Eddy Curry Awaits Spoelstra's Call
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – When Mike Miller returned to the lineup Tuesday night; it left just one big player on the Heat's bench yet to play, center Eddy Curry.
The 7-foot center has spent much of the last 6-9 months trying to get into shape to be an NBA player again. The Heat signed him to a minimum contract this season hoping that Curry will finally regain his old form.
Curry fell into disfavor in New York while a member of the Knicks and was eventually removed from the lineup in 2009-2010.
Curry then allowed his weight to get out of control and ended up weighing more than 350 pounds according to some reports.
But, Curry has reportedly lost between 60 and 70 pounds since last year and is now on the cusp of getting playing time for the Miami Heat.
Wednesday, Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra was asked if Curry could play against the Lakers on Thursday and responded, "possibly."
Spoelstra also said that if Curry didn't play in the Lakers game, it would be soon.
For the Heat, if Curry can regain some of his old form, it could truly be the final piece of the puzzle to push the Heat over the top.
Curry averages roughly 13.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game for his career.
He used to average about 25 minutes a game, which is a bit much to expect with Curry's development at this point.
But, Curry's size would finally give the Heat a true center to match up with teams like the Knicks and Magic.
Curry will need several more weeks to get eased into the lineup, but according to the Palm Beach Post's Ethan Skolnick, Curry spent an extra hour at practice Wednesday working on the pick and roll, a key component of Miami's offense.
Curry said after the practice that he will be winded in his first appearance and that "it's gonna feel great. It will feel better if I can pull a Mike Miller and go 6-for-6; but I'm not expecting that," according to the Post.
