On the final night of games before the All-Star break, the Heat will be seeking a win over a new-look New York squad, while Jeremy Lin and the Knicks hope to finish the first half above .500. A Heat win and a Thunder loss vs. the Lakers would put Miami in sole possession of the NBA's best first-half record. While we look forward to an impressive slate of Thursday games, let's check in on a few Heat-related updates:
- Joel Przybilla spent three days last week in Florida being recruited by the Heat and team president Pat Riley, writes Jason Quick of the Oregonian. The veteran big man eventually decided to sign with the Blazers.
- Przybilla on the Heat: "They were first class. You can tell they are on top of things. And trust me, it was a tough decision to turn them down. But (Monday) morning, I woke up and realized it wasn't for me."
- Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel thinks the lack of playing time the Heat's centers received in last year's postseason may have factored into Przybilla's decision as well.
- Winderman adds that any significant acquisition Miami makes this season may come at the buyout deadline rather than the trade deadline.
- The Heat were happy with Mario Chalmers and Norris Cole, and didn't consider claiming Jeremy Lin on waivers earlier this season, coach Erik Spoelstra tells Joseph Goodman of the Miami Herald (Twitter link).