The Miami Heat have signed 2nd year forward Alexander Johnson to a 2-year, $1.5 million dollar contract.  The 6’9″, 240 pound Johnson played in 59 games (19 starts) as a rookie last season for the Memphis Grizzlies and he averaged 12.8 minutes, 4.4 points, 3.1 rebounds and 0.3 assists per game.  He shot 53.8% from the floor but most of the shots were from close range and he made 66.1% of his free throws.  Look for Johnson to back up Udonis Haslem unless the Heat him before the season starts making either Johnson or Wayne Simien the starting power forward for 2007-08.

The Miami Heat have signed Anfernee Hardaway to a 1-year contract.  Hardaway was last seen playing in 4 games during the 2005-2006 season with the New York Knicks so it will be interesting to see if he has anything left in the tank or not.  He will likely slide into Eddie Jones role of last season off of the bench if he makes the team.  Penny Hardaway has had a long, good NBA career.  He has played in 688 games (549 starts) and he has averaged 34 minutes, 15.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.6 steals per game.  He also has shot pretty well as he has hit 45.8% from the floor, 31.5% from three point range and 77.4% from the free throw line.  You know this move had to please Shaq as he and Hardaway played together with the Orlando Magic in their younger days.