 454477[/snapback] back in the day of dr. jack "this-a-way, that-a-way, hardaway!" ah the memories
July 12, 200422 yr Author ESPNNews is reporting that MJ is in Discussions with the Heat to become Part Owner of the Team.
July 12, 200422 yr Yeah, this is one of the dumbest rumors to come around in a while...the Vegas thing. The Heat have a great situation here. It's not true that this is not a pro basketball town. It's actually been a pretty good pro ball town. When things slowed down a couple years ago, David Stern even said that this is not one of the franchises you worry about. They're not going anywhere. And second, I don't want any part of Jordan. He's been nothing but a poison in the front office.
July 12, 200422 yr Yeah, this is one of the dumbest rumors to come around in a while...the Vegas thing.? The Heat have a great situation here.? It's not true that this is not a pro basketball town.? It's actually been a pretty good pro ball town.? When things slowed down a couple years ago, David Stern even said that this is not one of the franchises you worry about. They're not going anywhere. And second, I don't want any part of Jordan.? He's been nothing but a poison in the front office. 454494[/snapback] I wouldn't mind MJ if he plan to just chill out at AAA and leave front office stuff to Riley.
July 12, 200422 yr riley will bolt as soon as his contract is up and he'll take shaq with him 454541[/snapback] Riley is currently working on his own contract extension.
July 13, 200422 yr riley will bolt as soon as his contract is up and he'll take shaq with him 454541[/snapback] No, because he won't inherit part of the team like he wants
July 13, 200422 yr riley will bolt as soon as his contract is up and he'll take shaq with him 454541[/snapback] Riley is currently working on his own contract extension. 454547[/snapback] exactly,and with recently gettin shaq he said he wants to be like jerry west and be a longtime GM and president.he is workin on hi own extension and will be here for many more years
July 13, 200422 yr riley will bolt as soon as his contract is up and he'll take shaq with him 454541[/snapback] Riley is currently working on his own contract extension. 454547[/snapback] exactly,and with recently gettin shaq he said he wants to be like jerry west and be a longtime GM and president.he is workin on hi own extension and will be here for many more years 455034[/snapback] i hope so
July 13, 200422 yr man, can u imagine shaq doing his own version of "miami" by will smith..... *shivers* but uh, MJ, Shaq and Riley....if that doesnt sell out the arena, then swap the franchise with orlando, at least fans go to the games when they win....
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