Heat add G Head for stretch run

Mar 4, 2009 - 11:24 PM MIAMI (Ticker) -- The Miami Heat have bolstered their lineup as they prepare for a playoff run.

The Heat on Wednesday signed free agent guard Luther Head for the rest of the season after he was released by the Houston Rockets this past weekend.

Having been released prior to the March 1 deadline, Head is eligible to play in the postseason. The Heat are currently in possession of the No. 5 spot in the Eastern Conference.

Though financial terms have not been disclosed, Head's agent, Mark Bartelstein, told the Florida Sun-Sentinel that the deal is for the league minimum, prorated for the rest of the season. He will undergo a physical on Wednesday.

Miami was looking for added depth in its backcourt, where Head should be an upgrade off the bench over current backup Chris Quinn. A first-round pick of the Rockets in 2005, Head has averaged 8.8 points and 2.3 assists in three-plus NBA seasons, shooting 39 percent from 3-point range.

"They're looking for a combo guard," Bartelstein told the Sun-Sentinel. "Luther, I think fits their system really well, the way they play."

Head's minutes dwindled this season in Houston, making him expendable. The Heat, however, could use another shooter, as Dwyane Wade is the team's only consistent scoring threat.

"A player like myself and LeBron, we love shooters, shooters are our best friend; that will be great for us," Wade told the Sun-Sentinel on Wednesday. "It could take some pressure off of (Mario Chalmers) as well. It could take some pressure off me as well."