ASK IRA: Why would the Heat sign Shav Randolph?

Q: The Heat just re-signed Shavlik Randolph. Please tell me it’s a non-guaranteed contract meant only to invite the guy to training camp. — Diego. A: OK, that’s what I’ll tell you. It was a courtesy, a way to allow a hard-working summer-league player to pick up a few bucks in the offseason and possibly get exposure in the preseason, nothing more. But it also allows Shav to at least compete with the likes of Juwan Howard and Jamaal Magloire in camp. While those two have guarantees, the cash the Heat would have to eat would be minimal, because it is not anywhere close to the luxury tax. But the odds of Randolph making the 15-man regular-season roster are practically non-existent. Q: Would they really need another 6-10 guy who will play power forward?  I think you were right by saying they need another guard-forward who can handle the ball, play defense, and most importantly, knock down threes. — Daryl. A: And I think that is what the Heat will wind up add...