5 years ago
MIAMI (AP) -- Free agent Keyon Dooling is returning home to play for the Miami Heat, where his job will be to back up guard Dwyane Wade and get the ball to Shaquille O'Neal.
Dooling, who grew up in nearby Fort Lauderdale, signed a one-year contract with a player option for a second season. The deal was announced Thursday.
The 6-foot-3 Dooling, the 10th player taken in the 2000 draft, spent four seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers. Ankle and foot injuries forced him to miss 68 games in 2002 and 20 in 2003.
Last season he started 24 games but struggled and lost his spot in the lineup. He averaged 6.2 points per game and shot 17 percent from 3-point range.
The Heat were in the market for a backup point guard after Rafer Alston signed with Toronto.
"We absolutely love Keyon's speed and quickness," Heat coach Stan Van Gundy said. "I think he will provide us with great energy. He's a guy who can score points and has a chance to develop into a very good player."
Dooling is the Heat's first acquisition since they completed a trade for O'Neal last week. They remain in the market for perimeter shooters and met last weekend with forward Robert Horry.
Associated Press