BY BARRY JACKSON
bjackson@MiamiHerald.com
Carlos Arroyo's efficient play, especially his good work as a late-season starter, has earned him a second season with the Heat. His return, long expected, was made official Thursday when the team formally announced he is now the 13th Heat player under contract.
``By re-signing Carlos, we feel we have accomplished another big step in adding to this team,'' Heat president Pat Riley said. ``Carlos showed last season that he was one of the most competitive and efficient point guards in the NBA and we are happy to have him back.''
Arroyo started 35 games last season -- including the final 21 of the regular season and all five playoff games -- and averaged 6.1 points, 3.1 assists and 22.0 minutes in 72 appearances.
He shot a career-high 47.5 percent from the field and 84.4 percent from the free throw line and finished second to New Orleans' Chris Paul in assist-to-turnover ratio, at 4.17 to 1.
Arroyo, who signed for the $1 million veteran's minimum, has appeared in 505 career games, including 148 starts, over eight seasons with the Nuggets, Raptors, Jazz, Pistons, Magic and Heat. Arroyo, who attended Florida International University, turns 31 on July 30.
Heat guard Dwyane Wade said this week that the starting point guard position is ``Mario Chalmers' job to lose,'' but Arroyo will challenge him.
The Heat can invite as many as 20 players to camp but can keep no more than 15. The final two roster spots likely will go to perimeter players. Free agent perimeter players still available include Jason Williams, Mike James, Anthony Johnson, Marcus Williams, Eddie House, Jerry Stackhouse, Larry Hughes and Michael Finley, among others.
AROUND THE LEAGUE
Timberwolves: General manager David Kahn, who acquired Michael Beasley from the Heat two weeks ago, told Minneapolis radio station KSTP: "He's a very young and immature kid who smoked too much marijuana and has told me that he's not smoking anymore, and I told him that I would trust him as long as that was the case.''
Kahn added of Beasley, "He had a very issue-free season last season in Miami."
In exchange for Beasley, the Heat received second-round picks in 2011 and 2014, plus cash considerations.
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