What's going on?? This isn't supposed to happen, right?
At least Nike doesn't seem to think so...
And neither do the marketing experts at Vitamin Water...
That's right, since about mid-season NBA fans began to sense that "The Great Debate" would have a chance to be settled once and for all. Somewhere along the line, an uncertainty somehow became perceived as an inevitability...
Now there's a problem of sorts...in a span of two nights, the two favorites relinquished their driver's seat like responsible drinkers. Both the Lakers and the Cavs lost something they worked all season to earn, and the very reason their seismic clash seemed unavoidable--home court.
It's no secret that the Cavs had one of the best regular season home records of all time, losing just twice in 41 games. As if losing such an advantage were not enough, throw in the little detail that in their two games at Amway Arena, they lost both and by an average of 20 points per.
For the Lakers, a case could be made that tonight's loss was even worse. I mean, let's face it, they could have crushed Denver's soul by stealing a nearly identical game and putting them in a daunting 0-2 hole. This is a team that had its season ended in dominating fashion by the Lakers just a year ago, so you know that would mess with their head. Instead what they are faced with is a trip to one of the biggest bandwagon cities (where they lost 90-79 in their only matchup there with Billups running the show) to face a supremely confident team who is thinking we could easily be up 2-0.
In all of this, the one who is cringing more than anyone is David Stern. You talk about a ratings nightmare?! Nuggets-Magic, POOF! There go a few golden nuggets out of the NBA fund. Seriously though, even very casual basketball fans will tune into Lakers-Cavs, while only basketball lovers and bandwagon homers will watch Magic-Nuggets. Everyone knows it. Bet he wishes he still had Donaghy on payroll.
Anyway, while we're on the LeBron-Kobe topic, might I ask what the derivation of "The Great Debate" was? Sure, I can understand these guys are in a league of their own (along with D-Wade) but this rivalry seems to be a bit deluded by the rabid fanatics of each player/team.
They don't play the same position...they are different sizes...they have never played against each other in a series...there has never been any animosity between the two, and MOST of all, they are both at different phases of their career.
When A.I. crossed up MJ late in his career, did that convince us of anything? Not to say Kobe is past his prime, but to compare a kid to a vet of over a decade is asinine. They are different, they are great, enjoy them and shut up. As much as I want it to happen, I almost don't...because the endless useless banter that will ensue will be unbearable.
BUT, there's still lots of basketball yet to be played. I am by no means saying these series are over. What I AM saying, however, is that if Lebron-Kobe (or Kobe-Lebron [yes, fans are that petty]) is to come to fruition, they're both going to have to earn it. And that's why I love this game.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Say Hello To Car-Mellow
Personally, I do not necessarily judge a man by the mistakes he makes, but rather by his subsequent actions. We all make mistakes, that's life...and chances are, if we lived under the kind of scrutiny that these kids are subject to when we were between the ages of 17 and 24, we would probably have suffered tons of embarrassment, and enraged more than a few people. Now while I don't believe that mistakes can be excused, they certainly can be redeemed (at least most of them).
So considering how frequently and passionately we can be venomous about these kids when they make said mistakes...I think it is important to recognize when these boys make strides to manhood right before our eyes.
So considering how frequently and passionately we can be venomous about these kids when they make said mistakes...I think it is important to recognize when these boys make strides to manhood right before our eyes.
Anyone remember this???
That punch cost him 50 games away from his (playoff contending)team--a sucker punch. I remember it clearly.
I also remember early in his career, Anthony sat pouting an entire 4th quarter of a game (essentially quit on his team). He ended up receiving an admonishing call from MJ following that debacle....Oh, and let's not forget the marijuana in the backpack at Denver International....
Already at this point I was admittedly thinkin' what a shame, this kid is super talented, but he may end up a bust. He was labeled a misfit, a screwup.
Just a year ago he got slapped with a DUI, and the Nuggets were even rumored to have contemplated trading him. Imagine that...a guy as athletic and talented as Carmelo Anthony on the cusp of becoming that guy. You know, the guy talented enough to always be coveted, but too intolerable to be anyone's franchise player...THAT guy.
Then comes the here and now. There is new version of the Denver Nuggets star emerging before us. I call him, "The Mellow Fellow in Blue and Yellow." And by 'Mellow' I mean where it counts. In the media...in the locker room...in tense situations. Those were the areas that had Melo on track to being that guy, and he has handled them all superbly this season and especially in the last series.
Look, his play has been ridiculous--I definitely don't want to lose sight of that...but his conduct was most impressive. After the alleged behavior of Mavs fans the other night, in combination with the Momma-Martin-Cuban situation, I would have fully understood if he unleashed a mini-tirade to the media about the classlessness and arrogance of the entire city of Dallas and the Mavericks organization. Instead he decided to take the high road and let their behaviors speak for itself--he decided to focus on basketball.
That to me was equally as impressive as his performance (on BOTH ends of the floor) in the Mavs series. That to me spells the difference between All-Star Forward, and Franchise Player. Keep it up 'Melo, you're one of the best...Kobe, Bron, lookout....Denver is dangerous.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Reality Check
Ok, I need a T.O. ... Did I just hear correctly? Is Terrell Owens seriously filming a reality show? My goodness this guy is a flake. So...he couldn't report to his brand new team on time (knowing he has a tarnished reputation as-is), because he was too busy sealing the deal on a reality show? This whole situation sickens me on many levels.
For one, I cannot stand (un)reality TV America. Half of them are scripted, the other half are an exploitation of people with serious psychological issues, and the third half doesn't exist because there can only be two halves (dummies). Seriously though, on top of all that, it is becoming a sickening trend...everyone pops up with a reality show--when will it stop? There is almost always a reality show that stems from a previous reality show, it's a vicious cycle...What's next? Drew Rosenhaus in "Bringing Down the Haus"? Lord help us.
Speaking of the snake, does this mean he's gonna try to be the next Ari Gold? Does this mean he's going to try and break into the entertainment biz? Does he rep TO in this venture? Beware moviegoers, if he leetches his way into the entertainment world, we may soon be paying Disney prices to watch our favorite films.
In all seriousness, does anyone else find this ridiculous? Hey Owens...you're IN a reality show, it's called the National Football League. What bothers me most of all is that the motivation is transparent. Image repair. Seeking empathy. Nothing heals an image better than letting people know more about one's human side. Well I call bullshit. Reality shows are so obviously scripted, and all of them are self-serving pieces of garbage. We all know it, yet we are all hooked. They are like train wrecks, you can't look away. This will be no different. He'll cry, he'll give to charity, he'll contemplate suicide, he'll hug teammates, and kiss babies...and everyone will eat it up...even me.
For one, I cannot stand (un)reality TV America. Half of them are scripted, the other half are an exploitation of people with serious psychological issues, and the third half doesn't exist because there can only be two halves (dummies). Seriously though, on top of all that, it is becoming a sickening trend...everyone pops up with a reality show--when will it stop? There is almost always a reality show that stems from a previous reality show, it's a vicious cycle...What's next? Drew Rosenhaus in "Bringing Down the Haus"? Lord help us.
Speaking of the snake, does this mean he's gonna try to be the next Ari Gold? Does this mean he's going to try and break into the entertainment biz? Does he rep TO in this venture? Beware moviegoers, if he leetches his way into the entertainment world, we may soon be paying Disney prices to watch our favorite films.
In all seriousness, does anyone else find this ridiculous? Hey Owens...you're IN a reality show, it's called the National Football League. What bothers me most of all is that the motivation is transparent. Image repair. Seeking empathy. Nothing heals an image better than letting people know more about one's human side. Well I call bullshit. Reality shows are so obviously scripted, and all of them are self-serving pieces of garbage. We all know it, yet we are all hooked. They are like train wrecks, you can't look away. This will be no different. He'll cry, he'll give to charity, he'll contemplate suicide, he'll hug teammates, and kiss babies...and everyone will eat it up...even me.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Icecapades, Hockey's Revival Story
Being born and raised in South Florida, the only ice I ever dealt with was in the freezer or a dispenser at a hotel or fast food joint. Sure there were roller hockey leagues, but the prospect of falling on my rear repeatedly wasn't too appealing. Still, I have always been fascinated with this game.
In my opinion it is inexplicably neglected by the average sports fan. If more people were to watch and understand the game I think many more would be made into fans. Ever since the strike the NHL has been struggling mightily. Why though? Are people mad?
How easily we forget the NFL's player strike in the early 80's; the MLB strike in the midst of the 1994 season; the NBA strike that shortened the 1998-99 season to just a '99 season. Sure, baseball had to earn some fans back, but coverage wasn't bumped from the main networks and relegated to 'Versus' (really ESPN?) People didn't just turn their backs on the sport the way we have done to the NHL.
It can't be that it is boring, or that the other sports have something that hockey does not. Hockey has the physicality of football (ok perhaps a notch below); requires the hand-eye coordination of baseball; and allows the individuality of basketball--so what's the problem?
A lack of understanding for the game? That's an excuse wives around the world use to get out of watching football. Perhaps it's the fact that it is only ingrained in the culture of cold-weather states and countries. Regardless of the reason, people are missing out.
So far this has been on of the most exciting post seasons that any sport has seen in a while. You have it all...The young stars of the league facing off, and living up to all the hype. Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin have put on a show. Matching hat tricks in an OT thriller? Now a game 7?
You have the defending champion Red Wings still alive, trying to defend their crown....then there are the storied hockey franchises (Boston and Chicago) trying to return to prominence...then there are the always overlooked, yet ultra consistent Hurricanes lurking...there is so much excitement that one would expect to see the Ducks bust out the 'Flying V' at any moment.
Look, all I'm sayin is give the sport a chance. I am not a fanatic by any means, but I sincerely feel that anyone not watching is missing out. Don't go on what people say about the sport, just watch and judge for yourself. Who knows, after this post season, NHL Hockey Night may be back on ESPN...but one could only hope they reject the offer. It should have never been booted to begin with. Of course, you know what they say...money talks....you fill in the rest.
In my opinion it is inexplicably neglected by the average sports fan. If more people were to watch and understand the game I think many more would be made into fans. Ever since the strike the NHL has been struggling mightily. Why though? Are people mad?
How easily we forget the NFL's player strike in the early 80's; the MLB strike in the midst of the 1994 season; the NBA strike that shortened the 1998-99 season to just a '99 season. Sure, baseball had to earn some fans back, but coverage wasn't bumped from the main networks and relegated to 'Versus' (really ESPN?) People didn't just turn their backs on the sport the way we have done to the NHL.
It can't be that it is boring, or that the other sports have something that hockey does not. Hockey has the physicality of football (ok perhaps a notch below); requires the hand-eye coordination of baseball; and allows the individuality of basketball--so what's the problem?
A lack of understanding for the game? That's an excuse wives around the world use to get out of watching football. Perhaps it's the fact that it is only ingrained in the culture of cold-weather states and countries. Regardless of the reason, people are missing out.
So far this has been on of the most exciting post seasons that any sport has seen in a while. You have it all...The young stars of the league facing off, and living up to all the hype. Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin have put on a show. Matching hat tricks in an OT thriller? Now a game 7?
You have the defending champion Red Wings still alive, trying to defend their crown....then there are the storied hockey franchises (Boston and Chicago) trying to return to prominence...then there are the always overlooked, yet ultra consistent Hurricanes lurking...there is so much excitement that one would expect to see the Ducks bust out the 'Flying V' at any moment.
Look, all I'm sayin is give the sport a chance. I am not a fanatic by any means, but I sincerely feel that anyone not watching is missing out. Don't go on what people say about the sport, just watch and judge for yourself. Who knows, after this post season, NHL Hockey Night may be back on ESPN...but one could only hope they reject the offer. It should have never been booted to begin with. Of course, you know what they say...money talks....you fill in the rest.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
NBA Playoff Banter
Good morning once again, everyone...Predictable night in the NBA Playoffs last night as both defending conference champions bounced back in convincing fashion. I liked what I saw out of the Lakers (don't mistake that with 'I like the Lakers'); Kobe was incredible. When he flips that switch, he is unstoppable. Shane Battier was defending him perfectly and it absolutely didn't matter.
Of course Kobe's performance is not particularly what I liked...It was the fact that they were actually MORE physical than a team who has reached this point by winning the physical battles. Houston is not the most explosive offensive team in the postseason, they win games by beating up the opposition and frustrating them. Something that the Lakers have been unable to do in the past (which has usually led to their demise) is win the games that took on any other personality than their own. When teams have gotten physical with them, and the tempo slowed, they struggled.
Winning this series would be huge for the Lakers in more ways than the mere fact that they will advance deeper into the postseason. Quite frankly, every other team that is still alive (excluding Dallas who is pretty much on life support) plays hard defense (yes even Denver surprisingly, thanks to Chauncey for putting the 'D' back in Denver, recently known as 'enver' which to the dyslexic may have read 'Never'), plays physical, and thrives in the half court game (though the Nuggets can excel at both).
Point is, if LA wants to fulfill what is expected of them, them Euro dudes are gonna have to man up....that bench is gonna have to man up....and when the defense gets frustrating and the calls ain't coming...Kobe will have to man up. They will need to encapsulate their performance last night, in every facet, and bring that intensity every night. That's the only way they'll take control of this series...that's the only way they'll beat Denver...that's the ONLY way they can be champions.
I'm still picking Cleveland though!
As for Boston, I have to talk about Rondo. How good is this kid? I mean he is sustaining an absurd level of play this post season, and I get a sense that NBA fans still don't give him his due respect. Not even I do honestly. Today I have to give it to him...tying Larry Bird for most playoff triple-doubles as a Celtic?! How old is he? What round is it? It's time to pay attention to this kid.
Most of all he is one of the best defenders in the NBA. Anyone who has played ball knows, it is VERY difficult to sustain 100% intensity on both ends of the court and be as active as Rondo is, AND be successful at both. He is kinda reminding me of 'The Glove' Gary Payton back in his Seattle (regular season) days. Only difference is, this kid excels when it counts. No knock on Payton, but Seattle was often a disappointment in the Western Conference playoffs after very strong regular seasons.
As for Boston's chances, I don't like them without KG. I am not sure if they are holding him off as long as they can, or if he's really not an option for this post season. I hope he comes back though. I am not a C's fan, but I hate to see a defending champ lose its crown without having the chance to defend its crown with a full roster. It kinda takes away from it. I am sure LeBron and/or Kobe would relish the opportunity to send them home...all of them...no excuses. And let's face it, that's what we want to see. We want to see epic clashes of the juggernauts.
Who knows what's gonna happen, maybe they fall behind 3-1 to the Magic and KG comes sprinting out of the locker room for Game 5...After all Paul Pierce did get carried off the court, only to come back in the same game miraculously...Luck of the Irish? To quote KG himself..."ANYTHING'S POSIBOOOOOOOOOOOO!!"
Of course Kobe's performance is not particularly what I liked...It was the fact that they were actually MORE physical than a team who has reached this point by winning the physical battles. Houston is not the most explosive offensive team in the postseason, they win games by beating up the opposition and frustrating them. Something that the Lakers have been unable to do in the past (which has usually led to their demise) is win the games that took on any other personality than their own. When teams have gotten physical with them, and the tempo slowed, they struggled.
Winning this series would be huge for the Lakers in more ways than the mere fact that they will advance deeper into the postseason. Quite frankly, every other team that is still alive (excluding Dallas who is pretty much on life support) plays hard defense (yes even Denver surprisingly, thanks to Chauncey for putting the 'D' back in Denver, recently known as 'enver' which to the dyslexic may have read 'Never'), plays physical, and thrives in the half court game (though the Nuggets can excel at both).
Point is, if LA wants to fulfill what is expected of them, them Euro dudes are gonna have to man up....that bench is gonna have to man up....and when the defense gets frustrating and the calls ain't coming...Kobe will have to man up. They will need to encapsulate their performance last night, in every facet, and bring that intensity every night. That's the only way they'll take control of this series...that's the only way they'll beat Denver...that's the ONLY way they can be champions.
I'm still picking Cleveland though!
As for Boston, I have to talk about Rondo. How good is this kid? I mean he is sustaining an absurd level of play this post season, and I get a sense that NBA fans still don't give him his due respect. Not even I do honestly. Today I have to give it to him...tying Larry Bird for most playoff triple-doubles as a Celtic?! How old is he? What round is it? It's time to pay attention to this kid.
Most of all he is one of the best defenders in the NBA. Anyone who has played ball knows, it is VERY difficult to sustain 100% intensity on both ends of the court and be as active as Rondo is, AND be successful at both. He is kinda reminding me of 'The Glove' Gary Payton back in his Seattle (regular season) days. Only difference is, this kid excels when it counts. No knock on Payton, but Seattle was often a disappointment in the Western Conference playoffs after very strong regular seasons.
As for Boston's chances, I don't like them without KG. I am not sure if they are holding him off as long as they can, or if he's really not an option for this post season. I hope he comes back though. I am not a C's fan, but I hate to see a defending champ lose its crown without having the chance to defend its crown with a full roster. It kinda takes away from it. I am sure LeBron and/or Kobe would relish the opportunity to send them home...all of them...no excuses. And let's face it, that's what we want to see. We want to see epic clashes of the juggernauts.
Who knows what's gonna happen, maybe they fall behind 3-1 to the Magic and KG comes sprinting out of the locker room for Game 5...After all Paul Pierce did get carried off the court, only to come back in the same game miraculously...Luck of the Irish? To quote KG himself..."ANYTHING'S POSIBOOOOOOOOOOOO!!"
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Brief Morning Thoughts
Good morning everyone, I trust that you all enjoyed your Cinco de Mayo. Hopefully more than the Hawks did. Usually I don't get satisfaction out of watching the team that eliminated my favorite team get trounced (since it is only an indication that we may have lost by 58 or so [poor Hornets]) , but I have to admit, that was pretty satisfying. Why? Because the Atlanta Hawks are quite possibly the worst team in the area of sportsmanship in the NBA.
EVERY time a foul is called against them there is a complaint, particularly from Mo Evans and Josh Smith. They can do no wrong, yet every time they miss a shot they expect a call. It's like a team of Kobe Bryants and Allen Iversons with less skill. It's irritating. Just play ball guys.
Anyway, last night had nothing to do with sportsmanship though. LeBron James was just ridiculous. Get used to it folks...I suggest watching this championship run and deciding whether you're gonna love or hate the kid because the NBA will be his dominion for the next decade. He will be that guy going forward. He has scored 25 points or more in every game of the postseason so far. Most impressive is watching this him after a steal. Sometime during the 2nd quarter he picked Joe Johnson's pocket and took off looking for an outlet pass...he covered half the court in about 6 steps! He's a freak.
Speaking of freaks, how about Albert Pujols (pronounced POO-holes according to ESPN) is absolutely the best in Major League Baseball. If anyone is going to win the Triple Crown in our lifetime it is this guy. All the attention is given to all the juicers and to Manny being Manny, yet a guy who does it ALL is covered minimally on a national level. Don't get me wrong, everyone knows who Pujols is, and that he is one of the best. But I contend the guy may arguably be the best player ever. Think about it, there's nothing the guy doesn't do. His batting prowess is well-documented, but he has a superb glove. Last year he won the fielding Bible Award which recognizes him as the best 1st baseman in both the AL and NL.
The thing that upsets me most is that if this guy played for the Sox, Yanks, or Mets, he'd be the highest paid, and most lauded player in the media. That's not to say St. Louis is not serious about their baseball, it is just and indictment of the imbalance of media attention. What has A-Rod done lately on the diamond? Still, I have heard his name at least twice as much as Pujols'. Then we wonder why there is a nasty cycle in sports with younger generations emulating guys who have no business being role models.
EVERY time a foul is called against them there is a complaint, particularly from Mo Evans and Josh Smith. They can do no wrong, yet every time they miss a shot they expect a call. It's like a team of Kobe Bryants and Allen Iversons with less skill. It's irritating. Just play ball guys.
Anyway, last night had nothing to do with sportsmanship though. LeBron James was just ridiculous. Get used to it folks...I suggest watching this championship run and deciding whether you're gonna love or hate the kid because the NBA will be his dominion for the next decade. He will be that guy going forward. He has scored 25 points or more in every game of the postseason so far. Most impressive is watching this him after a steal. Sometime during the 2nd quarter he picked Joe Johnson's pocket and took off looking for an outlet pass...he covered half the court in about 6 steps! He's a freak.
Speaking of freaks, how about Albert Pujols (pronounced POO-holes according to ESPN) is absolutely the best in Major League Baseball. If anyone is going to win the Triple Crown in our lifetime it is this guy. All the attention is given to all the juicers and to Manny being Manny, yet a guy who does it ALL is covered minimally on a national level. Don't get me wrong, everyone knows who Pujols is, and that he is one of the best. But I contend the guy may arguably be the best player ever. Think about it, there's nothing the guy doesn't do. His batting prowess is well-documented, but he has a superb glove. Last year he won the fielding Bible Award which recognizes him as the best 1st baseman in both the AL and NL.
The thing that upsets me most is that if this guy played for the Sox, Yanks, or Mets, he'd be the highest paid, and most lauded player in the media. That's not to say St. Louis is not serious about their baseball, it is just and indictment of the imbalance of media attention. What has A-Rod done lately on the diamond? Still, I have heard his name at least twice as much as Pujols'. Then we wonder why there is a nasty cycle in sports with younger generations emulating guys who have no business being role models.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Off And Running: Thoughts On Heat's Future Prospects
Welcome everyone to my blog. I am the current owner of Sports Review, and I hope you all will stick with us through a period of growth as we strive to put Sports Review Magazine back in the mix with the top sports publications, as it once was. My hope is that you will browse through all of our 'Featured Writers' whom are all a must read. Enjoy, and thanks for visiting!
Well...it's no secret I am a Miami homer, so I might as well air out some thoughts about the Heat's rather anticlimatic exit from the postseason.
Before I can get into any criticism, I have to say; kudos to Eric Spoelstra, his staff, and the Heat players for going from worst record in the NBA to 5th seed in the East, and for sniffing the second round. The practical fan in me very much appreciates what was accomplished...
...of course, what fun would talking sports be if we were practical fans? Let's face it, we follow from game 1 every year because whether the practical fan in us knows better or not, we want to win it all. That's why they play it, that's why we watch.
What us Heat fans got was a long, drawn out dose of reality. The Hawks series left one explicit message to us--while there is reason for optimism, they have a LONG way to go. My concern is whether or not there is enough time. 2010 is looming on the horizon, and with Lebron looking happy in Cleveland, and 'Melo thriving with Billups by his side in Denver, that makes D-Wade (in my opinion) the most likely to depart from his original team. It may very well turn out that Anthony and James will sign before the end of the 2009-10 season.
So now this begs the question, what needs to be done to keep Dwyane Wade? Ultimately only Wade knows what he wants, but I will attempt to put myself in his shoes and assess the situation.
If I'm D-Wade I am happy with alot of the current pieces. We did great in the draft this year, got two young guys who are capable of being starters in the league. Mario Chalmers has the hands and instincts to be a strong defender. He's not terrible with the ball, though he needs some work on decision making. Michael Beasley is a potentially great scoring supplement to me, but he has got to get better defensively, and improve his shot selection. I like my coach Eric Spoelstra, he's a no nonsense guy who is a true basketball intellectual. I like that he is young and is deeply rooted in the organization, which will probably translate to stability there.
Now for what would concern me. First of all, Udonis Haslem should not be a starter. I want him on my team as an energy guy off the bench with more than 20 minutes, but him being the starting 4 is disconcerting. Also, I need a center, or someone who can DOMINATE the boards. Think back on how many times Shaq cleaned up missed shots or layups because #3 completely brokedown the defense. Now think about the Hawks series...so many of those drives which should have resulted in a score, were rebounded by Pachulia and Horford. Why? No dominant, aggressive rebounders. Haslem is the most aggressive, but 7-footers can rebound over him even if they're boxed sometimes--he just isn't big enough.
Wanna keep me? I need to see some size added...I want to hear our names in the running for Carlos Boozer this Summer. If we can't land him, let's take a look at his teammate Okur. Bring in a high energy rebounder like Varejao, Drew Gooden or Antonio McDyess (who can also bring an offensive spark). I want some point guard depth. Perhaps a savvy veteran whom Chalmers can learn from, and can bring a calming influence to the floor off the bench. At the very least, maneuver some contracts to free up enough money in 2010 to not only pay me, but bring one of those big names to Miami...say, Chris Bosh? Amare Stoudemire?
Whatever you do, do NOT stand pat, Riley. This team is incomplete, to say the least. Front office apathy will be a good way to lose a franchise player. Thankfully, Riles tends to be anything but apathetic. Sometimes one would think he's playing an NBA Video game with the volume and magnitude of some moves that he makes, so I am certainly excited to see what the Heat's next moves will be. This Summer could very well be the most important in the history of the franchise; what will they do for Wade? Will it be enough? Stay Tuned.
Well...it's no secret I am a Miami homer, so I might as well air out some thoughts about the Heat's rather anticlimatic exit from the postseason.
Before I can get into any criticism, I have to say; kudos to Eric Spoelstra, his staff, and the Heat players for going from worst record in the NBA to 5th seed in the East, and for sniffing the second round. The practical fan in me very much appreciates what was accomplished...
...of course, what fun would talking sports be if we were practical fans? Let's face it, we follow from game 1 every year because whether the practical fan in us knows better or not, we want to win it all. That's why they play it, that's why we watch.
What us Heat fans got was a long, drawn out dose of reality. The Hawks series left one explicit message to us--while there is reason for optimism, they have a LONG way to go. My concern is whether or not there is enough time. 2010 is looming on the horizon, and with Lebron looking happy in Cleveland, and 'Melo thriving with Billups by his side in Denver, that makes D-Wade (in my opinion) the most likely to depart from his original team. It may very well turn out that Anthony and James will sign before the end of the 2009-10 season.
So now this begs the question, what needs to be done to keep Dwyane Wade? Ultimately only Wade knows what he wants, but I will attempt to put myself in his shoes and assess the situation.
If I'm D-Wade I am happy with alot of the current pieces. We did great in the draft this year, got two young guys who are capable of being starters in the league. Mario Chalmers has the hands and instincts to be a strong defender. He's not terrible with the ball, though he needs some work on decision making. Michael Beasley is a potentially great scoring supplement to me, but he has got to get better defensively, and improve his shot selection. I like my coach Eric Spoelstra, he's a no nonsense guy who is a true basketball intellectual. I like that he is young and is deeply rooted in the organization, which will probably translate to stability there.
Now for what would concern me. First of all, Udonis Haslem should not be a starter. I want him on my team as an energy guy off the bench with more than 20 minutes, but him being the starting 4 is disconcerting. Also, I need a center, or someone who can DOMINATE the boards. Think back on how many times Shaq cleaned up missed shots or layups because #3 completely brokedown the defense. Now think about the Hawks series...so many of those drives which should have resulted in a score, were rebounded by Pachulia and Horford. Why? No dominant, aggressive rebounders. Haslem is the most aggressive, but 7-footers can rebound over him even if they're boxed sometimes--he just isn't big enough.
Wanna keep me? I need to see some size added...I want to hear our names in the running for Carlos Boozer this Summer. If we can't land him, let's take a look at his teammate Okur. Bring in a high energy rebounder like Varejao, Drew Gooden or Antonio McDyess (who can also bring an offensive spark). I want some point guard depth. Perhaps a savvy veteran whom Chalmers can learn from, and can bring a calming influence to the floor off the bench. At the very least, maneuver some contracts to free up enough money in 2010 to not only pay me, but bring one of those big names to Miami...say, Chris Bosh? Amare Stoudemire?
Whatever you do, do NOT stand pat, Riley. This team is incomplete, to say the least. Front office apathy will be a good way to lose a franchise player. Thankfully, Riles tends to be anything but apathetic. Sometimes one would think he's playing an NBA Video game with the volume and magnitude of some moves that he makes, so I am certainly excited to see what the Heat's next moves will be. This Summer could very well be the most important in the history of the franchise; what will they do for Wade? Will it be enough? Stay Tuned.
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