Score One for the Weave!

Ever since Smith chose his moniker in a preseason contest, the Heat and the Miami Herald, which sponsored the nickname game, have attempted -- somewhat unsuccessfully -- to imprint it on the local consciousness. "Tricky," observed a nine-year-old fan who watched Smith pile in 24 points this past Thursday in a winning effort against the Milwaukee Bucks. "I thought his name was Lucky."

Meanwhile, as the photo at right attests, several hundred brave souls are voicing their support of a different handle: "The Weave." Advocates of "The Weave" are largely rafter rats, fans who can't afford the posh box seats, who tend to bellow WEEEEEEEEAVE! at odd intervals and spill their beer.

They probably don't stand a chance against the corporate forces backing "Tricky."

And Steve "The Weave" Smith should be grateful for every last one of them.