James Jones signs with Miami

What with his injury riddled season and all, we weren't sure James Jones would get the type of security he was seeking by opting out. You have probably heard by now he signed with Miami for five years and around four million annually. Good to see him get a pretty long term deal, sad to see last seasons NMVP go.

Jones has to be pretty happy with this deal. More and more we get the sense he saw the writing on the wall and knew Portland would prefer to give his minutes to younger players, no matter how much he helped the team.

Team wise, Miami could use Jones. His shooting will punish a lot of opponents for leaving him to double Wade. With additional players like Beasley and Marion, Jones is sure to get his share of open looks. If he is anything close to what he was in Portland, the Heat made a very good move signing him.

Jones is also from Miami, even playing there in college. His return home is marked by long-term financial security and the ability to fill an important need for the home team. Good move Mr. Jones.

Impending DOOM

A couple days ago I joked that Brad Miller and Hedo Turkoglu being named players of the week was a sign of the apocalypse. Hardee-har-har.

Now this is happening. Wow. Suffice to say, I'm heading to Costco to stock up on bottled water and Wal Mart to stock up on ammunition. Anyone know how to build a bunker?

What stinks in Miami? 23

Some analysts are listing Miami to contend in the East. Um, no. They won their title, with a fair amount of luck. They made their bed when they brought in Shaq and decided to keep trying to surround him and DWade with passed their prime vets. They could've steadily built a young team around Wade to compete for years to come, but they wouldn't have won that title. It was probably worth it, but now they're living with the reprecussions a win right now strategy brings.

They need new guys to surround Wade and Shaq, but have had a hard time finding what they want and really need. If this team was so great, wouldn't some of the free agents who went elsewhere have signed with them? Why didn't anyone mention Miami when Grant Hill was looking for a contender to play with while being paid the minimum? Why have all the players on the top of the Heat's list gone elsewhere? Money, sure, but you think thats all? It wasn't with Hill, at least.

The players know something about what teams will contend. Miami, for the hype they still get, isn't getting the first look a lot of players who want to win give San Antonio, Phoenix, or Dallas. The question may become how long it takes them to get out of contracts and rebuild for the future, hopefully while Wade is in his prime. If they can't, I wonder how long he will stay in a place other players think stinks.