NBA Statement
The National Basketball Association has informed all teams that every player is going to be entered into a Re-Draft, for the 2004-2005, so that there will be more competition throughout the 30 NBA franchises. Chicago won the right to go first in the Draft, thanks to a Lottery, last night, with the second place going to the Miami Heat. The NBA Re-Draft will take place later today, live from the NBA TV Studios.
Miami General Manager Leaves
Randy Pfund has left the Miami Heat franchise following the announcement of the NBA Re-Draft. Pfund was very angry with the NBA concerning the Re-Draft, as he believes that it is not fair for his franchise to lose all their good players.
It is such a stupid idea. The Miami Heat franchise has worked extremely hard over the past few years, to get where we are now, but we have to lose them, because the NBA thinks that the league is not competitive enough. I just can not believe this. So, I have to inform you that I am leaving the Miami franchise with immediate effect. At the moment, I do not know who will take over from me, but I am sure that it will not be an inside replacement.
When Pfund was asked about the future of coach, Stan Van Gundy, he replied with:
I am not sure now. Before I left he was still in a job, but it will depend on what the new General Manager wants. I wish the future General Manager all the best at Miami. This is all what I have to say about this. Thank You
Arison Discusses Future
Managing General Partner, Micky Arison has told reporters that Stan Van Gundy's job is safe for the foreseeable future, and that they are currently in talks with the young Englishman, Thomas Davies, who is currently in his hometown of Coventry, with his family. Later today, we expect Davies to fly from Birmingham International for the Miami International Airport, for discussions with the Miami Heat owners.
Davies Arrives At MIA
Main candidate for the Miami Heat General Manager position, Thomas Davies, has just arrived at the Miami International Airport. He immediately left for AA Arena for a meeting with Micky Arison. He told reporters before leaving:
Obviously, at the moment, I can not say much. However, it would be a great achievement for me, if I was able to become General Manager of the Miami Heat.
We expect an announcement shortly, informing us that Thomas Davies will become the next GM of the Heat franchise. It is known that Davies from England is the only person who has been contacted by Miami, concerning this position. Many Heat fans are outraged that such an unknown and young man is about to take over at their club, one fan said:
It is just unbelievable. We have never heard of this guy, and he hasn't even been to the USA before, so how can he take control of an American basketball team.
We understand that Miami Heat fans will demonstration outside the American Airlines Arena, showing their anger with the expected new General Manager.
Davies Named GM
A press conference was just held at the AA Arena to announce the arrival of Thomas Davies, the new General Manager of the Miami Heat. Arison told reporters:
This is a great move for the team, Davies was joining the franchise this season anyway, working underneath Pfund. Following the resignation of Randy, we knew who we wanted. It is true that Davies is young, but that is our aim with the new team. We are going for very young players, so Thomas will fit in perfectly.
When asked about the fans' reactions, Arison responded:
They will see, they don't know the team we are looking for. Davies is going to take this team to the top, there is no doubt about that. Just wait and see. The fans will soon feel the same as we do about Thomas joining us.
Thomas Davies, the new GM of the Miami franchise said:
It is awsome. As Micky said, I was coming here anyway, to be part of this great franchise, but with Pfund leaving, the door was open for me. I know fans are upset about the decision, but I will tell them one thing. Wait until tonight, then you will see how serious I am about getting this done.
NBA Re-Draft
The Miami Heat, selected LeBron James, with the second overall pick of the NBA Re-Draft, which has just took place. The Chicago Bulls chose S. O'Neal, with the 1st overall pick, which gave the Heat access to James. The following is the new Miami Heat team, which will be controlled by new General Manager, Thomas Davies.
- Code: Select all
Pos. Name Ovrl Height Weight Yrs. Pro
SF L. James 94 6' 8" 240 lbs 1
PF J. O'Neal 84 6' 11" 242 lbs 8
SG M. Ginobili 76 6' 6" 210 lbs 2
SG B. Gordon 70 6' 3" 200 lbs R
PG D. Harris 66 6' 3" 185 lbs R
SF B. Simmons 64 6' 6" 235 lbs 3
PF M. Okur 59 6' 11" 249 lbs 2
PG C. Atkins 56 5' 11" 160 lbs 5
SG A. Pavlovic 54 6' 7" 210 lbs 1
PF M. Allen 52 6' 10" 255 lbs 3
C R. Swift 52 7' 0" 245 lbs R
SF A. Storey 52 6' 6" 225 lbs R
O'Neal will be the oldest player on the team, with 8 years experience in the NBA, it is then followed by 5 year veteran, Atkins. LeBron James will be the star of this young team, and will try and bring them instant success. General Manager, Thomas Davies discussed the Re-Draft with reporters:
I am very pleased with the team I have selected. We wanted a young team, and we have got a young team, with a lot of potential. I expected Chicago to take LeBron, but they decided on Shaq, so it was perfect for us. If you look throughout the team, we don't really need to add all that much to it. This team is capable of playing at the highest level for a decade at least. You may think that is stupid, but it is possible. O'Neal is the oldest, and he still has many years ahead of him in this league. I am very happy with the result of this Re-Draft, and can not wait to get into Pre-Season training, to see them playing together.
Keep it up and nice pics
