<div class="quote_poster">Quoting AllNet:</div><div class="quote_post"> Oh and Shaq will not win a championship in Miami, you need the right pieces to win a ring .Miami no longer have that, nor do they have guys who will consistantly knock down open shots.</div> Yeah like Miami had the right pieces to win the championship before, thats why they choked against indiana in the 2nd round of the playoffs. Yeah, maybe if we pray hard, we can get farther next year. And the year after that, if we pray even harder... Funny how all these fans of other teams are really concerned for the well being of the Miami Heat. <u>We took a player that was a B I G part of a team that made the nba finals in the western confrence</u>. Lakers got 3 guys whos team went 42-40 and struggled against Indiana (mind you, Indiana didn't make the finals), and only won 2 games against them in the 2nd round of the playoffs. Yes, we are a lost cause. As far as a Title promise goes, I won't say we will win, but even if we get to the Eastern Confrence Finals, the trade would have been worth it. Chances are good we will atleast reach the Eastern Confrence Finals. Jus my 2 pennies
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Yeah like Miami had the right pieces to win the championship before, thats why they choked against indiana in the 2nd round of the playoffs. Yeah, maybe if we pray hard, we can get farther next year. And the year after that, if we pray even harder... Funny how all these fans of other teams are really concerned for the well being of the Miami Heat. </div> They may not of been title contenders right now but the Heat were well set for the next 5-8 years with the core they had in place. The Heat didn't choke against the Pacers, they were inexperienced, couldn't win on the road and quite frankly the Pacers were a better team. Many were surprised how well Miami did in the post season last season and It was a step closer to becoming a huge threat for years to come. Shaq is still dominate but how long for? maybe another two season, even then he will likely play no more than 60 games a season. He is certainly not getting any better, numbers and health wise. No teams fans are concerned about the well being for the Heat, It's called a basketball fans reponsing to Shaq's rather odd promise.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting AllNet:</div><div class="quote_post">The Heat didn't choke against the Pacers, they were inexperienced, couldn't win on the road and quite frankly the Pacers were a better team.</div> However you put it: A. They are not better than the Pacers, and won't be better than the Pacers had they not made changes to their starting lineup. Not only do they need to be better than the pacers, they need to be better than the pistons, timberwolves, spurs, lakers, nuggets, and any other teams that will be competing for the championship. B. They were inexperienced. So were the Pacers and they were able to beat the heat and give trouble to the pistons. ( I still think if Jermain O'Neal had not gotten injured and played up to 100%, it might have been a different outcome.) C. They Choked. Period. I don't know if you were watching the Pacers vs Heat series, but the scoring droughts went up to 5 minutes at times, and that was in most of the games they played against the pacers. D. Couldn't win on the road. Who wants a team that can't win on the road or struggles to do so. If you can't win on the road, you are not championship material. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting AllNet:</div><div class="quote_post">Many were surprised how well Miami did in the post season last season and It was a step closer to becoming a huge threat for years to come.</div> If you were to rank all the NBA teams instead of just by confrence, heat wouldve ranked like 8 or 10. The heat had 25% skill/teamwork going into the playoffs, 75% hope and luck. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting AllNet:</div><div class="quote_post">Shaq is still dominate but how long for? maybe another two season, even then he will likely play no more than 60 games a season. He is certainly not getting any better, numbers and health wise.</div> I think the Miami Shaq will be different that the Shaq in L.A., he's said repeatedly that he's going to get in shape for the next season (he always said he had no weight problem when playing for L.A.), his toe injury is compeletely healed (suprise suprise, he leaves L.A. and he is feeling great.), and when you doubt a guy that big and question his ability to play, you're just adding fuel to the fire. I still think he can put up 2 years more max the way he is, getting in shape and playing in an easier confrence will add 4 more years to that. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting AllNet:</div><div class="quote_post">No teams fans are concerned about the well being for the Heat, It's called a basketball fans reponsing to Shaq's rather odd promise.</div> Then they should stop expressing their feelings for the Miami Heat, saying how they lost key pieces to ever winning a championship, and stick to commenting on shaq's sole promise to bring a championship title to a team. Jus my 2 pennies
do you really think they're better than the pacers with shaq now? i still think both indiana and detroit are superior teams to the heat, even with shaq...and now all the heat have done, is made sure that they won't be better than the pacers or pistons anytime in the next 2 years at least...
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting SCBrian:</div><div class="quote_post">do you really think they're better than the pacers with shaq now?</div> From what I saw in the playoffs, heat never found a way to deal with Jermaine O'Neal, the guy was just too good for them. Whenever he had the ball he would score. With Shaq in our team now, it'll level out the playing field against the Pacers and the Pistons. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting SCBrian:</div><div class="quote_post">i still think both indiana and detroit are superior teams to the heat, even with shaq...</div> I still think Detroit will be the team to beat this year. From what I was watching in the Finals, Shaq was doing good against the Pistons. Infact, they knew they had a better chance on stopping Kobe than they did Shaq so they kept their focus on Kobe. Had they focused on Shaq, Kobe wouldve wouldve had a lot more open shots. What was killing him was the fouls sending him to the free throw line, he obviously needs to work on that or teams are gonna exploit that weakness. So are the Heat better than the Pistons and/or the Pacers? I don't know, but with Shaq, DWade, Jones, and whoever else we decide to start, they have a helluvah fightin chance. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting SCBrian:</div><div class="quote_post">and now all the heat have done, is made sure that they won't be better than the pacers or pistons anytime in the next 2 years at least...</div> Your opinion is valid and worth hearing as is anyones. A lot of experts will disagree that 'they made sure they won't be better than the pacers or pistons anytime in the next 2 years atleast', its just too extreme and too early to say that. And it can't be anyworse than the state we were in (which LA is in now), which is they were never gonna be better than the pacers or pistons anytime in the next 2 years with the current roster they had. Thats my 2 pennies
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">However you put it: A. They are not better than the Pacers, and won't be better than the Pacers had they not made changes to their starting lineup. Not only do they need to be better than the pacers, they need to be better than the pistons, timberwolves, spurs, lakers, nuggets, and any other teams that will be competing for the championship. B. They were inexperienced. So were the Pacers and they were able to beat the heat and give trouble to the pistons. ( I still think if Jermain O'Neal had not gotten injured and played up to 100%, it might have been a different outcome.) C. They Choked. Period. I don't know if you were watching the Pacers vs Heat series, but the scoring droughts went up to 5 minutes at times, and that was in most of the games they played against the pacers. D. Couldn't win on the road. Who wants a team that can't win on the road or struggles to do so. If you can't win on the road, you are not championship material.</div> Heat wouldn't be better than the Pacers or Pistons even getting Shaq. There are huge holes at the 3,4 spots along with no depth and no outside shooters that can open things up inside. Pacers weren't inexperienced at all, they had been to the playoffs 3 straight years with that core and learnt from their past mistakes and knew what he took to win and win close games. I saw this series yes, the Heat had scoring droughts mainly due to the Pacers tough defense. They are mainly a defensive team, so of course Miami would struggle in certain parts of the game. Experienced was also a factor in that, when you are in the playoffs for the first time which was the case for alot of the Heat players you aren't quite used to the playoff style basketball. The better team also wins each series, there was nothing that should suggest the Heat choked. They simply were matched up with a better and more experienced team that had the best record in the NBA. Not winning on the road is again down to lack of experience and not being in the position to win important games in the playoffs when you need to. Of course If you can't win on the road you aren't a championship team but the Heat were never said to be this soon. In a few years If they stuck with Odom and Butler then maybe they would of been a team who would contend for the finals. Odom is what, 24? Butler 22? they are both very young players and along with Wade could of formed a very dangerous trio that would manage to close out playoff games. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> I think the Miami Shaq will be different that the Shaq in L.A., he's said repeatedly that he's going to get in shape for the next season (he always said he had no weight problem when playing for L.A.), his toe injury is compeletely healed (suprise suprise, he leaves L.A. and he is feeling great.), and when you doubt a guy that big and question his ability to play, you're just adding fuel to the fire. I still think he can put up 2 years more max the way he is, getting in shape and playing in an easier confrence will add 4 more years to that. </div> We hear this every year from Shaq, all Laker fans heard last summer was "Shaq has lost alot of weight " "he looks great" "he's going angry after losing to S.A, he will be motivated" It's the same every year, he says he will work harder and get back into shape but never does. I fail to see why that will suddenly change now. The guy is older now which means It harder to get back in shape. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> Then they should stop expressing their feelings for the Miami Heat, saying how they lost key pieces to ever winning a championship, and stick to commenting on shaq's sole promise to bring a championship title to a team. </div> The whole idea of message boards is to express opinions on what topics are actually posted. Heat may not of been a championship contender for a few years with Odom and Butler but in the end they would of been right up there challenging for honors. More so If Wade continues to improve the way he is expected to. When Shaq retires, people will see breaking up the core of a very young and excited team was a mistake.
Like I said, I believe everyone's opinion is valid and worth hearing but... <div class="quote_poster">Quoting AllNet:</div><div class="quote_post">The whole idea of message boards is to express opinions on what topics are actually posted.</div> The topic says Shaq promises title in Miami. And while I agree most of these topics tend to go off topic, I'm just saying that, theres a lot of ppl who aren't Heat fans, that sound like they are really concerned about the well being of the Heat, saying they lost key pieces to the championship. Anyways, if the heat were gonna get better and better, what happens to the rest of the NBA? Do all teams suddenly hit a peak and now its time for the heat to grow. Please. Pistons and Pacers will be better next year than this year (if they keep their core), we would be playing catchup with teams that have more skilled players. I'm not the type that says "Stick with a team, in a few years , they'll grow and be better." I'm more like, "The only reason a team should play in the NBA is to win an NBA Championship." But thats just me. This is why I feel the heat made this trade, they want to gear up for next season's NBA Championship, not 2-3 years from now and then MAYBE they can compete for the championship. Thats my 2 pennies
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The topic says Shaq promises title in Miami. And while I agree most of these topics tend to go off topic, I'm just saying that, theres a lot of ppl who aren't Heat fans, that sound like they are really concerned about the well being of the Heat, saying they lost key pieces to the championship. </div> When topics like these come up, people are bound to have different opinions and why what Shaq said will not happen, the fact Miami may well regret making the trade later on, Shaq is a great dominanting player but he is aging and the Heat gave away two very good young players for him. It can go two ways -Miami will be title contenders and win a title or they will continue to make the playoffs but end up losing in the two round most years or at best the conference finals. The trade will only seem worth It to me If Shaq leads the Heat to a championship, nothing less. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Anyways, if the heat were gonna get better and better, what happens to the rest of the NBA? Do all teams suddenly hit a peak and now its time for the heat to grow. Please. Pistons and Pacers will be better next year than this year (if they keep their core), we would be playing catchup with teams that have more skilled players. I'm not the type that says "Stick with a team, in a few years , they'll grow and be better." I'm more like, "The only reason a team should play in the NBA is to win an NBA Championship." But thats just me. </div> Not not at all, the rest of the teams in the NBA will improve and still play at a high level of course. Giving up guys like Odom and Butler for Shaq who are packed with potenial and both could be huge time stars can be risky. LO has the total package, is the closest thing to Magic Johnson and who knows In L.A he could become Kobe's Pippen, unlikely but he has tons of talent. I'm also a type of fan that wants championships NOW but you also need to have good talent coming through when the older guys in the team are on the downside of their careers. I'm sure when that time comes, Riley will have a plan and he will need to.
Why do you think the Heat team from last year couldnt get any better? They couldve added free agents to the young core they already had & improved. They wouldnt just keep the same roster, they would add players strategically without dumping their entire starting roster. That team didnt even get to play a whole year together. Look what they did (started 0-7) (25-36 in march) and they pulled it together & made it to the second round as the 4th seed. This is a team that wouldnt improve? They did it right in front of your face! Scoring droughts? It's called good defense, the eastern conference plays it, the west doesnt. It's not a coincidence that all the teams the Pacers & Pistons played scored low points, & yes that includes the Lakers who's highest point total (99) came in overtime. 2 of the main players you guys gave up totaled a whopping 7 years experience, were they inexperienced? Yes, but they doesnt mean they wouldnt get older & get help from different players along the way. I'm glad you guys traded away all those young players, I wouldve hated for DC to play them 4 times a year. Shaq wont be around long, after that your in the hole worst than before. You dont trade old for young & you especially dont trade alot of young for old. The Wizards had to get a new general manager before they learned their lesson on that one. We wanted to win it all right away & we gave up all our young talent....we have nothing to show for it. I just watched almost all the guys we traded away destroy the "invincible Lakers" in 5 games & another lead the Kings to playoffs for years. This trade was to sell seats. No I'm not a Miami fan, I have no "feelings" toward your club, but I like to talk ball. I thought that was the reason we were here.
Its possible that the Heat can contend for a title but they wont win this year IMO,the Heats roster doesnt really have any depth and I dont think that the suporting cast is good enough,they need a lot more role players.
No championship in Miami. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Defense doesn't win unless you have decent offense, yet you somehow mention the Pistons as If they can't score.</div> How can you say that? Detroit and the Spurs have top rated defenses. Where do they rank in the Conferences? At the Top. Defense wins championships. Defense creates easy offense.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting trenchteam:</div><div class="quote_post">How can you say that? Detroit and the Spurs have top rated defenses. Where do they rank in the Conferences? At the Top. Defense wins championships. Defense creates easy offense.</div> Please try reading my post next time before replying.
lets leave this topic as it is and leave shaq to his word in 3 years IF we have a title dont go running to your parents IF we dont we admit wear wrong
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting The goat man:</div><div class="quote_post">lets leave this topic as it is and leave shaq to his word in 3 years IF we have a title dont go running to your parents IF we dont we admit wear wrong</div> amen
you miami fans think you can automatically win a tittle after getting shaq wrong. look at the pistons roster: ben wallace rasheed wallace chauncy billups richard hamilton tayshaun prince antonio mcdyss corliss williamson lidsey hunter darko millicic mike james elden cambell darvin ham it's sad that you think shaq,ej, and wade can really matchup against the piston c'mon who's win the pf matchup rasheed wallace or rasual butler? every player on the pistons roster could make the heat starting lineup except for 3. it's nice to dream though
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting navyballer18:</div><div class="quote_post">you miami fans think you can automatically win a tittle after getting shaq wrong. look at the pistons roster: ben wallace rasheed wallace chauncy billups richard hamilton tayshaun prince antonio mcdyss corliss williamson lidsey hunter darko millicic mike james elden cambell darvin ham it's sad that you think shaq,ej, and wade can really matchup against the piston c'mon who's win the pf matchup rasheed wallace or rasual butler? every player on the pistons roster could make the heat starting lineup except for 3. it's nice to dream though</div> Rasual is a SF. BTW, ever heard of Udonis Haslem I love this guy, he reminds me a lot of a young Rodman... Haslem can give 'Sheed fits, I'm sure of that... He would snatch any board over him, cause R. Wallace is just to lazy to go after a board... Look at his rebounding stats... You know what I mean... The Pistons are my favourite team, but seriously,I still think that Minny,SA and Miami are the contenders... IF D-Fish doesn't hit the clock-begins-to-late-cause-David-stern-wanted-it shot, San Antonio goes to the finals where they would beat my Pistons... Sad, but true... I'm not biased, so I can honestly say whose better and who isn't... IMO those are the 3 teams that I metioned above...
Just a quick question for the Heat fans...here's something the Lakers have experienced now for 8 years: what do you do when Shaq picks up 3 fouls halfway through the 2nd quarter? Or...when he picks up his 5th at the start of the 4th quarter? Your backup center is...Doleac? Wang? You might as well put Dwyane Wade in the paint. We had Medvedenko...ha...this guy is probably 100x better than Doleac and Wang Zhizhi. It'll be a disappointing road for everyone to walk once you realize how much of a liability Shaq can be to a team...and I don't even wanna think of what the Heat will have to do if Shaq gets injured.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting realdealbneal:</div><div class="quote_post">Just a quick question for the Heat fans...here's something the Lakers have experienced now for 8 years: what do you do when Shaq picks up 3 fouls halfway through the 2nd quarter? Or...when he picks up his 5th at the start of the 4th quarter? Your backup center is...Doleac? Wang? You might as well put Dwyane Wade in the paint. We had Medvedenko...ha...this guy is probably 100x better than Doleac and Wang Zhizhi. It'll be a disappointing road for everyone to walk once you realize how much of a liability Shaq can be to a team...and I don't even wanna think of what the Heat will have to do if Shaq gets injured.</div> I think they could seriously handle that though. Last year there center was brian grant a 6'9" guy and they nearly made it to the eastern conference finals. True they had more depth last year, but they have proved they can play there game without a true big man on the team. Now that they got shaq I think it only improves what they already had. Not to mention the possible signings of horry or rodgers. I believe wade can really just hold down the fort for the heat those though times that shaq gets into foul trouble in the game. Doleac performed well when he went to denver I believe last season in the few games he played for them and wang can hit the jumper. I agree with you they are below average players though, but for short stretches of a game wade and them can control the game until shaq can return imo.
Anything is possible...I just still have a hard time comparing the Heat of this year to the team of last year. Okay, when Grant played the paint...he did a pretty decent job...but now you have to consider that Lamar Odom (who is an oversized SF/PF) isn't going to be pulling down offensive and defensive boards anymore. The only true big talent they have is actually Shaq, and it's not like he's getting any younger either. Every year, he's declining health-wise and ability-wise. I just think that the Heat made a mistake trading for Shaq, who may end up being gone from this team quicker than they expected, leaving them with no rings to show for their effort, and no chance of getting back into the playoff scene for 5 years...not to mention a possibility of ruining Wade's reputation.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting realdealbneal:</div><div class="quote_post">Anything is possible...I just still have a hard time comparing the Heat of this year to the team of last year. Okay, when Grant played the paint...he did a pretty decent job...but now you have to consider that Lamar Odom (who is an oversized SF/PF) isn't going to be pulling down offensive and defensive boards anymore. The only true big talent they have is actually Shaq, and it's not like he's getting any younger either. Every year, he's declining health-wise and ability-wise. I just think that the Heat made a mistake trading for Shaq, who may end up being gone from this team quicker than they expected, leaving them with no rings to show for their effort, and no chance of getting back into the playoff scene for 5 years...not to mention a possibility of ruining Wade's reputation.</div> Yeah Ok. If Heat doesn't have a chance getting to Playoff for 5 years IN EAST(east that is), I'd say Lakers don't have a chance getting to playoff IN WEST either.
