Returning to Glory: A Miami Heat Association (NBA 2K16)

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Game: NBA 2K16 (PS4)
Season Length: 82 games
Playoffs: 7-7-7-7
Quarter Length: 10 minutes
CPU Quarter Length: 12 minutes
Difficulty: Superstar
Rosters: Default (with some tweaks)
Normalized Played to Sim Minutes: On
Normalized Played to Sim Stats: Off
Draft Class: 2016 with Real Faces (Embrace)

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Re: Returning to Glory: A Miami Heat Association (NBA 2K16)

Heat enter offseason looking to retool

MIAMI -- The 2014-15 season without the departed LeBron James ended miserably for the Miami Heat.

The Heat missed out on the playoffs with a 37-45 record in their first season after James' return to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Dwyane Wade and emerging center Hassan Whiteside had solid efforts down the stretch for Miami, but the team could not overcome the loss of star forward Chris Bosh after he was diagnosed with blood clots just after the All-Star Break.

Bosh, who missed the entire second half of the season, is expected to return. Several other players are not.

Heat president Pat Riley and head coach Erik Spoelstra are planning to make serious chances to the roster in an effort to not only get back to the playoffs, but try and compete for a championship.

It will not be easy given the Golden State Warriors' rise to the NBA Championship thrown, but the Heat remain determined.

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Re: Returning to Glory: A Miami Heat Association (NBA 2K16)

Miami takes Winslow, Richardson in NBA Draft

MIAMI -- The Miami Heat have added some young guns to their squad, and there is excitement about what each of them can bring to the table this upcoming season.

The Heat grabbed Duke forward Justise Winslow with the 10th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, and then added guard Josh Richardson of Tennessee in the second round. Richardson was taken with the 40th selection.

Winslow, 19, and Richardson, 21, are both players that are deemed mature enough to potentially contribute this year.

"We wanted to add some youth to our team, and we've done that with two players with excellent potential," said Heat president Pat Riley. "Justise is a tremendous talent who can play lockdown defense, and Josh is a guard who has proven to have a good shot and ability to drive and dunk with power."

Added head coach Erik Spoelstra: "We look forward to working with them in the coming weeks and months as we prepare for the season."

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Re: Returning to Glory: A Miami Heat Association (NBA 2K16)

James opts out of Cavs' deal, reportedly considering Heat return

MIAMI -- LeBron James' future is apparently once again up in the air.

James opted out of his two-year deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers in order to have the flexibility to sign a new contract that would run through next summer, when the NBA's salary cap is expected to raise significantly.

Rumors on social media and reports from credible outlets like ESPN have stated in recent hours that James is considering leaving his hometown team once again to rejoin the Miami Heat.

James is allegedly mulling departing Cleveland after just one year back because of the club's loss to the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals, and how the Heat are reloading for this coming season.

It is believed that James is intrigued at the possibility of playing next to a shot-blocking center like Hassan Whiteside, who emerged last year as an impact player, and his close friend Dwyane Wade.

Such a move would surely have a negative impact on James' image and standing in Cleveland after he claimed to want to win one for the Cavaliers, but the superstar forward is said to not be pleased with his 2-6 record in the finals and is also frustrated with how David Blatt coached the squad.

James is also apparently not too thrilled with how Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love performed as part of their 'Big Three' in Cleveland, and thinks that he can push the Warriors in the years to come with a healthy Wade, more aggressive Chris Bosh, and defensive anchor in Whiteside surrounding him on the floor.

Whether Heat president Pat Riley would be open to such a move remains to be seen given him and James' apparent falling out last summer.

More to come as things develop.

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Re: Returning to Glory: A Miami Heat Association (NBA 2K16)

Heat sign Wade to new deal, no longer negotiating with Dragic

MIAMI -- Unlike his good friend in Cleveland, Dwyane Wade's future in South Beach was never really in question.

As expected, the Miami Heat announced via a press release that Wade opted out of his contract with the club only to sign a new one-year deal almost immediately after. Wade's decision to put pen to paper for only 12 more months might raise some eyebrows, but he is looking to cash in on next year's salary cap increase.

"I'm proud to have been able to call this organization and Miami my home for all of my career, and I don't plan on going anywhere else," said Wade. "I'm a Heat lifer."

One player who it seems will not be coming back to Miami next season is fellow guard Goran Dragic, who was acquired by the Heat this season but whose contract expired this summer. Dragic was initially expected to re-sign with the Heat, but the two are no longer in negotiations over a deal.

"We made the tough decision to let Goran go and explore his options because we're not close on numbers," said Heat president Pat Riley. "We gave up a lot for him in last season's trade and were counting on him to be a big part of our future, but things change."

What may have changed is the availability of one LeBron James, who has opted out of his deal with the Cavaliers and is reportedly considering a return to Miami.

"There's nothing to discuss," said Riley. "LeBron is always rumored to be doing this or rumored to be doing that."

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Re: Returning to Glory: A Miami Heat Association (NBA 2K16)

James spotted in Miami

MIAMI -- LeBron James has brought his talents back to South Beach.

Whether he will sign with the Miami Heat is another question.

TMZ Sports has reported that James was spotted briefly in Miami getting out of a car that arrived to the American Airlines Arena just after 3pm.

Beat reporters in Miami have since stated that James is meeting with Heat president Pat Riley to try and see if they can mend their differences after a not-so-pretty break-up a year ago.

Stay tuned.

[Tekkonkinkreet]

Re: Returning to Glory: A Miami Heat Association (NBA 2K16)

Lets be frank, letting Dragic go confirms LBJ will return in the off season...

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Re: Returning to Glory: A Miami Heat Association (NBA 2K16)

Back for his Master's: James rejoins Heat

MIAMI -- No cringeworthy television special. No touching magazine article. Just a press release.

It read: LeBron James returns to Miami Heat for second stint.

The Heat announced the acquisition of James, who rejoins the team a year after leaving for Cleveland. James signed a one-year deal, and is happy to be back in Miami to reunite the 'Big Three' that won two titles.

"Sometimes you really don't realize or appreciate what you have until it's gone," said James in a statement he released separately. "It was good to be close to home, but I'm getting older and want to win championships. I will not make any promises this time, but I will do everything I can to have that feeling of lifting another Larry O'Brien trophy over my head again."

James also explained his reasoning for leaving the Cavaliers, who made the NBA Finals last season with him leading the way and who he said he would not leave when he rejoined the team last summer.

"I know people in Ohio are going to be very unhappy, and frankly, pissed off, and rightly so," said James. "But I'm running out of years in my career, and need to do what's best for me. The Cavaliers have a talented team and players. I need to win now, though, not later."

James, who stated last summer he saw his four years in Miami as his college experience, also said in his release that he will be wearing the No. 6 and headband that he wore in his first stint with the Heat.

"We're happy to have him back," said Heat president Pat Riley in the team's release. "He's a unique superstar player. We talked about last year, stated our cases, and laid it to rest. We think we have the makings of something special again here in Heat Nation."

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Re: Returning to Glory: A Miami Heat Association (NBA 2K16)

NBA reacts to James' Miami move

NEW YORK -- The outcry, anger, and disappointment in Cleveland is evident. The shock everywhere else around the league is, too.

Several players, coaches, owners, and analysts have chimed in on LeBron James' surprise departure from the Cavaliers and return to the Miami Heat. Here's what a few have said about his decision:

Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert: "I will not write an angry letter this time, but I will say that LeBron is no longer welcome here. He's done this to us and our fans now twice, and this time a mere months after reaching the NBA Finals. I'm going to do my best to make sure we stay competitive, and what helps is that we have Kyrie (Irving) and Kevin (Love) on our roster this time around."

Golden State Warriors guard and NBA MVP Steph Curry: "This just means we have to work harder. We're all up for the challenge."

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban: "This is a joke. A bad one. I am devastated for Cleveland and its fans."

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich: "What do I think? He's good. They're better now. Pretty obvious, don't you think?"

TNT analyst Shaquille O'Neal: "This makes this season infinitely more interesting. Can LeBron and the Heat push Steph and Golden State? On paper, it's close."

TNT analyst Charles Barkley: "This man LeBron is going to get booed in every arena he goes to again. Maybe even in Miami. This is a bad move, one I wouldn't do even after losing all my money in a divorce and drinking a full bottle of top-shelf vodka."

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Re: Returning to Glory: A Miami Heat Association (NBA 2K16)

Miami elated to have James back

MIAMI -- The fans are pumped, and so are the players and coaches.

Several members and supporters of the Miami Heat have sounded out about LeBron James' return in the hours since the move was announced. Here's what a few of them had to say:

Dwyane Wade: "It's good to have my brother back. We had a lot of fun during those four years, and are looking forward to playing together again."

Chris Bosh: "We got the band back together. No, honestly, it's great for us as a team, and the best part is that we, the 'Big Three' already know how to play together so we can pick right up from where we left off."

Erik Spoelstra: "It's always a privilege to be able to coach a talent like that, but the pressure will be intense and on him and all of us from Day 1. We have to embrace the challenge."

Mario Chalmers: "This means I'll be getting yelled at more and seeing the ball less. (laughs) Nah, I'm happy Bron Bron is back. The family wasn't complete without him."

Hassan Whiteside: "I used to play as him in NBA 2K. Now I'm teaming up with him. It's crazy. I'm excited for what we can accomplish and that first alley oop."

Fan Rick Dixon: "We have a class organization and beautiful weather. Easy choice over Cleveland."

Rap artist Drake: "Bron is hungry. I'm going to go to one of the games again the first chance I get."

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Re: Returning to Glory: A Miami Heat Association (NBA 2K16)

Flurry of offseason moves made across NBA

SECAUCUS, N.J. -- The first offseason domino fell. Now, here come the rest.

LeBron James teamed up with the Miami Heat in a surprise move this week, and now other teams are addressing their needs ahead of the 2015-16 season.

Here are some of the more notable transactions:

-LaMarcus Aldridge signed with the San Antonio Spurs.
-Tim Duncan re-signed with the San Antonio Spurs.
-Paul Pierce signed with the LA Clippers.
-Goran Dragic signed with the Orlando Magic.
-Gerald Green signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
-Kevin Garnett re-signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
-Rajon Rondo signed with the Sacramento Kings.
-Tyson Chandler signed with the Phoenix Suns.
-Deron Williams signed with the Dallas Mavericks.
-Jeremy Lin signed with the Charlotte Hornets.
-Mike Miller signed with the Denver Nuggets.
-Roy Hibbert traded to the LA Lakers.
-Tyler Hansbrough signed with the Charlotte Hornets.

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Re: Returning to Glory: A Miami Heat Association (NBA 2K16)

Free agent Allen reunites with Heat

MIAMI -- The Heat really are bringing the band back together.

The Heat announced the signing of veteran guard and sharpshooter Ray Allen. Allen last played for Miami during the 2013-14 season, but did not sign with the club or anyone else after becoming a free agent last summer.

It seemed he had quietly retired, but he never made an official announcement because he knew he could still play.

"It was not not like I was at home eating junk food and sitting on the couch all day every day," said Allen during his introductory press conference. "I still worked out and am in good shape. With LeBron (James) returning, I knew we all had to give this another run."

Allen will once again don No. 34.

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Re: Returning to Glory: A Miami Heat Association (NBA 2K16)

Deng unlikely to re-sign with Miami

MIAMI -- Luol Deng opted out of his contract this summer, but he was expecting to still be a member of the Miami Heat during the 2015-16 season.

That is, until LeBron James signed with the team from seemingly out of nowhere.

James' arrival in Miami has left Deng on the outside looking in with regards to the Heat, who were holding initial discussions with him over a new deal but aren't anymore. Deng is not thrilled about moving on, but does have teams interested in signing him.

"I wanted to try and keep this going because we had the building blocks for something good here," said Deng. "I wish the organization the best going forward, but, as for my future, I've heard from several teams. I'll make a decision soon."

Several reports have linked Deng with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Orlando Magic, who Goran Dragic just joined, are also an option.

In other news, rookies Justise Winslow and Josh Richardson have each agreed to contracts with the Heat.

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Re: Returning to Glory: A Miami Heat Association (NBA 2K16)

Stoudemire inks Heat deal

MIAMI -- Add another big man to the Heat roster.

Miami announced the capture of free agent big man Amar'e Stoudemire via a press release. Stoudemire is expected to compete with Chris Andersen for minutes behind starting center Hassan Whiteside.

"We want to spread the floor this season, but we also plan to count on big men a little more at times than we did in the previous 'Big Three' era," said Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra in the release. "Amar'e provides depth and should contribute plenty this season."

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Re: Returning to Glory: A Miami Heat Association (NBA 2K16)

Heat ship Johnson to Pelicans for Cole

MIAMI -- Erik Spoelstra might want big men on his roster, but spreading the floor is obviously still a priority. As is familiarity.

The Heat pulled off a trade, sending guard is Tyler Johnson to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Norris Cole. Previously a member of the Heat, Cole knows how the organization likes to play with the likes of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh on the court.

"It's good that I didn't sell my place here yet," said Cole with a laugh. "It's exciting to be back. I'll do whatever I can to help the team win."