SporTech Matter

I think it’s time for everyone to take one step closer to the edge of the cliff because as of 6:00 PM the Heat have signed Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway to a contract. The 6-foot-7 guard has been working this offseason in front of Heat scouts and coaches and apparently has shown enough to alleviate concerns about arthritic knees that have limited him to four games since the 2004-05 season. Pat Riley tries to make this sound like a good idea…

“Penny is a player who has been an All-Star and has enjoyed an illustrious career,” coach Pat Riley said in a statement. “We have been impressed at his hard work and dedication this summer to get back in shape and return to the NBA. He is a skilled player who can help us in multiple positions.”

If you remember, Shaq didn’t agree when comparing him to Wade…

“Finally, I have someone that’s like me. My other two pupils were the opposite sides of the moon. But this guy is on the same side of the moon, is on the same planet that I’m on.”

So that’s it folks. Anfernee flippin Hardaway. This move would have made sense, oh maybe 10 YEARS AGO PAT!!!

I really am at a loss of words, it’s going to be a long one folks.

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OK so I had the night to stew this over and while it sounds bad on the surface, it really is just a cheaper replacement for Eddie Jones. While Eddie Jones has had more experience over the last 3 years than Penny, he fits right into the new Pat Riley mold. Cheap and more proven than Dorell Wright. That’s right, we are at that point. Pat Riley would rather stunt the development of our younger guys and play older veterans who have been out of the league for years.

This also proves the theory (well it’s not really a theory, it’s been proven) that Mickey Arison is a really cheap billionaire he is not willing to spend a few extra million on a quality free agent to break the luxury tax. You can get a great read on the cheapness of Arison over on MiamiHeatWave.

10 years ago? Maybe. Does Little Penny Hardaway come with? Not a chance.

This is desperation time folks, Pat Riley can spin this anyway he wants, or he can just not choose to come back to the bench next season.

Read Also: Time For a Call Up? Where Are All the Healthy Heat? Rumblings: Riley to Return Next Season Riley Frothing at the Mouth for Iverson Heat Bite Back at Bobcats

One Response to “Breaking News: The Heat Sign…Penny Hardaway”

1. The Dude says:
   August 9th, 2007 at 7:08 pm quote
   

   The Godfather, Michael and … Fredo on the same team.

   Whoa boy.

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