Jones shuts out trade talk By Harvey Fialkov Staff Writer Posted August 27 2003 MIAMI -- Despite being the subject of trade rumors and noting the impending arrival of yet another perimeter player, Heat shooting guard Eddie Jones isn't ready to pack his bags. Now that Lamar Odom has become Heat property, Jones is more interested in transforming the Heat back into a winner than changing jerseys. "I haven't won a championship, but I've won throughout my whole career and to go through two years of this, it's tough," Jones said. "My decision is [to] stay here and play. I'm under contract. I'm here playing. I'm happy, healthy and am just sitting back waiting to see what happens." In Jones' first six years in the league with the Lakers and Hornets, his teams won 48 games or more every season except for the lockout-shortened 1998-99 campaign. He helped the Heat win 50 games his first season in Miami, before Alonzo Mourning's illness and Tim Hardaway's departure contributed to back-to-back losing seasons. Last year was doubly frustrating because ankle injuries forced Jones to miss a career-high 35 games. Still, Jones, 31, led the Heat in scoring average (18.5 points), 3-pointers made (98) and 3-point percentage (career-high 40.7, 10th in the league). He tied for the team lead in 20-point games (22). "You're not healthy, number one, and things aren't going great out on the floor," he said. "Adversity strengthens you somehow and that's the way I'll go at it. I'm going into the season ready to play and try to win." Jones, who has been traded twice before, realizes it's senseless to worry. "I don't make decisions. Everything's out of my hands. I can't control anything," said Jones, who is owed about $55.8 million over the next four years. "Let's get people to camp and see where we are. Nobody's bigger than a trade. My attitude is if I'm here, I'm here. If not, I understand. I know it's business." Toss in Caron and Rasual Butler and rookie guard Dwyane Wade, and Jones admits there's a "logjam" at his position. "That doesn't bother me. The kid can play," Jones said of Wade. Jones' maxed-out salary may hinder his marketability, but cap-rich teams such as Utah and Denver are in need of help at shooting guard. However, several agents said Tuesday that all is quiet on the Jones front. The Jazz, which is about $16 million under the cap, is stuck with DeShawn Stevenson, unless it slides forward Matt Harpring to shooting guard. Utah's Greg Ostertag, a 7-2 defensive-oriented center, who has one year at $8.6 million left on his contract, could help Brian Grant deal with the taller Western Conference centers. Ostertag also makes sense because Odom's $65 million price tag has depleted the Heat's salary-cap space, and virtually ended the two-year stay of 7-1 backup center Vladimir Stepania, who is unwilling to accept the minimum. "They can't really sign him unless he signed for the minimum or they opened up space," said Marc Fleisher, Stepania's agent. "The odds of Vladi going back to Miami are small." ODOM ANSWERS Odom was surprised at the venom in Clippers VP of Basketball Operations Elgin Baylor's statement Monday, which questioned the 23-year-old's character. "I'm surprised that the comment was made," Odom told the Orange County Register. "But a guy in my position, with the suspensions and the injuries that I've had, it's easy to take shots at. When a person like Riley can vouch for you, that says something. He's one of the best basketball coaches in NBA history." MARKS ON MOVE? While the Heat snatched Odom, Fleisher said free agent forward/center Sean Marks is considering an invitation to the Clippers' training camp. Harvey Fialkov can be reached at hfialkov@sun-sentinel.com.
5.3 boards in that many minutes is atrocious; worse than Maurice Taylor. I mean, Samaki Walker had more rebounds in 10 less minutes. And 42% FGs is pretty horrible, too. I'd guess that he was starter by default last year. I admit that I don't recall watching him any last year, but I think there is a reason why Miami added Samaki Walker and Loren Woods to their lineup while drafting a PF at the 33rd spot and signing another PF (with Euroleague experience) based on good summer league play... the reason, because Allan is likely no legit PF in this league, and likely won't be seeing much more playing time in Miami.
Good god, some people on this board really don't know anything about basketball or basketball players do they. However, the second statement, if is for Eddie Griffin, I whole heartedly agree.
