The Miami Heat, like all NBA teams, have until Oct. 24 to set their 2016-17 regular-season roster. The Heat could go all the way up to the deadline to reveal their team, since the final cut will be a difficult choice between Beno Udrih and Briante Weber.
"Well, they’re two totally different players,” head coach Erik Spoelstra told The Miami Herald. "Bri is dynamic defensively. There’s so many unpredictable things that are disruptive, it’s uncanny. Offensively, he brings a lot of energy, and he’s developing the rest of his game. Beno is a 13-year vet that’s played on championship-level teams. He doesn’t get sick at sea. He can get you organized and is a very steady, high-IQ player. So, two totally different type of guys."
Udrih helped the Heat last season, as he accepted a slight reduction in his salary as part of a buyout, which allowed Miami to get under the luxury tax line. His experience as a 12-year NBA veteran may give him the edge over Weber, who is a strong defender but is limited as a playmaker.
“I’m not looking forward to this weekend,” Spoelstra said.
In addition to Udrih or Weber, the other cuts are expected to be Keith Benson, Vashil Fernandez, Rodney McGruder and Okaro White. If Weber is cut and clears waivers, he is eligible to play for Miami's D-League, the Sioux Falls Skyforce. Fernandez, McGruder and White could also start the season with the Skyforce.
