Heat Signs Green, Will Keep Streak on Burner

His record consecutive-games streak a day away from ending, former Laker A.C. Green signed a one-year contract Tuesday with the Miami Heat.

Green had intended to attend tonight’s ring ceremony at Staples Center. Instead, he was reunited with Coach Pat Riley, who promised the streak, which stands at 1,110 games, “will be taken care of.”

Though he missed all of training camp, Green will be in uniform tonight when the Heat opens its season against Orlando.

Reached by telephone, Green said a part of him would like to stand alongside his former teammates and celebrate last season.

“If I could have drawn it up the way I really wanted it, I would have adjusted the dates,” he said. “I’m getting a lot. But, I’m giving up a lot too, not being there [tonight].”

Green, who turned 37 Oct. 4, marveled at the dramatic events that led to his NBA return. He said he had come to terms with the end of a streak that could reach its 14th anniversary Nov. 19.

“The exciting thing is seeing how the destiny over my life is always fulfilled,” he said. “It’s exciting to know you’re right in the middle of what God wants you to do. It’s nice to be doing what you should be doing. I’ve always said, the streak started in God’s hands and it’s going to end in God’s hands.

“Without question I want to be ready to contribute now. It’s the coach’s decision if I play.”

Miami was believed to be among the favorites to sign forward Joe Smith, recently granted free agency when Minnesota was found guilty of circumventing salary-cap rules. Green’s signing would appear to contradict that.