When the Miami Heat made the big move and picked up LeBron James from the untailored Cleveland Cavaliers, Chris Bosh from the misplaced Toronto Raptors and added them to their roster, the world almost imploded on itself. This was it, the NBA was going to dominated night in and night out by the Mammoths of Miami, the Miami Thrice, the Harmful Heat, it was gonna be a Heat stroke across the NBA.

Currently, the Miami Heat are sitting at 9-7 tied for 2nd place in the Southeast division, behind the Orlando Magic. The team is scoring 101 per night, only 4 more than last years 97 a game average, which ranks 8th in the league. Their defense is equivalent to last years, giving up 93 a game, opposed to last years 94.

What’s going on in South Beach?

Obviously, the team has some excellent ballers, we get that. There is no question that their “big 3” have exceptional skills. James, with career numbers of 28ppg,7rpg, and 7apg. Wade 25/5/7, and the forgotten star, who was buried in Toronto for 7 seasons, averaged 24/11 last year. They are all significant stars.

I questioned James’s announcement, as most did, that it was egotistical, and self-indulgent. I think it could have been handled better and differently than the way it went down, but that was then, this is now.

When Boston made their move a few years ago, it was with aging players frantic for their ring, before their careers were suddenly over. All three of these guys were/are still in their prime. They are all under the age of 30. Wade has won his back in 2006, when they beat the Mavs in 6 games, when I personally recognized he was a star in this league, the others looking for support, early in their careers.

I understand the concept, but I think the idea on paper may have been better than what we are going to get. Not only are they conceivably the NBAs most hated team, but also a huge draw, because of all the hype surrounding the team.

Firstly, chemistry. These guys are all used to being the man on their teams. All number one looks to score the rock. This is no longer an option. Someone must be the number one choice. Getting substantial points from your 2nd and 3rd option guys is a luxury. Back in the 80’s (my era) the game was different, it was more physical, and teamwork was much more expected every night. It’s scarce to get those teams that have several 20+ point scorers on a team these days. It’s about sacrifice.

Secondly, size. They have only 3 guys 6-10 or bigger. Zydrunas Ilgauskas is huge, but is feet are literally growing roots. They average 40 rebounds a night, in the bottom half of the league at this point. You need some big bodies in the paint to bang and battle for boards.

Thirdly, shooters. Journeyman Eddie House can do it, but he can be inconsistent, this year shooting 40% from outside the arc. James Jones has been splendid, hitting 42% from 3. LeBron and Wade have struggled terribly, combing for a 27% shooting pct. When Mike Miller gets back, I think he will help them out greatly.

Truth be told, the Heat, overall will be okay. Do I think they are going to run roughshod over the NBA this year, winning 70 games? No. A likely 55-63 wins, sure, a playoff run, absolutely, but if they are to be the team to beat, they need to develop together and find their leader on that team of talented individual players.

Mike Anthony - your sports betting advisor!
 

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