Norris

Cole

“I still have the ability,” Cole said. “God has still blessed me with the ability. I still have the fire, the hunger and I still feel like I have something to prove, things that I would like to accomplish as a player. That feeling of winning a championship, the mission, the goal, the work to try to get to that point again, that’s what drives me as a competitor. And I want that feeling again.” Cole last played in the NBA during the 2016-17 season and will be 34 years old in October, but he’s hoping a strong showing at the FIBA AmeriCup tournament will get him some attention.

Norris Cole played 26 minutes and had six points on 3-of-11 shooting, and given that the Heat have nothing to play for, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Cole have a bigger night than Chalmers on Thursday against the Wizards.

Only a few starters played for either team (Mario Chalmers, Paul Pierce, Brandon Bass, Avery Bradley) and only four players scored in double digits on the night. James Jones chipped in with 11 points, six rebounds and three pointers, and Udonis Haslem had six points and 13 rebounds in the ugly loss. And with the Heat now locked into the No. 2 seed and nothing to play for, expect more of the same on Thursday against the Wizards. Pittman, Haslem and Jones might be worth adding for that one, but Mario Chalmers (eight points, 3-of-10 shooting, 28 minutes) could be due for a rest, clearing the way for Norris Cole to get more minutes. Cole had six points in 26 minutes tonight, so there aren’t really any clear cut must-own players in Miami, despite the skeleton crew they’re running out there.

Dwyane Wade was out with an ankle injury and Norris Cole has fallen out of the rotation. Jones could start to get some nice run for the Heat, so keep an eye on him if you need a 3-point shooter. Just beware that he hadn’t scored in his previous nine games.

This news comes out of nowhere, and it’s unclear how long the illness will keep him sidelined. In the meantime, Norris Cole will start in his place.

Cole has a great feel for the game, and enough athleticism to project as a reliable NBA guard for years to come. He’ll fill a crucial role in the playoffs but we’re not expecting any double-digit scoring nights.

That should tell you about how this night went for the Heat. Mario Chalmers played 17 minutes and scored eight points with two assists and no threes, Mike Miller had eight points and one three, Udonis Haslem went for six and four with a steal and block, Shane Battier hit one trey for three points with three steals, and Norris Cole added 14 points off the bench in the 34-point loss.

House only had value as a 3-point gunner off the bench and his release isn’t surprising -- he’s still dealing with a knee injury and the Heat have Mike Miller and James Jones to spread the floor when needed. Norris Cole looks like an even better sleeper now that House is off the roster.

Cole isn’t gun-shy and he attempted 13 shots, making just four, but it’s important to note that he played more than starter Mario Chalmers (seven points, seven assists in 18 minutes). The two continue to split minutes somewhat evenly, hampering the fantasy appeal of both.

Chalmers could have returned to the game if necessary, and the Heat have three days off before Friday’s matchup, so he should be fine. If Chalmers ever does miss significant time, however, deep league owners shouldn’t hesitate to scoop up Norris Cole.