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Heat’s James Jones not retiring, embraces Allen, Lewis

By Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel –

MIAMI — Instead of stepping aside, James Jones has decided to step up to the challenge presented by the Miami Heat’s free-agency additions of Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis.

Jones on Thursday told the Sun Sentinel he is not considering retiring and instead embraces the Heat’s decision to stockpile additional 3-point threats.

Jones said the confusion over a potential retirement came as he stressed that he planned to end his career with the Heat, preferably as an NBA champion. He said that statement was misconstrued as leaning toward retirement in the wake of the Heat’s 2012 title.

Instead, he said he plans to play out the final two seasons on his Heat contract, which includes a 2013-14 player option. He said he only would reassess those plans if the Heat were to attempt to trade him.

“I guess, more than anything, I was just stating my desire to stay here in Miami,” he said of the retirement reports. “If there is a trade or anything like that, we’ll cross that bridge if we get there. But, like I said, I have no desire to be anywhere else but by Miami.”

A graduate of the University of Miami, the Southwest Ranches neighbor of Heat power forward Udonis Haslem said he appreciated Heat President Pat Riley and coach Erik Spoelstra jumping at the opportunity to add Allen and Lewis.

“For me, they’re two quality guys,” said Jones, who turns 32 on Oct. 4. “I’ll still be there to compete. I’m going to compete and I’m going to do what I do, and put pressure on Coach to play me.”

Jones said it is not as if he has significant minutes to lose, scarcely utilized during both the regular season and playoffs. But he did have his moments in the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, including six points in the Heat’s Game 3 victory, when he converted a 3-point attempt and then three free throws when fouled on another 3-point attempt.

“I don’t expect anything,” he said. “I don’t have any expectation of playing or guaranteed minutes, so to me it’s about staying ready and when my chance comes, make an impact.”

With Jones back, it would leave the Heat with five wing players known primarily for their 3-point shooting, each otherwise limited with their off-the-dribble offense: Jones, Allen, Lewis, Shane Battier and Mike Miller.

Jones said Allen and Lewis only make the Heat better.

“It’s a crowded locker room as far as shooters, but it’s all about winning,” he said. “The more the merrier.”

Haslem talks with campers

It was the overriding theme of the team’s just concluded championship season, so it was fitting that “sacrifice” was also “word of the day” at a Miami Heat basketball camp at Cooper City High School.

That was written on a white dry-erase board inside the gym, along with the announcement that Haslem would be visiting in the afternoon.

And it was Haslem’s main message as he spoke to the 190 campers ages 7 to 16 in the school cafeteria before posing for pictures and signing autographs.

“When you look at our season, I don’t think anybody has any idea how much sacrifice really was involved,” Haslem told them. “The money, that’s one thing, but you talk about sacrificing playing time, you talk about sacrificing shots, no egos involved.”

Haslem said the euphoria from winning his second NBA title hadn’t worn off yet, and he was happy Thursday to share the joy with campers, many of whom touched the Larry O’Brien championship trophy brought along by the Heat as they posed with Haslem for a photo.

Haslem welcomed the fingerprints left on the Heat’s prize.

“Most definitely. I want them to enjoy it. It’s not just a trophy for the Miami Heat, but for the whole city of Miami and all of our fans,” Haslem said.

Haslem also spoke briefly about Allen and Lewis.

“Huge pick-ups for us. Obviously veteran guys, former All-Stars, guys that shoot the ball very well from deep,” he said. “Just other guys that can spread the floor for us and give LeBron, D-Wade and Chris more space to operate.”

Asked if it would take some time to get used to having a fierce former rival now as a teammate, Haslem said of Allen, “Not at all. I’m happy to have him.”

Then he added jokingly, “I already forgot he wore Boston green. I didn’t even know he wore Boston green. The last time I remember, he was wearing a UConn uniform.”

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