The Heat, with its first "one-on-one affiliation" with D-League partner Sioux Falls Skyforce, must decide whether it "will stock the Skyforce with players" from its NBA roster, according to Ira Winderman of the South Florida SUN-SENTINEL. The Heat earlier this year purchased control of basketball operations of the Skyforce. The Heat currently have "13 players under guaranteed contract for next season, all established NBA veterans." However, final cuts from Heat training camp "can be designated for assignment to Sioux Falls, assignments that would not impact the Heat's salary cap or luxury tax, but also leave such players exposed to being claimed by an NBA team." Heat Senior VP & Assistant GM Andy Elisburg said, "It's an interesting challenge that we have. We have to fill the needs of the D-League, the Skyforce, and of the Heat. But they also, individually, have their own different needs, and we'll manage the two of them together, to fully support the Skyforce and also the Miami Heat, as well" (South Florida SUN-SENTINEL, 8/20). In Sioux Falls, Terry Vandrovec notes the Skyforce plan to "replicate the Heat in terms of offensive and defensive schemes." The idea is to "do everything possible to allow for seamless transitions for players or personnel that might split time between Sioux Falls and Miami" (Sioux Falls ARGUS LEADER, 8/20).
