Locals strike it rich in NBA

Like the rest of the sports world, Joel Anthony was glued to his TV set July 8 when LeBron James announced he was taking his celebrated game to Miami.

As James explained his stunning decision, he noted the Heat would need more than him, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to excel to win the NBA title.

"We're going to need Joel Anthony to score inside, rebound and block shots," James said.

Anthony, a former UNLV center, couldn't believe his ears. LeBron James, calling him out to step up?

"My phone was crazy," Anthony said. "I was getting tons of calls and texts after LeBron said that."

Anthony, who was a restricted free agent, hadn't re-upped with the Heat at that point, but he wanted to stay in Miami, regardless of James' decision. Anthony got his wish July 16 when he agreed to a five-year contract worth $18 million. He made $825,497 last year.

Anthony wasn't the only NBA player with local ties to make out well this month. Guard C.J. Watson, a Bishop Gorman High School product, was traded to the Chicago Bulls by the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday in a sign-and-trade. His new three-year contract could pay Watson up to $10 million; the first two years are guaranteed at a reported $3.1 million each.

Watson made $1,000,497 last season, his third with the Warriors, during which he averaged 10.3 points, 2.8 assists and 2.6 rebounds in 65 games.

"I see it as a great opportunity," said Watson, who will back up Derrick Rose, the Bulls' terrific young point guard. "I was really happy about it and I can't wait to get there.

"I want to thank the Warriors for giving me a chance to show I could play in the NBA. Coach (Don) Nelson was great to me and I appreciate everything he did for me."

Tom Thibodeau, the Bulls' new coach, said Watson will give the Bulls quality depth, experience and energy.

"We like him a lot," Thibodeau said. "He's a high-energy guy who can guard, who can run the floor and play quick. Because of his versatility, you can play him at different positions."

Watson, 26, said he'll have no trouble fitting in with Chicago.

"I'm definitely comfortable with the role they've got for me," he said. "The only adjustment I'm going to have to make is the weather. I'm going to have to deal with snow after not seeing any in Oakland."

Anthony won't have to worry about snow in Miami. But that wasn't his primary reason for wanting to stay with the Heat.

"It was more a matter of being comfortable with the staff and the organization," said Anthony, 27, who had his best season in three years with the Heat, grabbing 249 rebounds and blocking 108 shots. "I've enjoyed my time in Miami."

Now he'll really get a chance to enjoy it. He said the scenario that has played out since the free-agent period began July 1 is better than he could have imagined.

"It wasn't in anyone's wildest dreams. I just couldn't believe it. But now that it's happened, I'm definitely looking forward to playing with LeBron and with Chris," Anthony said.

Mike Higgins, who represents Anthony and Watson, is pleased with the outcome for both players.

"It wasn't the money," Higgins said of Anthony remaining with Miami. "Toronto really wanted him. New York and New Jersey were prepared to offer him more money. I really believe (Heat coach Erik) Spoelstra wants him and would give him an opportunity to continue to grow as a player. He could become something special.

"The beauty of it is on that team, he doesn't need to score. He just needs to do what he does -- rebound, block shots and be a good teammate. Obviously it's early, but they have Joel penciled in as their starting center. And when you consider when he first came to UNLV how much he struggled, it's an amazing story to see him where he's at right now."

Of Watson, Higgins said: "I think it's a great place for him. You look at Chicago's roster and they cleared the decks to try and get LeBron. Obviously that didn't happen. But with Kirk Hinrich gone (traded to Washington on June 24), I see C.J. as their Kirk Hinrich -- someone who can play both positions and give them quality minutes.

"From where C.J.'s come to where he is now, it's a great story, too. Coming out of college (at Tennessee), 28 out of 29 teams told me he wasn't an NBA player. It just shows they don't always get it right."

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913.