James Jones returns to the Heat; Jamaal Magloire, Carlos Arroyo may also be back (UPDATE)
The Miami Herald is reporting that the Miami Heat have retained free agent sharpshooter and Miami native James Jones to a minimum contract for one year. After negotiating a buyout from his original contract with the Heat last month and being courted by other teams such as the San Antonio Spurs, he ultimately decided to take less money to play for his hometown much like Udonis Haslem did. Although Jones struggled throughout his first two years with the Heat which included a long layoff due to wrist surgery, he will have plenty of open looks at the basket from three-point range.
The Heat bought out the final three years of Jones’ contract on June 30 – a deal that would have paid him $4.9 million next season. Instead, Jones will receive the $1 million veteran’s minimum, as well as a $1.5 million buyout from that previous contract. The Heat will pay him buyout sums of $1.7 million and $1.9 million the following two seasons.
“I still feel I have unfinished business here,” Jones said. “Things didn’t end the way I wanted them to end. The opportunity to win a championship was too much to pass up.”
Jones turned down more money elsewhere, including overtures from the Spurs. “I had offers out there, but Miami was the best place,” he said. “Everyone knows how committed I am to winning.”
Jones, 29, appeared in just 36 games last season (six starts) and averaged 4.1 points and 1.3 rebounds, shooting 36.1 percent from the field and 41.1 percent from three-point range. “Hopefully,” Jones said, “the minutes will be there and I’ll make teams pay” if they leave him open.
For new readers or those who may have missed it when it was first posted, here’s an interview with Jones and Haslem I did a few months back.
The Heat are apparently willing to keep several players from last season around in order to retain continuity and preserve team chemistry. Carlos Arroyo and Jamaal Magloire are now reported to be returning as well. The imminent signing of free agent forward Juwan Howard will give the Heat 13 players under contract and it’s anyone’s guess who gets those last two spots.
I have to say I’m not too thrilled about Arroyo returning to the Heat. I have no huge issues with his play last season (except for the Boston Celtics series) but this team needs more youth and it would be a great chance to develop a player who can learn so much from playing with Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and LeBron James in practice and in games. Any number of players would have fit the bill such as Patrick Beverley, Kenny Hasbrouck, Da’Sean Butler, Jon Scheyer or a young player that has bounced around the league but still could develop into something special or at least serviceable. Perhaps that player won’t magically become Rajon Rondo but we all know Arroyo’s ceiling, he’ll be a year older, doesn’t have much of a three-point shot and he was out of the league for a reason before the Heat came around frantically looking for someone to help out at that position. How many past-their-prime guys do we need on the bench anyway? If there absolutely had to be a need for more veterans, the Heat should have recruited former Heat players Eddie House or Jason Williams who can at least be a threat out on the perimeter.
We all know the names left that could nab the final spots on this roster. At least now it seems like we’ll only have to wait a little bit more to see how it all plays out.
UPDATE
The Heat have now officially re-signed Jones:
The Miami HEAT announced today that they have re-signed forward James Jones. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“We are happy to bring back James Jones, whose abilities on and off the court epitomize what the HEAT organization stands for,” said HEAT President Pat Riley. “He is a consummate professional and a proven three-point threat that will help stretch the floor. As our roster fills out, his ability to shoot the ball will be a valuable asset to our team.”
Jones has appeared in 366 career games (65 starts) over seven seasons. During his NBA career, with four different teams, he has averaged 6.4 points, 2.4 rebounds and 18.9 minutes, while shooting 39.8 percent from the field, 39.5 percent from three-point range, and 86.1 percent from the foul line. He has scored in double-figures on 101 occasions, and has shot at least 82.0 percent from the foul line every season of his career.
During the last two seasons with the HEAT, Jones appeared in 76 games (seven starts), averaging 4.1 points, 1.4 rebounds and 14.9 minutes, while shooting 36.6 percent from the field, 37.6 percent from three-point range and 83.1 percent from the foul line.
Jones originally signed with the HEAT as a free agent on July 9, 2008. He was waived by the club on June 29, 2010.
39 comments
Surya, you’re 100% right about Arroyo’s age and ceiling. I think Chalmers can follow that Rajon model of getting better through osmosis, and he could be a long-term solution in the backcourt, but it would be nice to see one or two more players under 28 years old on the roster. I know they’re thinking about a title this year, but in years 4-6 of the Three Kings’ contracts you want seasoned players around as well, that aren’t 36 years old. Chalmers is the only guy on this roster that I could see contributing in 2014.
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I think calling Mario a Rajon type of player is so silly. Mario just isn’t that fast. Hey, I am a KU alum and follow the Heat because of Super Mario and think that he will improve…. its just that, comparing the guy to Rondo is retarded. Rondo is good because of his speed. He furiously attacks the rim and creates open shots for his teammates. Mario is good because he has quick hands on defense and has a decent jumper. He rarely attacks the rim (but there are some great highlights of dunks that he has had for the Heat) and usually defers the playmaking to Dwyane. All I’m worried about for next season is Spolestra’s offense. There was no originality in any of the games I watched last year and very little off ball movement. I understand that sometimes people don’t perform like they are supposed to but it was so consistent that it had to be the coaching. I know the Heat were a defensive minded team but I really hope the coaching for the offense improves.
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James Reply:
July 19th, 2010 at 3:47 am
Don’t be a jerk, man. No one called Mario a Rajon type player. Surya specifically said that player WOULDN’T become a Rajon Rondo, and I said that Chalmers could follow the Rajon model of improving because of surrounding talent. People get their feathers ruffled real quick when you mention those two in the same sentence–there are similarities between their respective positions. They’re not similarly talented and I haven’t heard anyone say that.
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Travis Reply:
July 19th, 2010 at 4:00 am
Well, I guess what I meant to say but didn’t clarify was that Rajon Rondo’s ceiling has always been a lot higher because of his speed. I don’t think Mario will ever be a perennial all star which is what Rondo seems to be moving towards. I’m not really trying to be a jerk though. I appreciate what you have to say and agree with most of your points, but when you compare Mario to Rajon you are putting the ceiling too high. I understand that you are saying Mario will improve because he is surrounded by greats, but my point is that he will probably never be an all-star– rather he will be a solid, workable nba point guard. Comparing the development into a workable player to one of the game’s elite at the position seems like a stretch.
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James Reply:
July 19th, 2010 at 1:36 pm
Yeah, we’re saying the same thing man. I don’t think Mario is going to be elite either. His improvement because of being on a winning team is the potential similarity. He can become a serviceable NBA point guard, and when you’ve got three stars on the team, that’s all the Heat will need.
You were dead wrong then as you are in may other issues now! You know nothing about the game!
Surya said: “[Arroyo] Completely blew his chances of returning to the Heat next year with a very poor series.”
[Miami Heat Playoff Series Recap: Player Scorecards, part 2 by Surya "Skateboard" Fernandez]
Go back to your skateboards! jajajajajajajajaja!
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Surya Fernandez Reply:
July 19th, 2010 at 11:03 am
If I have to be wrong about one thing I guess it better be this than the national media being wrong about LeBron not coming to Miami. I know you’ll defend Arroyo to the death because of where he was born but there are better options like Keyon Dooling or J-Will out there. With all the veterans who want to play for Miami it’s a bummer that Miami is just bringing back Chalmers & Arroyo instead of upgrading. Being in love with Arroyo like you are doesn’t mean you know more about the game than I do.
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Guachito Reply:
July 19th, 2010 at 3:21 pm
I know that Riley and Spo know more than you do, and they seem to like Carlos Arroyo over your ‘smart’ opinion! jajajajajaja!
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Florida Phil Reply:
July 19th, 2010 at 4:49 pm
I couldn’t agree with you more about Dooling or JWill over Arroyo… Don’t forget Dooling is a home town boy too… Arroyo would be horrible he has no true offense what so ever so that will allow other teams Ie Lakers to have a player like Kobe fade off him on defense and help out on the three Kings. Not good.
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James Reply:
July 19th, 2010 at 5:13 pm
Well, if Kobe is guarding Arroyo, that means that D-Fish or Steve Blake are guarding Wade. Not good (for the Lakers).
Having a defender like Kobe able to sag off of a player like Arroyo isn’t great for the Heat, but the Heat create more problems than can be accounted for by one roaming defender.
Also, the same can be said on the other side. Fisher and Artest, while better than Arroyo, are the type of players that you don’t have to devote a ton of defensive focus to. That leaves LeBron (!) and one other defender to sag off their man, and cause some defensive havoc of their own.
I sure hope that the Finals end up Heat-Lakers, because it would be a great series to watch.
Rob Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 1:09 am
The only point guards that kobe defends are the quick and elite ones like last year with westbrook and rondo. Fisher is a very good defender on certain types of players so he should do just fine guarding either of your point guards.
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Arroyo is a bum, we need to bring back J-Will. We won a ring with him running the offense. Plus he’s a much better play maker then Arroyo
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Arroyo is the best option for the Heat. He’s very smart point guard and he demonstrated it last season. In a super-Team like this his performance is going to be Super-better. No doubt about it!
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Arroyo’s efficient and makes few mistakes (Assist to turnover ratio) but does little else. It’s possible, I hope, I hope, that the Heat are just giving him a contract to play it safe and will still offer one to Dooling or J-Will to win a spot. Will see.
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I believe that Carlos Arroyo would have to be guard that Miami is looking for. All we saw the past year he can play and he now pass the ball. Carlos Arroyo start the season like backup PG and he finish the season being the starter PG and help Miami to enter in the Playoffs. They would have to take him in consideration. He has experience. He is one of the best PG at international level. In addition it knows pass the ball incredibly to his partners. I want see Carlos Arroyo passing the ball to Wade, Lebron and Bosh.
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The Latin fans want Carlos Arroyo back in Miami. This year was chosen the MVP of Centrobasket 2010 and their numbers were impressive. We know that if returns his work is pass the ball and not score with that 3 starts. I want se Arroyo passing the ball to Wade, Lebron and Bosh. We know Carlos Arroyo can play in the new system of Miami. We now when the Coach need change the last year in the half of the season in the PG position Carlos Arroyo play well and help the team to win with no TO per minutes and good ball delivery. Miami bring him back!!!
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This report says that Carlos does not have shot of 3 point area. But why they do not look for his percent in the Centrobasket of this year 2010. Carlos shot a 51.4% of the 3 point area. Average 19.3 points per game being the leader of the tournament and I realize 6.3 assist per game. Imagines who many assist he can make with Wade, Lebron and Bosh? And other thing is, the report say that Carlos is 1 year older. But tell me something, Jason William is a baby?
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Surya Fernandez Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:28 am
I’m not interested in stats against weaker competition and the 3-point line is closer for the international game. Arroyo only shot 7 for 25 in three pointers over the course of 72 games last year for the Heat. That’s not a three point threat in your wildest imagination. I get it. He’s from Puerto Rico. You love the guy. But he’s not the best option at PG out there. He just isn’t. If you read my article thoroughly you’ll understand that I’m advocating getting a much younger point guard to develop. However, if we MUST get a veteran than Jason Williams is the superior choice. He’s probably twice as fast as Arroyo despite being older and has three point range. Plus he knows the Heat system just as well as Arroyo so that’s not a problem either.
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Fast than Arroyo!!! Now way!!! Jason Williams don’t have good legs right now. He retired and he back with Orlando but why Orlando re-sing him??? They sing another PG (Duhon). Arroyos in this moment is faster and have better vision of the court for make good plays for his partners. Ask Wade about that??? He now Arroyo can pass the ball. I tell that about the 3 point area because your report but in this moment the team no need a shooter in Arroyo or Williams because they have Miller, Jones and I can forgot Wade and Lebron both shot very good behind the 3 point line. The teams need a natural PG and Carlos Arroyo for me is the man. He now what the Coach wants, he now what Wade want when he look him (that’s chemistry) and the better thin is Mario Chambler say the pass year, “I learn a lot of Arroyo”. Carlos has the experience for help Mario for the future. Another thing is you say, Jason Williams now the system of Miami??? I don’t think so because William was retired and them it came back and play for Orlando not for Miami. Williams don’t know the system of Coach Erik Spoelstra but Arroyo he really now the system of the Miami Coach. The better example of that is the story of the PG situation Arroyo star like the bench PG an finish like the starter PG because he now and make what coach want. Arroyo and Mario they must be the PG’s of the team.
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Surya Fernandez Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:07 am
Williams didn’t retire because of basketball, it was family issues. Do you even know that Williams was the starting PG for Miami when they won the championship or did you start watching the Heat when Arroyo joined them? There’s nothing I can say to change your love for Arroyo so go ahead and keep supporting him. Just admit it’s only because he’s Puerto Rican. I never said he was bad but you’re making it sound like he’s the greatest point guard ever. He didn’t do anything in the playoffs either. Jermaine O’Neal and Michael Beasley get all the blame for that series but Arroyo was just as bad. Chalmers thoroughly outplayed him.
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I don’t know what is the problem with Carlos Arroyo in the NBA League. Arroyo’s performance was great in any team he played. Don’t forget his great performance when Puerto Rico team beated United States. I think the people in the United States hate it for that reason. Do you remember what happened when Arroyo (ankle breaker) Iverson and Amare Stoudamarie, Do you remember how many point he mades (24) and Puerto Rico team is the first to defeat United States in the Olympics with an advantage of 19 points. In the free agents options Arroyo is the best point guard above Williams, Dooling, Chalmers. These players haven’t the resume to compared with Arroyo. Arroyo played very well last season with Heat help them to reach 2nd round in Playoffs. I’m aware that the people of Puerto Rico including latin had more knowledge about Arroyo career and americans not because you have super star players and players like Arroyo don’t mean nothing for you. But I can’t understand why you sacrifice and kill Arroyo when he demonstrated he’s a great point guard. By the way.. Arroyo helped to classified to the Basketball World Cup in Turkey and Puerto Rico gain plate vs Brasil.`Arroyo was the best score in thast tournamet and if you want a real opinion about Arroyo.. Asking Aleandro Barbosa (Phoenix Suns)…
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Surya Fernandez Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 11:45 am
My family is from Argentina so I know a thing or two about the international game. It’s not just American sports that I’m familiar with so let me get that out of the way. (For example, I know that Argentina was the first to beat a USA squad with NBA players back in 2002. I watched that game.) It’s borderline irrelevant what he accomplished for his country when he was younger. Things aren’t so black and white. Just because there are better point guards out there doesn’t mean I think Arroyo is garbage. He was decent last year as a last-minute solution. But there is no doubt in my mind that Jason Williams, Patrick Beverley or Kenny Hasbrouck are the better options for that roster spot. You don’t need to defend him. I’ve seen every game he played for the Heat. He’s a nice player, the Heat just need someone better.
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elnene827 Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 6:43 am
all i have to say to all this comments is that all you guys have different opinions one is cuz nba doesnt play fundamental basketball is always about who makes the shots.thtas what arroyo is a fundamental point guard when we compare with nba players like eddie house j will chalmers i agree when you say they better than arroyo scoring defense and 3 point range but with this team we have now i do rather arroyo not cuz he is better but because he will play fundamental basketball and thats what this team needs rigth now at the point guard spot court vision and control.
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Thanks for you comment. Everyone have the choice to choose who is the best player. In this case, Carlos Arroyo vs others points guards. I respect your opinion. My point is that I don’t understand how many peoples thinks and critics very time Carlos Arroyo. I defend him because I believe in his game and I have been follow his career many years since he began to played in Santurce BSN League in Puerto Rico. And I saw how he improve during the years reaching some many triumphs personally and to the people of Puerto Rico. But now I could tell you objectively that Arroyo demonstrated more skills and abilities in the International Area with a great percentages overall than NBA League. In the NBA League he played well doing the Coach and team jobs but the capabilities to charming in some games. The coach Spoaltra prefered Arroyo last seanson above Chalmers including the point Guard of Orlando (? I don’t remember his name), but this guy quicked for some reasons. But if you compared their statics between Arroyo, Chalmers and this guy, Arroyo was better playmaker and the Team record was better. Pat Raley, Coach Spoaltra and Wade’s opinion about Arroyo performance are satisfied and good and we will see soon if Arroyo re-sign with Heat comfirmed that Arroyo is the guy they need to do the job to drive thats Roll Royce Team….
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I’m not saying Arroyo Is the best PG in the world but I now he have basketball to give in the Miami team. Believe me I Iike Miami team a lot and I follow the team not only for Carlos Arroyo I like Wade I think is one of the best players in the world right now. My family lives in that area. I now about others players of Miami in the past like Rony Seikaly, Harold Miner, Glen Rice, Tim Hardaway, Alonzo Mourning, Jamal Mashburn, Eddie Jones. . . I really like this team. I’m not saying Williams is a bad players like you think I say. Yes!!! He won a ring with Miami but right now is not the better choice. Tell me if he is a good choice why Orlando re-sings him??? OK I understand now!!! you say Miami lose against Boston because Arroyo doesn’t play good??? Please!!! Chek the numbers!!! The only difference is the last game against Boston. But tell me how play the lasts games like starter in the final of the regular season and make the difference to enter in the Playoofs??? Mario is a good young player I’m not say the opposite. But I think the team it fits with him and Arroyo.
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Surya Fernandez Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 1:22 pm
Fair enough. I just don’t want you to think I hate Arroyo or something. I respect what he did for the Heat last year and he was a pleasure to interview. I just think the Heat could do better and you can think Arroyo should stay. It’s all good.
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Gauchito Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 6:45 pm
BS! You are a Hater!
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Surya Fernandez Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:09 pm
Sorry if a player that averages 5 points and 2 assists per game for a starter in a playoff series doesn’t impress me. (2 of those 11 assists were incorrectly credited to him on top of that) If you think that’s good enough for a championship contending team then I’m sure the fact that he’s Hispanic has nothing to do with it, right?
Gauchito Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 8:53 am
Obviously, your hate doesn’t let you see all the other aspects of the game where Arroyo excels! That’s why you will never become a true sports reporter. Can you give me a good definition of “objectivity”?
Surya Fernandez Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 9:46 am
I’m aware of the good things Arroyo does but quite frankly I think there are other point guards who can do them better. Doesn’t mean I “hate” Arroyo. Since you’re so objective about Arroyo, why don’t you tell me what he’s not good at? Or do you think he’s a perfect player not capable of doing anything wrong?
Gauchito Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 1:00 pm
Since you are afraid of giving me your definition of “objectivity” I will not tell you what defects Arroyo has. Since you are the reporter, why don’t you start signaling them? Then, maybe, we can get going to some objective discussion !
Surya Fernandez Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 8:16 pm
No thanks. I’ve already done that and the Carlos Arroyo Fan Club has spoken. Objectivity is evaluating a player regardless of what jersey he wears or, in your case, what country he’s from. I know you can’t bring yourself to point out any flaws in his game because you have no objectivity, you just love Arroyo unconditionally. That’s fine as a fan who thinks with their heart. That’s why Cleveland fans take it so personal that LeBron left and I get it. But there’s no point in arguing against that. I’m happy for Arroyo that he’s back. He’s probably not going to play much but I hope he does well for the good of the team.
Gauchito Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 9:31 pm
“Objectivity is evaluating a player regardless of what jersey he wears or, in your case, what country he’s from.” That’s it? Can you tell me where did you get your communications degree?
“My family is from Argentina so I know a thing or two about the international game.” Just because your family is from Argentina? I bet there are a lot of Argentinians that know nothing about international sports, like you know nothing about basketball!
Go back to your skateboards!
Surya Fernandez Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 10:15 pm
Awesome. You make too much sense for me to respond to you anymore.
Don’t worry!!! The real is we want see Arroyo with the jersey of Miami. Right now is a dream for all the fans in Puerto Rico and the Latin community see one of us in the winner team like Miami. You just think the Heat could do better??? Miami did already it when bringing Lebron, Bosh and retaining Wade. Nothing better than that. But is true I want Carlos Arroyo stay in the team. Thanks for the interchange of opinions. That is your work. Thanks for your attention.
Gracias de verdad por contestar pero lo que me incomodo fue lo de Williams jejeje. . . Estamos hablando de un jugador (Carlos Arroyo) que a demostrado internacionalmente mucho en todos los aspectos del juego. Uno de los mejores armadores del mundo segun la FIBA. se que en la NBA no es lo mismo pero la realidad es que tamppoco le han dado la oportunidad de lleno de iniciar. Su rol tambien en la NBA no es el mismo. Aqui se responasbilisa por repartir el juego y no tirar y eso es lo que queremos ver. Como reperte el bizcocho en ese cumpleaños jejeje. . . concidera esa ultima linea para un Titular jejeje. . . Bendiciones!!! Dtb!!!
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carlos arroyo is good p.g. for miami heat remember the play of us team waht he did he is the player heat need……..
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carlos arroyo es el point gard que nesecita el miami heat para llegar al campeonato segundo en asitencia por ternover en toda la nba es uno de los mejores y si le dieran la oportunidad de ser no la quinta opcion de tiro tendria mejor anotacon por minitosque otros point gard firmelon no los decepsionara……
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Surya,
The fact is that not matter what Arroyo Average last season, the most important thing is what is doing in the game helping his teammate be better. He’s not is Miami Heat to be the best score guy. He’s in Miami to help in the teammate’s offensive. If you see the Miami record with Arroyo like starter, that the different. He don’t need to score with this new team because Miami have a Dream Team. The average don’t mean nothing. Coach Spoaltra said that Arroyo understand the system game and some people don’t see his effectiveness and importance in the game because he’s not score 20 pts but he help the team controlling the game.
Thanks for your feedback and interest.
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Geraldo
Thanks for those words. They are really clear and direct. Confirmed Carlos Arroyo returns to Miami jajaja. … Puerto Rico and the Miami Heat. Weeeepaaaaaaa!
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