Big3 reunites former Heat players in Miami
When the Big3 — rapper Ice Cube’s professional 3-on-3 league — rolled into Miami on Friday (Saturday in Manila), it brought with it some familiar faces.
Foremost among them, at least in the eyes of the fans at American Airlines Arena, was Chris “Birdman” Andersen. The fanfare for Andersen, who was an NBA Champion with the Heat in 2013, began even before he took the court.
The emcee of the event asked if the crowd was ready to see Andersen before event started, and when Andersen emerged from the locker room in the middle of a game, the crowd responded with a hearty cheer.
Rashad McCants No. 32 of Trilogy goes between defenders Chris Andersen, left, and Cuttino Mobley No. 5 of Power in a game during Big 3-Week Five at American Airlines Arena on Saturday in Miami, Florida. AFP PHOTO
“To be back here in Florida, performing in front of everybody and Heat Nation, I say, cuz I’m a lifer,” Andersen said, “Being a part of the Power team and being down here in front of everybody is a great experience.”
In addition to Andersen, Gary Payton, part of the Heat’s 2006 Championship team, is a coach for the 3-Headed Monsters, and Rick Barry, the former University of Miami great, is coach of the Ball Hogs.
Amar’e Stoudemire, who went to high school in Orlando and finished his NBA career with the Heat, was excited to return to Miami as a member of the Tri-State team.
“It felt great to be back in Miami,” Stoudemire said. “I was saying before, the fans here have been watching me since high school and then for me to play here for the Miami Heat in my last year in the NBA was phenomenal. Now to back on this platform, where even more of a different fan base can enjoy the game, so it was definitely fun to be back.”
Amar’e Stoudemire hopeful for friend Carmelo Anthony
Since news broke that Carmelo Anthony would be traded from the Thunder to the Hawks and subsequently waived, it has been reported the 10-time All-Star has at least some interest in joining the Miami Heat, among other teams.
Anthony finds himself in a unique point of his career, when he may be faced with a diminished role on whatever team he ends up with.
His former New York Knicks teammate and longtime friend, Amar’e Stoudemire, can relate to Anthony’s situation. He, too, was once a star before taking on a bench role late in his career.
For Stoudemire, the role change came with a shift in mindset.
“You have to be able to humble yourself enough to be able to realize that the you’re not a 30-point scorer,” Stoudemire said. “Once you come to that realization, you have to humble yourself enough to be able to play team basketball. That was my cure, and hopefully [Anthony] is able to find the same.”
Stoudemire is paying attention to Anthony, because they’ve known each other for years. And he’s confident that Anthony will make the right decision, no matter what that decision is.
“He wants to put himself in the position to not only win but in a position to be himself,” Stoudemire said. “That’s how I feel. I think it’s gonna work out for the best for him. I hope it does. He’s definitely a close friend of mine that I played with in high school and through the NBA, so I hope that he’s able to find success.”
TNS
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