Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was the poet who coined the phrase about “Ships that pass in the night.”  The modern edition involves two basketball players. 

Justin Hamilton and DeAndre Liggins form the muse for this artistic creation as the 7-foot center signed a long-term deal with the Miami Heat.  The team did not disclose the terms of the agreement.  However, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that Hamilton will be in the NBA for the balance of this season and has a foot in the door for next season.  The Heat initially traded for Hamilton’s rights during the 2012 NBA draft and allocated him to the Sioux Falls Skyforce after attending training camp in 2013.  Hamilton had just completed a 10-day stint with the Charlotte Bobcats.

Liggins is the casualty of the Heat’s roster move as guard from Kentucky was released from his second 10-day contract to make room for the big man from LSU.  Although the NBA is more like a fraternity and not exactly Tales of a Wayside Inn, the two will transition into their new roles with Liggins likely returning to the Skyforce and Hamilton becoming property of the Heat.

Here is a future scenario to consider should Liggins remain in the D-League.  Hamilton could be assigned to Sioux Falls and the two vessels could dock in port again as they did for a lion’s share of this season.

More From KIKN-FM / Kickin' Country 99.1/100.5