Miami Heat contenders?
September 11th 2008 23:42
Ever since that Shaq for Marion and Marcus Banks trade, I thought Phoenix had gotten the raw end of the deal. Shaq was clearly finishing off the last few seasons of his career while Marion is in his prime.
While Shaq seems to be destined to playing nba ball for a while longer with the Suns intent on keeping their old yet still capable of being dominant big man. This could well be a tactic to let Stoudemire reign supreme at the Power Forward spot rather than have him tied down on the opposition's center in defense. However, as we saw in last seasons' playoffs Shaq was not the magic cure to Phoenix's playoff troubles.
Now, Miami even with Shawn Marion who seemed to playing like he was angry (not at being traded, more like he thought he was worth Shaq and Wade rather than just Shaq) did not have a great season in the 07-08 campaign. But Wade was out with knee troubles. And he is back now to his old best if his Team USA form in Beijing is any guide.
That dramatic fall from grace after becoming NBA Champions for the first time in franchise history in 05-06, in which time Wade notably suffered serious shoulder and knee injuries may just have been the Heat's saving grace. In an addition that seems to have faded in light of Chicago snaring Derrick Rose, the Heat managed to net prolific scorer Michael Beasley who at selection no.2 could very easily have gone no.1. Beasley has a lot of firepower and with a healthy Wade and an angry Marion, this team is going to score alot of points.
The question is whether or not they can provide suitable competition at the 5 and the 1, the potential is there with former all-stars Jamaal Magloire and Alonzo Mourning providing depth at the center position, while Marcus Banks and Chris Quinn look to run the offense from the point. It could work out, but these players are more back-up players that a championship contender would like to have as fall-back bench options, not as starters.
Miami's fate may just depend on how much its three very athletic and talented stars can take the pressure off the rest of the team. And whether or not Wade gets injured again.
While Shaq seems to be destined to playing nba ball for a while longer with the Suns intent on keeping their old yet still capable of being dominant big man. This could well be a tactic to let Stoudemire reign supreme at the Power Forward spot rather than have him tied down on the opposition's center in defense. However, as we saw in last seasons' playoffs Shaq was not the magic cure to Phoenix's playoff troubles.
Now, Miami even with Shawn Marion who seemed to playing like he was angry (not at being traded, more like he thought he was worth Shaq and Wade rather than just Shaq) did not have a great season in the 07-08 campaign. But Wade was out with knee troubles. And he is back now to his old best if his Team USA form in Beijing is any guide.
That dramatic fall from grace after becoming NBA Champions for the first time in franchise history in 05-06, in which time Wade notably suffered serious shoulder and knee injuries may just have been the Heat's saving grace. In an addition that seems to have faded in light of Chicago snaring Derrick Rose, the Heat managed to net prolific scorer Michael Beasley who at selection no.2 could very easily have gone no.1. Beasley has a lot of firepower and with a healthy Wade and an angry Marion, this team is going to score alot of points.
The question is whether or not they can provide suitable competition at the 5 and the 1, the potential is there with former all-stars Jamaal Magloire and Alonzo Mourning providing depth at the center position, while Marcus Banks and Chris Quinn look to run the offense from the point. It could work out, but these players are more back-up players that a championship contender would like to have as fall-back bench options, not as starters.
Miami's fate may just depend on how much its three very athletic and talented stars can take the pressure off the rest of the team. And whether or not Wade gets injured again.
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