Miami Heat Sign Jarvis Varnado, Mickell Gladness


The Miami Heat have signed big men Jarvis Varnado and Mickell Gladness to non-guaranteed training camp contracts. Both Gladness and Varnado have previously been on Miami’s roster; Varnado, the NCAA’s all-time leading shot-blocker, was a second-round draft pick by the Heat in 2010. Gladness made his NBA debut with Miami last December before heading to Golden State. Via the South Florida Sun-Sentinel: “Gladness, who went undrafted out of Alabama A&M in 2008, and Varnado both were with the Heat’s summer-league team in Las Vegas in July, each limited by injury. While NBA teams are limited to 15 players for the regular season, teams may carry up to 20 during training camp, which opens Sept. 29 for the Heat at AmericanAirlines Arena. Because Varnado has now signed with the Heat, the Heat no longer would retain his rights should he be cut. Varnado had bypassed Heat contracts the previous two offseasons in favor of time overseas. Gladness and Varnado were added on non-guaranteed contracts. With the signings of Gladness and Varnado, it reduces the chances of the Heat bringing back veteran power forward Juwan Howard. During summer league, Varnado appeared in two games (one start) and averaged 2.0 points, 3.5 rebounds in an average of 15 minutes. Gladness appeared in four games and averaged 5.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.50 blocks in an average of 12 minutes.”