Mike Bibby Joins The Heat

Added on Mar 03, 2011 by Scott in

NBA

The Miami Heat’s search for a reliable, veteran point guard is over. Mike Bibby opted out of his $6.2 million contract with the Wizards on Monday in order to sign for the league minimum with the Heat. After 13 productive seasons, the 32-year-old Bibby elected to trade cash for a shot to win a title. He is expected to suit up tonight against Orlando in a battle between the Southeast Division’s top two teams.

Bibby, who has averaged 15.4 points and 5.7 assists in his career, will provide Miami much-needed stability at the point. Mario Chalmers, the current starter, is dishing out only 2.3 assists per game. LeBron James leads them with 7.2, but as a team, they rank 29th in the league.

It’s unclear what Bibby’s exact role will be, although it seems like a foregone conclusion that he will assume starting duties sooner rather than later. The combo of Chalmers and Carlos Arroyo wasn’t yielding the results head coach Erik Spoelstra had hoped for, which led to Arroyo’s release and Bibby’s signing.

Bibby has a reputation of being a clutch player, especially in the playoffs where he has started 80 games. In 58 games this season, he’s averaging 9.1 points, 3.6 assists and hitting a career-high 43.5% from three-point range.

With elite scorers like James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh at his disposal, Bibby should excel running the offense as the regular season enters the final stretch.

Source: ESPN.com