Shane Battier Says He's Signing With the Heat UPDATE: And Eddy Curry Too

So despite the fact that the Miami Heat are severely hurting in the point guard and center spots, their first signing priority this season was apparently the owner's son's college buddy.In the first indication of the team's signing decisions, Shane Battier has announced he'll be playing for the Heat this...

By Kyle Munzenrieder

December 8, 2011

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So despite the fact that the Miami Heat are severely hurting in the point guard and center spots, their first signing priority this season was apparently the owner's son's college buddy.

In the first indication of the team's signing decisions, Shane Battier has announced he'll be playing for the Heat this season.

Update: Looks like Eddy Curry is coming along for the ride as well

Battier, a small forward, formally with the Grizzlies, took to his Twitter to explain the decision:

The Lockout gave me a lots of time to consider what was important to me at this stage of my life and career. Over the last week, I've played out every scenario in my head over and over. It always came back to one thing for me: a winning role. I am appreciative of all the kind words and recruiting pitches over the last week, thank you!!

Battier has also claimed that he was told he was the team's first priority.

Battier played for the Duke Blue Devils and won the 2001 National Championship with the team. Interestingly at the time Nick Arison, the team's CEO and son of owner Micky Arison, was the Blue Devil's team manager.

With Mike Miller and James Jones' futures with the Heat uncertain the move make some sense. Battier is a proven shooter, but also brings strong defensive skills to the team's bench.

The Heat will not officially be able to offer a contract to Battier until the free agency period begins tomorrow.

Update: Battier won't be the only new face showing up to practice tomorrow. CBS Sports is reporting that Eddy Curry will sign with the Heat this year after being given a look about the team last year. The good news? He's a center! The bad news? He's kind of old and out of shape and has only played 10 games since the 2008-09 season.

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