Media day has come to a close and the Miami Heat have filled out their training camp roster, meaning that the NBA season is finally upon us.
With two more spots left to add to their active roster for training camp, the Heat used them to sign two forward’s in Robert Dozier and Rodney Carney.
Dozier is a 2009 draft pick of the Heat who has yet to play a single minute with the team, despite being signed with the team since being drafted. The Heat have him under contract, but have allowed him to play overseas in Greece, in order to keep him fresh.
They recently had him compete in their Summer League program, where he averaged 3.7 points and 3.7 rebounds per.
Carney, a 6’7″ forward, is a face that has been familiar to the NBA, and possibly even to some Heat fans because of an in-game beef he had with Dwyane Wade that resulted in poster dunks being exchanged.
He was the 16th selection of the Chicago Bulls in the 2006 draft, but never saw his career get off the ground after jumping around between two separate stints in Philadelphia, one in Minnesota, Golden State and finally ending his short-lived NBA career in Memphis.
Carney missed the entire 2011-’12 season as a free agent. His best season came in his third year when he averaged 7.2 points and 1.9 rebounds per, while converting 35 percent from beyond the arc. He also started in 35 games in his rookie year with Philly, but was traded two seasons later for a second-round pick.
With Carney and Dozier joining the squad, the active roster now looks as follows:
Ray Allen, Joel Anthony, Shane Battier, Chris Bosh, Carney, Mario Chalmers, Norris Cole, Dozier, Mickell Gladness, Josh Harrellson, Terrel Harris, Udonis Haslem, LeBron James, James Jones, Rashard Lewis, Mike Miller, Dexter Pittman, Garrett Temple, Jarvis Varnado and Dwyane Wade.
Miami will be allowed only 15 players come opening day, taking place on October 30th at home against the Boston Celtics.
Among notes from today’s media day, we found out that Jarvis Varnado, a former Heat draft pick and power forward, has been sitting out with a hamstring injury. Dwyane Wade and Ray Allen are also listed as not being 100 percent and shall have their progress monitored throughout training camp and the preseason.
Sept 28, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat shooting guard Ray Allen (34) poses for a photo during media day at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE
Yes, that is Ray Allen officially in a Heat jersey for the first time.
Rashard Lewis also looks snazzy in his Heat uniform:
Sept 28, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat small forward Rashard Lewis (9) poses for a photo during media day at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE
But it’s Norris Cole who steals the show with the return of the high-top fade:
Sept 28, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat point guard Norris Cole (30) poses for a photo during media day at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE