Heat Close To Signing James Jones; Beasley Human After All

The Heat will likely sign former UM standout James Jones to a 5-year deal this morning. Jones played for Portland last season, where he posted the NBA's third best 3-point shooting percentage (44.4%). The Heat has needed a 3-point specialist since Jason Kapono, the league's best downtown sharpshooter, departed. Jones, a 6-foot-8 forward and a hometown kid throughout (he played for Miami's American High before playing for the Hurricanes), is also a solid defensive player and shot-blocker. Many are speculating that the Jones signing could spell the end of the Dorrell Wright experiment, which has taken far longer than Pat Riley hoped for. The Heat now absolutely must shift their focus to shoring up the point guard and center positions through trade and the midlevel exception.

In summer league news, Michael Beasley turned in a wretched performance Tuesday, going 1 for 13 and finishing with 9 points and 7 rebounds, as the Heat again cruised 90-81 against the New Jersey Nets. Of more concern to Beasley and the Heat is that Beasley left the game early in the 3rd period with a bruised left shin, which could limit his effectiveness the rest of the week.

Mario Chalmers starred in the victory, finishing with 19 points and 9 assists. Kasib Powell (17 points) and former Georgia Tech shooting guard Anthony Morrow (19 points) were also impressive in the Heat's second summer league game.