Miami, FL
Saturday Dolphins Mailbag: Tindall, Tight Ends, Tua, and More
Half 2 of the newest SI Fan Nation All Dolphins mailbag:
From yolli71 (@yolli71):
I do know it’s early, however what could be your plan to improve the roster for subsequent yr?
Whoa, man, that’s an all-encompassing query proper there. For a fast reply at this level, I’d say add a sturdy backup QB, re-sign a number of of the RBs, add an OL, get a TE, add a playmaking LB, add a CB. Whether or not all that may be completed is one other subject.
From Javier (@jboy1724):
These questions are all based mostly on the excessive chance of Jones being reduce however right here goes.. When is the proper time for Jones being reduce? Additionally, what sort of cap house could be created to get a superb nook reverse of Howard and who’re some names on the market that Miami ought to think about?
Hey Javier, it’s too early to speak about what cornerbacks may very well be thought-about as a result of some gamers will change into obtainable earlier than free company opens who are usually not obtainable but. Cameron Sutton from the Steelers is one participant I’d establish at the moment, although I might suppose Pittsburgh will re-sign him. As for creating cap house, there’s all the time a option to get that completed with restructured contracts and a few gamers getting reduce. Oh, and the proper time for Jones to get reduce (if it is going to occur is post-June 1 as a result of it will be loads much less painful on the cap).
From Paul Z. (through e-mail):
Alain: first time writing; very long time Phin fan (my brother and I had season tickets in 1965 and later). Thanks for all of your perception on the group. Watching the 2nd spherical video games it was apparent how necessary a receiving TE was for the winners. Do you’re feeling Coach McD will change his offensive philosophy and incorporate a giant receiving TE, like Kelce or Kittle?
Hey Paul, in a perfect world, McDaniel completely would like to have any individual like Kelce or Kittle, however we even have to know they may very well be the 2 greatest TEs within the league. So it’s not so simple as wanting an elite tight finish; discovering one is much more troublesome.
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From Chris Bustin (@ChrisBustin13):
Hey, Alain. This season, we misplaced each recreation in December and squeaked into the playoffs. How can the Dolphins greatest put themselves ready to clinch a playoff berth earlier than Week 18 subsequent season? (That’s, making the playoffs comfortably as a substitute of sweating bullets.) Thanks!
Hey Chris, this merely will change into a matter of being a greater group. Earlier than accidents grew to become a serious drawback within the closing weeks, the Dolphins confirmed some flaws once they misplaced at SF, LAC and BUF (even when they performed an in depth recreation there). So whereas it was a playoff season for the Dolphins, it’s clear they had been a notch beneath the groups that didn’t should sweat out making the playoffs, like KC, BUF and CIN.
From Dion Gardiner (@dantegardiniore):
It looks as if X prefers to play man and be left alone on the market. How do you suppose he and the opposite gamers will react if there’s a change to the system?
Hey Dion, I’d should think about the brand new defensive coordinator would have conversations with each participant and I’d additionally think about the brand new DC could be good sufficient to make use of his gamers to do what they do greatest.
From marc rainford (@marcrainford):
What’s the view on LB Tindall? Dangerous choose and wish free agent improve or simply wants time?
Hey Marc, I feel it’s too early to be calling Channing Tindall a foul choose, however I’d additionally say the actual fact he virtually didn’t play in any respect on protection additionally was very disappointing. I’d say the 2023 season is a giant one for him and he must take a giant step ahead.
From Dolphin Blade (@blade1323):
Does Byron Jones stick with a brand new DC, or has that bridge been burned?
That’s an excellent, legit query, however there’s one other issue at play, and that’s Jones very huge cap quantity. I wouldn’t shut the door on a return, but in addition woudn’t essentially rely on it.
From Brian Knipp (@knipp_brian):
Do you suppose that Miami will let higher free brokers stroll with the intention of gaining compensatory picks to assist shoulder the burden of final yr’s offseason spending spree? I assume that Grier will take it straightforward on the spending in FA to maximise the quantity of picks we get.
Hey Brian, no, I don’t purchase the concept of letting free brokers depart strictly to get compensatory picks. For instance, the Dolphins will let Mike Gesicki depart (most likely) as a result of he’s too expensive for his place within the offense greater than for the concept of getting a comp choose. And I wouldn’t anticipate a slew of massive free agent signings just because the Dolphins don’t have the cap house to be huge spenders.
From breadman (@breadslippers):
What about Byron Jones; will he be an element for us subsequent season, or ought to we (the followers) transfer on from him? What about Xavien Howard’s damage standing, ought to he be advantageous by coaching camp?
At this level, I’d are inclined to consider that Byron Jones has performed his final down for the Dolphins. As for X, sure, he must be advantageous and lengthy earlier than coaching camp.
From Brice (@BricefromLA):
What strikes do you anticipate to enhance the cap?
Hey Brice, I’d anticipate a Christian Wilkins extension, a contract restructuring or two or three, and some gamers beneath contract for 2023 getting reduce (Keion Crossen, Cethan Carter, amongst others).
From Earl Gottfried (through e-mail):
Howdy Alain, with most of the key gamers on the Dolphins having damage histories once they arrive, is it hopeful optimism, blind religion or a deadly flaw that they appear to maintain including to the damage historical past checklist with most of the gamers they add, whether or not via commerce, free company or draft? Who would you wish to see as the subsequent DC, and why do you suppose the STC was saved?
Hey Earl, relating to the problem of signing/drafting gamers with damage histories, I’ll go along with “all the above.” I personally don’t have a problem with it, besides when there’s a serious funding concerned. Chris Grier all the time brings up Curtis Martin, who was a really sturdy again after having damage points in school, however leaves out the actual fact he was a third-round choose. That’s a sound gamble. It’s additionally completely different from giving an enormous contract to gamers like Terron Armstead and Bradley Chubb. And I am unsure why Danny Crossman was saved after a very robust yr for the particular groups.
From Woodturner (@woodturning_art):
Will McDaniel proceed to be the play caller? And, if that’s the case, who’s accountable for recreation administration points just like the clock? Appears to have been a steady drawback final yr.
There have been zero indicators that McDaniel is seeking to transfer on from play-calling duties, although we simply completed the season. As for who’s accountable for the clock, I’m unsure who his right-hand man was, however in the end it’s his duty.
From Bman (through e-mail):
Hey Alain, first off, I recognize your method to journalism. Whereas most everybody else is in search of the subsequent clickbait article, you’re taking a extra pragmatic method to your writing…. On to extra Tua stuff!!!… Whereas most are involved with Tua’s sturdiness, I’m extra involved together with his confidence. I feel we’ve been fooled into believing that Tua has turned a nook on this respect. When in reality, it was simply the coach’s schemes that had Tua getting the ball out quick so he didn’t should make choices. I consider Tua will get too caught up in making the flawed choice and worrying about failing his group. And fairly frankly I’m additionally questioning Skylar’s confidence as nicely. I see each of those children being “lambs” greater than “lions.”
Hmm, fascinating premise. I can see the place it seems that method, however I’m unsure whether or not Tua’s hesitation when the play has to go off schedule has to do with confidence or perhaps the place his bodily limitations come to play. As for Skylar, I’m unsure I noticed a insecurity a lot as I noticed a rookie who generally beginning pondering an excessive amount of when issues went off monitor (which is completely regular).
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Thanks for studying. Be certain to bookmark this website and verify again day by day for the newest Dolphins information and evaluation year-round. Additionally, you’ll be able to comply with me on Twitter at @PoupartNFL, and that is the place you’ll be able to ask questions for the common All Dolphins mailbags. You can also ask questions through e-mail at fnalldolphins@yahoo.com.
Miami, FL
Trade Proposal: Miami Heat Acquire Star Forward From Brooklyn Nets
It doesn’t seem like those Miami Heat rumors will slow down anytime soon.
The Heat are one of many teams newly linked to Brooklyn Nets forward Cam Johnson. With speculation surrounding star Jimmy Butler, the Heat could make a move for Johnson. He was a 2019 first-round pick.
A potential trade between the Miami Heat and Brooklyn Nets could look like:
Miami Heat receive: F Cam Johnson, G Shake Milton
Brooklyn Nets receive: G Terry Rozier, 2029 first-round draft pick
For the Heat, Johnson becomes a consistent strong presence at forward. This season, he is averaging 20 points while shooting near 50 percent from the field for a rebuilding Nets team. The good thing about trading for Johnson is he isn’t just a half-season rental. He is on the books through the 2027 season. In this trade, the Heat also acquire guard Shake Milton, who has provided numerous solid games throughout his career. He could serve as a backup guard for a team that just lost Dru Smith for the season.
For the Nets, they are in a rebuild since moving on from their Big Three of Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving. They traded Dennis Schroder to the Warriors last week, signaling they’re willing to move significant pieces prior to the trade deadline. Acquiring Terry Rozier could give the Nets a scorer who has shown he can perform at a high level. However, the big piece of the deal is the unprotected 2029 first-round draft pick, which could be valuable down the line. The Nets could start stockpiling on draft picks by moving more players.
If the Heat make a move for Johnson, he could help the team re-establish themselves as contenders in the East.
Sean Jordan is a contributor to Miami Heat On Sports Illustrated. He can be reached at sjorda06@syr.edu.
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Miami, FL
Jalen Suggs leads Orlando Magic in loss to Miami Heat
After carrying the load offensively all night for a shorthanded Orlando Magic squad, the only thing Jalen Suggs could do was watch Tyler Herro as he sunk the game-winning shot for the Miami Heat to cap off a thriller from the Kaseya Center Thursday night.
The former Kentucky star spoiled a big night from the Gonzaga standout. Suggs finished with a game-high 29 points on 10-of-22 shooting from the field, but it wasn’t enough as the Heat stormed back in the second half to beat the Magic, 89-88, on a 19-foot jumper in the final seconds from Herro.
“Sometimes you’ve just gotta tip your cap,” Suggs said of Herro’s go-ahead basket. “Even the last possession, I thought TQ [Trevelin Queen] played great defense, good contest, tough shot. So sometimes you’ve just gotta give the guy some props.”
The Magic leaned heavily on its 6-foot-5 guard from start to finish — as has been the case lately without Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner in the lineup due to injury. Suggs came into Thursday averaging 18.4 points in 29.5 minutes over his last five contests. The Heat had a track record of stifling No. 1 options as of late, though that certainly wasn’t the case when trying to slow the Magic’s go-to guy.
Suggs and company scored the first 14 points of the night and took a commanding 22-5 lead after the former fifth-overall pick knocked down back-to-back 3-pointers in the first quarter.
The Heat chipped into the Magic’s lead heading into the second quarter before Suggs checked back in for the final minutes of the first half. He helped push the lead back to 14 points with a midrange jumper to make it 40-26, followed later by a 23-foot jumper. With just over a minute remaining, Suggs connected with Goga Bitadze on an alley-oop to make it 50-40 in favor of the Magic.
Orlando led by 10 going into the fourth quarter before the Heat scored six points in a 45-second span to make it 71-67 with 11:14 to play in regulation. Alec Burks went 3-for-3 at the charity stripe upon drawing a foul from Anthony Black while shooting from long distance. Burks connected on his next try from 25 feet on the ensuing possession.
After former UCLA standout Jaime Jaquez Jr. made it a 1-point game, Burks put the Heat out in front 77-76 with 7:42 left. Suggs scored four points in a row to tie things at 80 apiece, but from there it was all Miami down the stretch.
Herro finished with a team-high 20 points. Jaquez Jr. had 15 points while Burks and Terry Rozier combined to score 31 points off the bench for the Heat (15-13).
Tristan da Silva tallied 18 points and Bitadze recorded a 10-point, 14-rebound double-double but the Magic (19-13) suffered a loss for the fourth time in its last six contests.
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Miami, FL
Jim Larranaga's retirement opens 30-day transfer portal for Miami basketball
Jim Larranaga stepped down as Miami men’s basketball head coach on Thursday, ending a 14-year stint with the Hurricanes. The 75-year-old head coach is nearly two years removed from bringing the Hurricanes to their first Final Four appearance.
Miami has lost eight of its last nine games, touting a 4-8 record to open the season. Larranaga’s abrupt, mid-season decision surprised many. On3’s Joe Tipton reported that players found out the news on social media.
Larranaga’s departure triggers the 30-day transfer portal window for Miami players. NCAA rules allow athletes on a team with a coaching change to enter the portal the day after the change. In this case, Miami athletes can start entering Friday.
According to the NCAA, an athlete who transfers after enrolling at a school cannot transfer during that same year and compete for a new school. Grad students could transfer if they don’t play in any games this fall and be eligible in the spring.
The former Bowling Green and George Mason head coach cited NIL as part of the reason for his retirement.
“At this point, after 53 years, I just didn’t feel that I could successfully navigate this whole new world that I was dealing with because my conversations were ridiculous with an agent saying to me, ‘Well, you can get involved [with a prospective player] if you’re willing to go to $1.1 million,’ and that would be the norm,” he said at a news conference on Thursday.
The college basketball transfer portal is scheduled for 30 days during the spring of the 2024-25 academic year. According to the NCAA, the portal opens for business on Monday, March 24, and closes on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. The national championship game will be played on April 7 at the Alamodome in San Antonio. Athletes would still be given a 30-day window to transfer after a head coach’s departure.
The college basketball transfer portal is starting to mirror the NBA’s free agency. Last spring alone, 1,962 Division I players tested the portal waters. According to college basketball analytics expert Evan Miyakawa, for the first time in history, more than half of the points scored in Division I men’s college basketball will be scored by players recruited through the transfer portal, not from high school in 2024-25.
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