The NBA barnstormers are coming to FIU.
LeBron James’ camp confirmed Tuesday that James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh are planning an exhibition basketball game featuring many of the NBA’s top stars for 7?p.m. Oct.?8 at FIU.
James has played in exhibition games throughout the country during the NBA lockout, and FIU’s event will give South Florida’s NBA-starved fans a chance to watch their favorite players.
Heat restricted free agent guard Mario Chalmers also will participate in the game, according to a report by ESPN, as well as free agent Eddy Curry, who has interest in joining the Heat once the lockout ends. Former Heat first-round picks Caron Butler of the Dallas Mavericks and Dorell Wright of the Golden State Warriors also are on the exhibition’s roster.
Other players linked to the game include Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire of the New York Knicks, Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets, John Wall of the Washington Wizards, Jamal Crawford and Joe Johnson of the Atlanta Hawks, Jonny Flynn of the Houston Rockets, Eric Bledsoe of the Los Angeles Clippers, Rudy Gay of the Memphis Grizzlies, Rajon Rondo of the Boston Celtics, Lou Williams of the Philadelphia 76ers and Wesley Matthews of the Portland Trail Blazers.
In other words, it’s the closest thing to an NBA All-Star Game the city of Miami has hosted in more than 20 years. Proceeds for the event will be donated to a charity to support education in South Florida, according to ESPN.
The exhibition’s top stars will be divided into two teams based on shoe sponsorship, according to a report. James, Bosh and Durant are affiliated with Nike, whereas Wade, Anthony and Paul wear Jordan Brand sneakers.
The game will provide welcomed exposure for FIU, which planned to formally announce the event Wednesday.
FIU athletics director Pete Garcia did not return a phone call Tuesday.
Not listed among the players reportedly participating in the exhibition game are Heat forwards Mike Miller and Udonis Haslem. Both underwent surgery in the offseason.
James has participated in pro-am games in Cleveland, Los Angeles, Baltimore and Philadelphia during the NBA lockout. Although exhibition games can be a little disorganized and free-flowing, James has put the time on the court to good use. In Philadelphia on Sunday, James scored 43 points and had 23 rebounds while playing almost exclusively with his back to the basket.
James has used the time during the NBA lockout to work on his post game. Most notably, James sought the guidance of NBA Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon, who helped James develop his skills under the basket. The Oct.?8 pro-am at FIU will give Heat fans a first-hand opportunity to observe James’ progress.
James and Wade are scheduled to participate in an exhibition game Oct.?1 in North Carolina, which will be hosted by Paul, the Hornets’ All-Star guard. Chalmers played in an alumni game at Kansas last weekend. He had 17 points and 10 assists and made a three-pointer with one-tenth of a second left in the game to tie the score.
