LeBron wants teammates ready for passes at all times
Heat teammates will have to adjust to LeBron's flashy passes
sun-sentinel.com
By Shandel Richardson, Sun Sentinel
4:26 p.m. EDT, October 7, 2010
MIAMI —
So much about this year's Miami Heat is tied into becoming familiar with the new players.
One of the bigger adjustments has been getting accustomed to LeBron James' passing. As he showed in the preseason opener, James can at times catch teammates off guard with his passes.
Center Joel Anthony said playing with Dwyane Wade the past few season has helped the team prepare for James.
"Playing with Dwyane really helped because he has that same type of style," Anthony said. "He's throwing no looks to throw the defense off. There's always going to be some sort of adjustment period, but it's a lot easier having already played with somebody like Dwyane."
ames said he's yet to experience problems, but expects teammates on alert at all times.
"They just have to have their hands ready," James said. "I can find the smallest crack on the court and get it to them."
The Heat have spent more time on 3-on-3 drills to make sure it never becomes an issue. Coach Erik Spoelstra said it helps players become more comfortable with one another.
"They can know each other's tendencies and how guys want the ball, where they want the ball and what they can expect," Spoelstra said.
Wade MRI not needed
Spoelstra said an MRI was unnecessary for Wade's strained hamstring injury. He played just 3 minutes, 17 seconds of Tuesday's preseason opener against Detroit before being escorted by trainers to the locker room.
Spoelstra's only update was Wade's hamstring remains sore. Wade, who continues to undergo treatment, is expected to miss Friday and Saturday's game at San Antonio. He did travel with the team.
Durant has bond with James
When Kevin Durant was in college and needed advice, he just had to make one phone call.
One the other end was usually LeBron James. The two have been friends since Durant was a freshman at Texas.
"I gave him advice and to this day, we still talk," James said.
James offered nothing but praise for Durant, who has developed into one of the league's brightest stars. Last year Durant, in his third season, scored 25 points or more in 29 straight games.
"You just appreciate great talent," James said. "He's one of those guys, one of those kids who is just going to work hard and be one of the greats. For me, I admire stuff like that because I know how hard it is to work and I know how hard it is to get to that level where you feel like you're one of the superstars in this league."
Shandel Richardson can be reached at srichardson@SunSentinel.com |
