Miami moves training camp to Fort Walton Beach
"I'm going to take my talents to South Beach”
These lines broke the heart of Cleveland Cavaliers fans and surprised NBA followers, after LeBron James announced on national TV that he'll join Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami next season.
However, before having the chance of showcasing his skills in South Beach, James will have to undergo a rigorous training in a different beach, the Fort Walton Beach.
The Miami Heat announced on Wednesday that they will kick off the season by holding their training camp at the Hurlburt Field and Eglin Air Force Base starting 28 September to 3 October.
The Heat, who will be the heavy favourite in the upcoming season, moved away from their training facilities in their home arena to avoid distractions caused by all the hypes surrounding their
team.
"This is a terrific opportunity for our team," Spoelstra said. "The base will provide the ideal setting for us to focus on basketball and building camaraderie with limited distractions."
The third-year coach also said that the training camp will be a unique opportunity for them, because they will have the chance to spend time with the country's young heroes, and he expects
that both sides will learn a lot of things from each other.
Heat president Pat Riley, who was in the hot-seat during the free agency period, is very optimistic about their chances next season, and he also believes that training in a different environment
will help them in a long run.
"The Miami Heat is extremely humbled to train in an environment where service, sacrifice, and discipline are the norm," Riley said. "We know our players will appreciate being immersed in
that kind of environment, and supporting the men and women who defend our freedom every day."
The Miami Heat underwent a massive rebuilding this off-season, when they acquired perennial all-stars, James and Bosh, while keeping Wade, Mario Chalmers, and Udonis Haslem in their fold.
They were also successful in surrounding their superstar-trio with veteran role players like Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Mike Miller, Jamaal Magloire and Juwan Howard. According to reports, Erick
Dampier might also join them, after the 14-year veteran centre expressed his desire to join the club.
After their training camp, the Heat will head back to South Florida for their scheduled pre-season games, which will start on 5 October in which they are going to take on the Detroit Pistons
at home.
Tags: