Heat Face Long Odds of Regaining Draft Pick in Rozier Inquiry; Splitter Sets Coaching Milestone; Len Signs with Real Madrid
SLUG: heat-rozier-investigation-splitter-blazers-len-real-madrid
CONTENT:
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat are unlikely to recoup the first-round pick they sent to Charlotte for Terry Rozier, even though the guard was already under investigation for suspicious betting activity at the time of the January 2024 trade, ESPN’s Bobby Marks told Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald.
Marks said the Heat were never informed that Rozier was being scrutinized. The Hornets have not publicly confirmed whether they knew about the probe before finalizing the deal. “It’s a gray area that I think the league is going to have to look long and hard at,” Marks noted, adding that legal concerns complicate any requirement to disclose ongoing investigations.
The NBA is now reviewing its rules on gambling, injury reporting and inter-team communication, but Marks believes Miami’s draft compensation is “highly unlikely” to be returned.
Portland Trail Blazers
Interim mentor Tiago Splitter has become the first Brazilian-born head coach in NBA history after stepping in for Chauncey Billups, who remains on indefinite leave following an FBI arrest after the season opener.
Portland has gone 2-1 under Splitter, highlighted by a 14-point victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday. Forward Deni Avdija has paced the club in scoring in all three games, while guard Jrue Holiday said he expects the offense—currently hitting 33.8 percent from three—to “catch up to our defense.”
“It’s an honor,” Splitter said of his new role, emphasizing the significance for basketball fans in his native Brazil.
International
Veteran center Alex Len, 31, has reached a multiyear agreement with Real Madrid, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. The No. 5 pick in the 2013 draft averaged 6.7 points and 5.3 rebounds over 12 NBA seasons with the Suns, Hawks, Kings, Raptors, Wizards and Lakers.
The NBA continues to monitor its gambling policies as Miami weighs its limited options, Portland adjusts to Splitter’s leadership, and Len prepares for a new chapter in Spain.
Source: Hoops Wire
