This team isn't going to surpass what we did last year. Last year's team probably had the best chemistry out of any team in the NBA, bar none. Bringing in another ball hog who will need to realize he is the 3rd or 4th option and then a wreckless PG who constantly throws up low percentage 3's is room for disaster.
You have to realize all they gave up was Eddie Jones. If you were offered that deal, would you not take it?
well, in my opinion, if everyone stays healthy, they can very well have the best record in the nba. and, with that roster, i cant see them not winning the finals.
Accord, sure this team has some egos but it's totally unfair to compare them to the Lakres in 03-04, KObe and Payton alone out do this entire teams ego.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting playmaker31:</div><div class="quote_post">Accord, sure this team has some egos but it's totally unfair to compare them to the Lakres in 03-04, KObe and Payton alone out do this entire teams ego.</div> Nope, Shaq's ego>Kobe + Malone + Payton. The way the dude is carrying on in Miami and everything he's done in the past is bigger then anything these guys have done.
I`m pretty optismistic, the Heat may look pretty on paper but will they still have that top quality chemistry?
In terms of chemistry Antoine Walker and Jason Williams are not the best players to have. They may have gotten more talented but until I see them gel they will not be a favorite, but they are a formidable team. I still like Indiana in the East.
First of all people, stop using excuses like Jason Williams being reckless. He has a 3 to 1 assist to turn over ratio and has gotten better at not being his usual flashy self lately. Secondly, Walker will be coming off the bench most likely to be a spark plug, against second unit players who he can bully around. Plus if he plays with Shaq, him and JWill will be getting open looks on the perimeter so they won't need to throw up reckless shots. There isn't so many egos on the team either, I mean the Lakeshow had Payton, Kobe, Malone (I don't think Shaq is an ego) This year Wade and Shaq are the Leaders and everyone defers to them, plus Walker and JWill aren't on the level Payton and Malone were in their prime, so Walker and JWill won't be standing up to Shaq or Wade, they know that it's not their team.... it's just too obvious.
Well, only time will tell. Indiana are still my favourates for the East. Detroit will end up about 4th but still make it far in the playoffs. Detroit hand around in 6th position normally and then move up a few places and make it far in the playoffs. The number 1 East team will be Indiana. The Heat will be up there, but still no ECF for them.
If Miami don't re-sign Damon Jones then they could have problems. They would be short on three-point shooters which is what guys like Shaq and Wade badly need. Eddie Jones was a good shooter and defender for Miami. That part will be missed. Tonie also had alot of problems the last time he was on a team packed with talent. He was a problem in the locker room from what I can remember and hated coming off the bench. He started off well in Dallas but badly faded to end the season. Jason Williams and Walker both need the ball to be effective and any time those two have the ball the less Wade and Shaq do. So this could be a nightmare trade for the Heat or a great one. Obviously the Heat wanted to make a big move to put them over the top and It is debatable If this move does that or not. On paper they look very impressive but they need to be strong defensively and have good chemistry If they are to win the title.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">If Miami don't re-sign Damon Jones then they could have problems. They would be short on three-point shooters which is what guys like Shaq and Wade badly need.</div> This is what I said. I can't remember if it was in this thread or another, but as I said, the Heat would have lost 10+ games last season if it wasn't for Damon's 3 point shooting. Having him come off the bench and playing a few minutes would also suck for Miami.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Mr.Wade:</div><div class="quote_post">First of all people, stop using excuses like Jason Williams being reckless. He has a 3 to 1 assist to turn over ratio and has gotten better at not being his usual flashy self lately. Secondly, Walker will be coming off the bench most likely to be a spark plug, against second unit players who he can bully around. Plus if he plays with Shaq, him and JWill will be getting open looks on the perimeter so they won't need to throw up reckless shots. There isn't so many egos on the team either, I mean the Lakeshow had Payton, Kobe, Malone (I don't think Shaq is an ego) This year Wade and Shaq are the Leaders and everyone defers to them, plus Walker and JWill aren't on the level Payton and Malone were in their prime, so Walker and JWill won't be standing up to Shaq or Wade, they know that it's not their team.... it's just too obvious.</div> I really hope he is not talking to me!!
A roster like that one - starters especially - is impressive. However, as mentioned, it may lead to some ego problems. On paper it looks like a difficult team to manage; however I think it's far from impossible. I really believe that Jason Williams is capable of leading a team, especially one like the Heat; Dwyane Wade and Shaq are going to be - or at the very least, they should be - the focus of the offense; Williams is capable of running that way. Walker, to me, poses another problem. He is most definitely capable of both scoring and rebounding; however it would be harmful if he is cutting offensive possessions short with a bad shot (which anyone can do, but which Walker is more prone to doing). I believe, however, that this is a group of players who are capable of meshing into a performing team, granted they don't take scoring stats too seriously (this looks to end up like Phoenix, something like 16-18 points a starter.)
Iam saying it right off the bat that the Heat on paper are better then my Nets...so I dont want people to think that my next couple of statements are because Iam a Nets fan knows that the road to the championship may go thru the Heat. Anyway, this Heat team isnt as great as many make think. First look at what they lost Eddie Jones their best defender, who can cover the likes of Vince, Paul etc now not Wade. I gues James Posey, since his defense is somewhat underatted, but he want give you that perimeter defense quickness of EJ. Damon Jones likely wont be coming back. So they lose Rasual Butler, Eddie Jones, and Damon Jones all guys who fit the role of spot up shooters extremely, which you need next to Shaq/Wade. So now they will try to turn Williams and Walker into guys that will spot up and play without the ball. I doubt if that works. Antoine Walker at the three looks like a potential terror for small 3's around the league with his ablity to post up. But of the problem with Walker, since his early Boston days is that he doesnt look to play on the box enough, he rather just fade out to the 3pt line. Well using him as a SF, is pretty much giving him the greenlight to stand around outside the arc all night...and launch away. BTW, who can he guard at the 3 spot in this league? Guys like Mcgrady, Jefferson etc are going to take him off the dribble all night long. This team is going to have alot of talent and probably very little chemstry. If Iam an opposing team the additions of Walker and Williams dont scare me. Last time I checked Jason Williams folds every year come playoff time. And Walker, well he is just Walker, he'll find away to be a disruption. I put bets he is the 1st to complain about his role on the team. At the end of the day, the championship for the Heat will be won or lost by Shaq and Wade. Shaq because no team has a solution to him, so his pressence will once again be unmatched. and Wade, cause skills wise, he is probably the best player on the Heat, now.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Bobcats:</div><div class="quote_post">You have to realize all they gave up was Eddie Jones. If you were offered that deal, would you not take it?</div> They also gave up Rasual Butler, and Damon Jones declined his option for next season. So Shaq, Wade, and Haslem are the only guys from last year's core. This team is great on paper, but the egos will clash, as mentioned above. This Miami Heast team is a Hybrid of the Lakers with Malone n Payton, and also the Blazers with Rasheed, Pippen, Stoudamire, Sreve Smith, etc. While the Lakers did well, they couldn't get it together in the playoffs. The Blazers could really only make it to the playoffs on individual talent alone. After that, they did pourly becaue of their lack of chemistry. I'll bet you any money that Miami does not win the title nest season. They could make the Finals, but they can't compete against a team who has their chemistry right. Think about this: Do you recall a championship team over the last 15 years who were a team of stars? Probably not. Every championship team has a good mix of Stars and role palyers who work well together. If 'Toine and J-Will can tone down their game, the Heat can win a title. But I KNOW that they won't.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Laker_fan:</div><div class="quote_post">Nope, Shaq's ego>Kobe + Malone + Payton. The way the dude is carrying on in Miami and everything he's done in the past is bigger then anything these guys have done.</div> You guys are talking about chemistry and how egos will clash..First, realize that Shaq sacrificed his game for Wade and the team. He could've easily averaged 30 points a game, but instead he chose to win. The mindset of a true champion (think Wilt when he went to the Lakers) Shaq is widely known around the league for his vibrant personality and ability to get along with most. Kobe is a different story, I've heard all about him, he spends too much time alone working on his game that he doesn't know how to act socially, therefore, teammates lose respect because he doesn't know how to connect with them. Remember Shaqs fight with Charles Barkeley? Did you watch the Rookie Challenge when Sir Charles teased Shaq about his hat and Shaq laughed and said something to the effect of "I love you Charles, you're my main man.." If he had to, he'd talk to Antoine and tell him straight up, this is what we need you to do to win. Don't underestimate his vengeance too. Damn sure he's mad about getting injured and losing to Det when he wanted SO badly to win the c ship that he didn't crack a single joke throughout the playoffs.
As long as everyone can take enough shots, im sure theyll be happy with a bit of bling on their fingers rolling around next year. Who knows, maybe theyd like a set of em.......
