NBA: Heat’s 2nd-round pick Dozier signs with team in Greece
By Ira Winderman
Sun Sentinel
MIAMI — The Miami Heat’s 2009 draft class is down to a single prospect.
Robert Dozier, the 6-foot-9 forward out of Memphis selected with the final pick of the NBA Draft, has agreed to terms with a team in Greece.
Dozier, who had been working out the past month at AmericanAirlines Arena after being taken with the No. 60 selection in June’s second round, has signed a one-year deal with Colossus Rhodes, a team in Greece’s first division.
Colossus Rhodes also lists former 76ers forward Steven Smith and former Kansas State forward Lance Harris on its roster. The team plays in a 1,300-seat home arena.
Heat President Pat Riley last week said his team was poised to deal with the status of its two second-round picks. Also acquired in the second round was former Arkansas guard Pat Beverley, in a draft-night trade with the Lakers. The Heat did not have a first-round selection.
“Both of them have had great summers,” Riley said.
Dozier had spent time at both small forward and power forward during the Heat’s summer camp last month, at times outplaying Heat veteran Dorell Wright.
“He has the skill set to be in this league,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said.
By rule, the Heat will retain Dozier’s rights, which could be of benefit next season, when the Heat figures to spend most of its salary cap space to re-sign Dwyane Wade and add an A-list free agent, therefore likely to be left with only minimal remaining cap. The Heat also can use Dozier’s rights in a trade.
Beverley, the No. 42 selection, said last week he plans to be with the Heat this coming season.
“Everything’s up to Pat right now,” he said.
The Heat already has 13 players under contract, not counting Beverley. Riley said earlier this offseason he only would carry 13 players, but last week said he could see his team possibly starting the season at the NBA maximum of 15.