{"id":124885,"date":"2025-09-07T06:06:07","date_gmt":"2025-09-07T06:06:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/124885\/"},"modified":"2025-09-07T06:06:07","modified_gmt":"2025-09-07T06:06:07","slug":"heat-notes-arison-training-camp-jakucionis-highsmith","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/124885\/","title":{"rendered":"Heat Notes: Arison, Training Camp, Jakucionis, Highsmith"},"content":{"rendered":"

In advance of tonight\u2019s induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Micky Arison participated in Friday\u2019s media session and spoke about his memories from three decades as majority owner of the Heat, per Barry Jackson and Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald<\/a>. Under Arison, who was elected in his first year as a finalist, Miami has made seven trips to the NBA Finals and captured three titles.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would just say I\u2019m appreciative. It is an honor\u2026 It was never a goal,\u201d he said of the Hall of Fame selection. \u201cOur goal was to win championships. Was fortunate enough to win three. Our goal was to create a fantastic atmosphere in Miami. Most great NBA players, coaches it\u2019s a goal for them. It\u2019s never been a goal for me. Despite that, I\u2019m extremely appreciative.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hall of Fame weekend marks a rare moment in the spotlight for Arison, as Jackson and Chiang note that he hasn\u2019t spoken with beat reporters since 2013 and declined interview requests regarding his election. As his presenters, he chose Heat president Pat Riley and franchise legends Alonzo Mourning and Dwyane Wade.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey were three key elements to our history for 30 years,\u201d Arison said. \u201cPat was with me almost from the very beginning. Zo (was acquired) the first year. From there the culture was created. Dwyane Wade helped take it to the top. Obviously the greatest player in Heat history; (he has) a statue on the top steps (of Kaseya Center). I\u2019m glad those three will be with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

There\u2019s more on the Heat:<\/p>\n

Ira Winderman of The Sun-Sentinel<\/a> (subscription required) previews several battles to watch when training camp opens later this month, including Kel\u2019el Ware<\/a> vs. Nikola Jovic<\/a> for a potential starting spot and Tyler Herro<\/a> vs. Davion Mitchell<\/a> to be the crunch time point guard. Winderman expects Andrew Wiggins<\/a> and newly acquired Norman Powell<\/a> to both be in the starting lineup, but coach Erik Spoelstra\u2019s decision on how to use them could factor into their long-term future with the team. Powell has an expiring contract, and Wiggins holds a player option for next season.
\nThe fate of Kasparas Jakucionis<\/a> is also worth keeping an eye on, Winderman adds. The first-round pick struggled during Summer League games and seemed like he might need some time in the G League, but Winderman suggests he may be able to avoid that fate with a strong showing in camp and the preseason.
\nHaywood Highsmith<\/a>, who was traded<\/a> to the Nets last month, recently offered a heart-felt farewell to the Heat organization and fans on his Instagram account<\/a>. \u201cYou gave an undrafted kid from Baltimore a chance and I\u2019m forever grateful for the journey, challenges, and growth I\u2019ve experienced here,\u201d he wrote. \u201cMiami will always have a special place in my heart.\u201d<\/p>\n

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