Opposing teams have made the `dream team` look like a struggling team at times but it`s still early in the season.
Coming into this NBA season the Miami Heat were the talk of the league and rightfully so. Whenever two superstars consciously turn their backs on the organizations that did so much for them, is front page news. Chris Bosh and Lebron James joined Dwyane Wade in Miami in what was suppose to be a cakewalk to the finals where they were destined to meet the LA Lakers. But things have not turned out that way. The Miami Heat lost their opening game to the Boston Celtics and haven`t looked in sync thus far.
Bosh playing well
Chris Bosh is the only Miami Heat player that is meeting or exceeding expectations. He has been putting up numbers recently including a 35 point outburst, which came soon after rumours of him being traded began circulating. Bosh was expected to be the third option and that is the role he has been playing, 17 points, 7 boards and 50 plus percent from the field. At times Bosh has looked like the second option as the play of his dream teammates has been pathetic. Lebron James chose to join Heat, his stats have taken a hit and he looks lost out there at times, not accustomed to sharing the spotlight or offensive load. He has not been dominant, experts believed that James could average a triple double this season. Almost 24 points a game, 8 assists but only 45 percent from the field. As the leaders of the Heat franchise, James and Wade have not been a dominant duo. Wade has not taken it to the hoop at will this year. Perhaps age and injuries have caught up to D-Wade as he is averaging 21.1 points per game but shooting only 43% from the field. You would think that playing with two olympians would increase his field goal percentage but nothing in Miami seems for certain.
Eastern conference tougher than expected
The Western Conference has been the superior conference in the NBA for most of the post-Jordan era. With the Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs leading the way. However this year the Eastern Conference has a rejuvenated Orlando Magic team, a dangerous and still upcoming team in the Chicago Bulls and the team that will eventually meet the Heat in the playoffs, the Boston Celtics. Miami knew that all eyes would be on the Heat this season. Every NBA team has brought their best game against the Heat and Miami couldn`t handle it. A 8-7 record for a team with this much talent is embarassing. Not only is the record not impressive, the fact that they have lost to the Indiana Pacers (by 20 plus points) and Memphis Grizzlies makes it even harder to accept. The Bulls have overachieved thus far and with Carlos Boozer joining the lineup, things could get interested come May.
Sign Allen Iverson
The Heat trio of superstars are not fully accustomed to playing with one another. This week Jerry Stackhouse was waived in place is a big body in Erick Dampier. The Heat have many big men to use but no one outside of Bosh worth mentioning. The Celtics have the big three but they also have Rondo, Shaq O`neal, Jermaine O`neal, Kendrick Perkins and even Nate Robinson. The Heat lack depth, outside of their big three all are role players. Mike Miller, Eddie House, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Joelle Anthony and Carlos Arroyo. One time legend, Allen Iverson would be a good fit for a team that needs players who can score. Allen Iverson is in Turkey, playing basketball.... in Turkey. Iverson has fallen off the map in the NBA and an opportunity to win a championship might be enough motivation for Iverson to swallow his pride and play team ball. It is sad to see a player of his calibre playing in what might as well be an extinct basketball league. NBA fans know that Iverson can pass the rock and get to the free throw line. The only thing stopping Iverson from signing with the Heat is his reputation as a selfish player.
Heat will win the Championship
It was surprising to hear the media calling for the Heat to trade Bosh or fire coach Spoelstra so early in the year. The NBA season has just started, give this team a few weeks to gel and barring injuries, this team will be amongst the Eastern Conference leaders by the All-Star break. The Orlando Magic have looked real strong and led by Dwight Howard they will be the second biggest hurdle for the Heat to overcome to make a Finals appearance. On paper the Heat are a better team, but the Magic are a team experienced in playing with one another and a team deep in talent. The Celtics are the main concern for the Heat in the east. The Celtics are the defending conference champs and if they did not have so many injuries last season, they would have won the title. Age is the Celtics biggest enemy, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, the O`neals and Pierce are all well into their 30`s and we all know that professional sports is a young mans game. As long as Bosh, James and Wade remain healthy their stats and team play will drastically improve. Trade rumours, overrated chants, signing Iverson, whatever it takes to shake this team up. True NBA fans know that basketball is an emotional game. Here`s hoping that the treatment that Lebron James and Chris Bosh experience from fans in Cleveland and Toronto lights the fire that inspires Lebron and company to set the NBA aflame.
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