Tony Answers

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April 2013

Andrew smith
Question: Why does it seem that Chris Bosh is always around the 3 point line, why can't he get any closer?

Tony: Hi Andrew. The HEAT want Chris Bosh to play a lot on the perimeter because he is a very good mid-to-long range shooter. He is usually guarded by a good, big, defensive opponent who is drawn away from the rim to guard CB. This opens up the lane for LBJ & D-Wade to penetrate to the rim. CB can also drive by his big opponent with either hand and finish strong at the rim. He has that skill set.

Josh H. - Kendall, FL
Question: What are the asst. coaches responsible for during games; monitoring player minutes, observing offense & defense, following individual players etc.?

Tony: Hi Josh. Assistant coaches have a myriad of responsibilities during a game. For the HEAT, one coach is in charge of knowing the plays and play calls of the opponent. Two of the HEAT assistants are usually in conversation with Coach Spoelstra regarding, among other things, matchups, flow of the game, substitutions, calling timeouts and pointing out anything that will benefit the HEAT in winning the game. The trainer or one of the coaches will keep track of personal fouls and timeouts.

Roberto
Question: Hi, it sounds a bit odd but the players change shoes every game?

Tony: Hi Roberto. It's not odd Roberto for some players to change shoes every game. In fact, sometimes a player may change shoes at halftime. I think most players would like to "break in" a pair of shoes in practice before wearing them in a game.

Alison Medeiros
Question: What is the highest amount of points that Miami HEAT has ever scored?

Tony: Hi Alison. The highest HEAT total points in a game is 141, which you can see the HEAT has done twice in its history.
Feb. 14 1991 - Miami - Denver 112
Feb. 26 2013 - MIami 141 - Sacramento 129 (2OT)

March, 2013

Javier Milian
Question:Hey Tony, hope you’re having or had a good day, what happened to Ray in the starting lineup? I feel UD's toughness, stamina, and scoring is needed later in the game like that Kings game ( 2 OT ).

Tony:Hi Javier. Most basketball fans get caught up in who starts when it is more important who finishes. The HEAT have the best record in the NBA. The players know their roles. The HEAT coaches know what they're doing. The rotation is pretty good as it is.

Michael - Ashburn, VA
Question: I make a lot of my 3-point shots, but my coach wants me to play down low. What should I do?

Tony:Hi Michael. Listen to your coach. It may be more beneficial for your team for you to play closer to the basket. The team always comes first.

Doc Holiday - Philadelphia, PA
Question: You seem to understand the game very well. Where and how did Tony gain all of his knowledge on basketball?

Tony: Hi Doc. I worked the 5-Star basketball camp for years when I was a high school coach in NY and learned much from coaches like Hubie Brown, Ron Rothstein, Mike Fratello, Rick Pitino and many others. I also had the privilege of working with Coach Rothstein & Coach Riley in the NBA - priceless experiences!

Angelo
Question: Hello Tony, I am a longtime HEAT fan. What do you think Tim Hardaway's chances are to get in the Hall of Fame this year?

Tony: Hi Angelo. We are all rooting for Tim to make the BB Hall of Fame. He had a great career and was outstanding in a HEAT uni. This is his first time on the ballot. He may have a better chance in the future. Even Reggie Miller did not make the HOF on the first ballot.

February, 2013

Luis Gamez
Question: Hi Tony, I loved seeing all the HEAT participants during All-Star weekend. How do you think they did?

Tony: Hi Luis. It was great to see the HEAT represented so well All-Star weekend. They participate in many events over the weekend including helping the less fortunate. LBJ, D-Wade, CB, and Spo always carry themselves with class. They represent themselves and the organization in a respectful way.

Jim R. - Pembroke Pines, FL
Question: How long until we see Chris Andersen on the starting lineup? His rebounding and energy has been a godsend for this team.

Tony: Hi Jim. As you know, Chris Andersen is a high energy, high motor type player. He is most effective for this HEAT team coming off the bench. He can go all out for short minutes and impact the game.

Becky - California
Question: Hi Tony, a month or so ago Mario Chalmers scored 10 threes. Is that the HEAT record for most three-pointers in one game?

Tony: Hi Becky. Rio shares the HEAT record of 10 3s in a game with Brian Shaw. Brian did it @ Mil in 1993 with 15 attempts. Rio had 10 3s @ Sac with 13 attempts.

Carli - Dentan, TX
Question: Lately it seems like The HEAT are getting a lot of fast breaks. Moving forward are they going to make it a point to continue to force turnovers?

Tony: Hi Carli. The HEAT's defensive startegy is to be disruptive and force opponents to rush passes and shots. Forcing turnovers is a by product of that defensive pressure.

January 2013

Danny - Miami Springs
Question: I love the White Hot jerseys and the Christmas Day jerseys, from this year. What are some of your favorite HEAT uniforms?

Tony Hi Danny. I like the White Hot uniforms but my favorite are the black ones. I think the HEAT look majestic in them!

Andy - Miami, FL
Question: I think the HEAT should try Josh Harrellson at the 5 position and bring Chris Bosh back to 4? Do you think that will help with rebounding?

Tony Hi Andy. The HEAT have been playing Joel Anthony and CB together to get a bigger lineup. I like Joel at center rather than Josh because he can also block shots!

Tj Thomson - Georgia
Question: Why doesn't Dwyane Wade take as many threes as he use to in '06?

Tony Hi Tj. In the 2005-6 season, Dwyane was 13-76 (17%). After 32 games this season he is 9-29 (31%). Dwyane is not a 3pt shooter per se. He is shooting 51% overall in FG%, the best in his career. He shoots 3s when the team needs him to. He is more experienced and smarter and it reflects in his highest FG%.

Ced - Pompano Beach
Question: Hi Mr. Tony I was curious on why the HEAT has not been playing Rashard Lewis since the season started?

Tony Hi Ced. The HEAT need to rebound the ball better to beat the better teams in the NBA. Rashard Lewis' forte is shooting the 3s, not rebounding. He will be part of the rotation again against certain teams and help the HEAT be successful this year. He is handling it well and stays ready to contribute, which is the HEAT's culture!

December 2012

Jack, New York, New York
Question: Hi Tony. I am a big heat fan. I noticed that Chris Bosh is doing amazing in scoring but is a center. Do you think that he should be put into the position of a Power Forward?

Tony: Hi Jack. Thank you. Chris Bosh helped the HEAT to their 2nd NBA championship in 6 yrs playing center last season and is having an outstanding season so far this year. Why would you want him to play power forward?

George Pena
Question: Who has the most 3's in HEAT history?

Tony: Hi George. Tim Hardaway has the most 3s attempted and made (806) in the HEATs 25 yr history. After Tim in 3s made, there's (in order) Eddie Jones,Glen Rice,Voshon Leonard Dan Majerlie, Mario Chalmers, Dwyane Wade,Jason Williams, HEAT asst coach Keith Askins & Daequan Cook.

Randall
Question: Why don't we run the pick and roll with LeBron and Ray?

Tony Hi Randall. Very good question. I think Coach Spoelstra is saving that for a special play at the right moment. It would be a very hard play to defend and even harder on the defense if they have never prepared for it!

Diego
Question: Why doesn’t LeBron James play Power Forward and move Battier to small forward, with LeBron's size advantage? Being that rebounds and getting scored on in the paint is a big problem so far early in the season, might as well try it out right? LBJ is also posting his highest rebounding numbers of his career so far too. Let me know what you think of this idea coach.

Tony Hi Diego. You're getting caught up in semantics. As you noted, LBJ is avg 8.8 reb PG this season, up from his career avg of 7.2 PG. Battier takes some pressure off LBJ having to guard bigger opponents so he doesn't get into foul trouble. LBJ can also play the passing lanes at times, get steals and get out & attack in the open court. Besides, LBJ does play power forward at times when the HEAT needs him to.

November 2012

Mike - Homestead

Question: Coach!! I love all the scoring but, What is happening to our defense? Because defense is what got us to the finals.

Tony: Hi Mike. The HEAT's defense is not up to par yet but it will get there. The HEAT's mantra is defense and with some real practice time, the HEAT will become a good defensive team again.

Justin - Dayton, Ohio

Question: Tony, what was the best 3 point shot you’ve seen from Ray this season?

Tony: Hi Justin. The winning 4 pt play vs Denver. I have a feeling we will see many more.

Dillon Gonzales

Question: If you take out the starting five players for the HEAT they still have an extraordinary second squad, probably better than any other NBA team. With this team I think the HEAT have a chance to be good for awhile. What are your thoughts?

Tony: Hi Dillon. The HEAT have good players off the bench. As the season progresses they will get comfortable in their roles.

Tom - Hollywood, FL

Question: It seems Mario Chalmers is having a tough time finishing in traffic? Are the coaches working with him to better protect the ball to be able to score those points?

Tony: The HEAT coaches work with Rio on every skill he needs to have to be a very good point guard in the NBA including taking hits in the lane area. He was very effective in the finals taking the ball to the rim and finishing.