Hot Hot Hoops: FanPosts

Lebron better than MJ?

2013-05-17T16:45:52Z

Alonzo Mourning and Scottie Pippen are in agreement that Lebron is better than Michael. Are you?

Is there still any argument?! Any takers? It is the great debate! And we get a glimpse of it through a makeshift peephole of a cellphone video? No it can't be. The abrupt ending? Really c'mon man. Get a new phone for crying out loud or switch to a Droid or Apple because that Windows phone should be just as obsolete as your no longer favorite Blockbuster. It was great while it lasted, but there's just things out there way better. Anyways, back to the actual debate.

It's a train, it's a bulldozer nope that's just Lebron James the biggest baddest em effer on the court. But if you had to pick MJ or Lebron to take the last shot. Who do you pick? If the opposing team has the ball with waning seconds of the game winding down. Who do you have defend him?

Is it just a case of you like nacho cheese Doritos and I like the obviously better choice cool ranch? Does anybody have a time machine? I would much rather pay for Lebron to go back in time and play MJ than pay him to be in the slam dunk contest.

It's a short segment, but none the less, Alonzo always speaks the truth and we all listen. Would have loved to have been there for this.

For final measure for those of you who have not seen, here is the classic Stephen A. Smith vs Skip Bayless battle.

Michael Jordan was the great of his time. Lebron James is the great of this time. And this time sure feels pretty sweet, especially to be a front runnin, pay cuttin, bandwagon Heat fan.

Bring on the Pace...oh I guess not. I wonder if Spike Lee wrapped his hands around his neck and than his family jewels for good old fashioned Pacers Knicks choke filled rivalry.

Alonzo Mourning and Scottie Pippen are in agreement that Lebron is better than Michael. Are you?

It's a short segment, but none the less, Alonzo always speaks the truth and we all listen. Would have loved to have been there for this.

For final measure for those of you who have not seen, here is the classic Stephen A. Smith vs Skip Bayless battle.

Michael Jordan was the great of his time. Lebron James is the great of this time. And this time sure feels pretty sweet, especially to be a front runnin, pay cuttin, bandwagon Heat fan.

Bring on the Pace...oh I guess not. I wonder if Spike Lee wrapped his hands around his neck and than his family jewels for good old fashioned Pacers Knicks choke filled rivalry.

The NBA Playoffs Are Great

2013-05-17T14:46:47Z

Some people complain that it goes too long or the players don’t play defense. And I usually respond by throwing blunt objects at them while speaking in tongues. HOWEVER, if someone can ever calm me down enough to get something rational out of me, I try to rattle off a few things. But now I can just direct them here. YAY!

1. The games are good. Even though I refute those that complain about regular season NBA basketball, there are just some games that are not entertaining. But pretty much all these games, save for every Indiana game, have been relatively enjoyable.

2. Twitter is great. People love to tweet ridiculous things during basketball games (I see you Ron Artest Metta World Peace). Whether you’re watching the game or not, you can at least have Twitter up to see what all the crazy people think.

3. It takes my mind off the Marlins. Seriously guys, they’re rebuilding. They’ll be good soon.

4. Baskets go in. Remember how much passion people play with during March Madness? Yeah, now just imagine if the shots went in. No, really, it’s a real thing.

5. Stars play. These guys never come off the floor in the playoffs. They’ll probably get a break at the end of the first and third quarters, but then the superstars stay out there. The overall quality of play improves from the regular season because the best guys simply play more.

6. Crowds are great. Every crowd has different levels of "bringing it." Some crowds are better than others but every crowd is capable of rocking, even if only for the last few minutes. At times, you can actually see it rattling professionals.

7. TNT crew is great. I love Barkley, Kenny, Ernie, Shaq, Marv, Kerr, CRAIG SAGER, Reggie, C-Webb and everyone else on TNT. Watching the NBA on TNT is easily my favorite sports-watching experiences .

8. Joey Crawford. Everyone else hates Joey Crawford. As an official, here’s what I know: Joey Crawford is the best damn basketball official in the world. He’s doing what he’s doing. Take it or leave it. Joey doesn’t do it for attention. Joey does it because he’s better than you.

9. Things are relatively predictable. Things are crazy during March Madness. With only one game, a lot can go wrong. In a seven-game series, the team that’s better (or at least plays like it) will almost assuredly win. There might be "upsets" here and there, but when you look at each matchup, regardless of seeding, everything usually makes sense. I want to have a basic sense of reality, of what is likely to happen (not should happen). That’s why the finals (conference and NBA) are usually fun to watch. It’s truly the best teams.

10. The Minnesota Timberwolves can’t lose. They haven’t lost a playoff game since the first term of the Bush Administration. If you can get over the whole "haven’t been since Game 6 of the 2004 Western Conference Finals," this is a great thing.

3. It takes my mind off the Marlins. Seriously guys, they’re rebuilding. They’ll be good soon.

4. Baskets go in. Remember how much passion people play with during March Madness? Yeah, now just imagine if the shots went in. No, really, it’s a real thing.

The Crisis of Basketball Animosity

2013-05-15T23:52:07Z

Basketball rivalries are born out of the hard collision between two titans on the highway towards NBA royalty. The components of this hard collision allow for spectators to witness differences in both the players’ physical and mental approach to the game. This year, no series has better reflected the definition of animosity than the East Semi-Final between Miami and Chicago, with hard fouls, ejections, and fan bird-flipping, causing flashbacks to old-school fans worldwide.

The animosity between two sides has always added extra importance and intrigue to a game or series. You can easily apply it to a movie of your choice, with two enemies as protagonists who, when they meet, catch the attention of every single soul present.

For fans, there’s nothing more thrilling than basketball animosity. Earlier this year, we saw former team-mates Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen bump heads for the first time after the latter chose to leave Boston and join forces with East-rivals Miami, a move that didn’t sit well with Garnett. The whole arena, heck, the whole world, gazed at the two new-born rivals, waiting impatiently for that split second when their eyes would cross. Moments like these make you forget where you are, why you are there, and who you are with. You don’t think about nothing else but the loyalty that was broken and now drives the animosity between them.

Dating back to the late 80’s, the series between Michael Jordan’s Bulls and the ‘Bad Boys’ Detroit Pistons are almost always used to explain the physicality and antipathy that moulded the league during that time. Players like Bill Laimbeer and Dennis Rodman stood at the core of rivalries, relying greatly on their physical attributes on the defensive end to throw off opponents and literally resort to any strategy, often absurd, to come out with a W.

Today’s rules are specifically designed for the prevention of such scenarios, limiting players from playing too physical, hence avoiding any potential altercations. Despite this attempt to "supervise" the players, the strict regulations still, in some ways, favor animosity between players.

LeBron James' superstar status gives him the luxury of getting calls a non-superstar player wouldn’t get in a million years even if he brought doughnuts to the refs before the game. The fact that James has the upper hand on most of his opponents contributes immensely to the animosity shown in his defenders during a play-off series. In addition, when you combine already-strict rules to this unwritten law of ‘Superstar Foul Calling’, you slowly begin to understand why, even if not to the same degree, animosity still finds his way into today’s regulated NBA.

As far as basketball animosity goes, Kobe Bryant is one of the few players left in the league. To clarify, every player has an enemy or rival, however it is clear that Kobe maintains a distant relationship with opposing players, a characteristic that allows him to carry that competitive mentality on to the parquet better than anyone. While it is not animosity per se, it is basketball animosity at its finest.

The maybe-too-close relationships players broadcast on the internet, the AAU circuit, and social media are all used as primary examples to justify the decline in physicality as well as the league's lack of essential animosity between teams.

Former players are always eager to stress this topic. They believe that the lack of animosity, obviously to a certain degree, is bad not only for the game, but for the fans as well, as a somewhat-competitive game between buddies isn't what they paid for.

Imagine if everyone was like Kobe. Kept your distances, acknowledged others’ accomplishments, and still managed to be respected. Of course, players are entitled to do whatever they choose, however the hugs and jokes before a game should be avoided until after, just out of respect for the game and the fans.

I remember watching ESPN’s NBA Countdown a while back. Magic, as usual, entertained the audience by telling a story on Michael Jordan’s manipulative personality and how after beating the Phoenix Suns in a play-off game, invited the Phoenix Suns to one of his restaurants in down-town Chicago and took the bill. This episode not only makes you question if there was any animosity between the two teams,but it also makes you realize that even though the NBA was more physical and antagonistic, the relationships between players were very similar to today’s.

A rivalriy, is the hatred between two sides that doesn't subdue with time. Basketball Animosity, even though similar, is slightly different. It is the hatred between players on a basketball court that only vanishes outside the hardwood. It is what shapes play-off basketball, and, in the end, decides who wins.

Dwyane Wade: To Rest or Play Game 5?

2013-05-15T14:44:37Z

There has been talk since the end of Game 4, actually a lot of people didn't even wait for the game to end, on whether Mr. Wade should sit or play Game 5. I'm going to make the case on why he should play.

Reason 1:

Tied with Shane Battier, Wade leads the team with +49 in the series. Despite his numbers looking far below his standards, Wade is still significantly affecting games. Coach Spo says it far more eloquently than i ever could:

He’s a battler, he’s a warrior, he’ll fight through it, and he never makes excuses for anything and he’s giving us everything he’s got and he’s giving us minutes that help us win — that’s the bottom line. I know everyone’s looking at how many shots he’s getting up and how many points he can score. He’s at a point where he knows every series is different, every game is different and the whole point is help us win and he’s doing that.

Is he coming in there and creating 30 a night? No, but he’s creating a lot of good things for us, defensively he’s competing, giving us a presence from the perimeter position to help rebound. And then offensively he’s making the right plays and oftentimes that’s to throw it back and let the ball start moving, so he’ll continue to get in better rhythm. He had some good actions [Monday night] that hopefully we can lean and build on for Wednesday

Wade is a threat, always will be, regardless of his health. If he is on the court he will make plays on defense, and the defense will always have to account for him when the Heat have the ball. That gives LBJ more room, more room for the shooters, and improved ball movement. Wade's game goes so far beyond scoring to be an impact.

Reason 2:

Rest doesn't seem to matter on how the knee reacts. Remember he missed 6 straight games at the end of the season, plus the 10 days he had before the start of the Chicago series. None of that seem to have had an impact on the knee. He is still hobbling. But consider this, if he rests Game 5, and the Heat somehow lose the game, he must be there Game 6. So he loses the extra days of rest to prep for the next series, AND he has to put more effort in a Game 6 than he would have for Game 5. so that is a total loss situation.

Reason 3:

He is an ultra-competitive, relentless athlete. I can't imagine him being able to sit in a suite and watch his team close out his hometown team after the way this series has gone. You can bet your ass Wade wants to be out there to end this series. and like i said before, ending this series earlier is more important, so i imagine Wade will be there to do just that.

I expect Wade to be in the lineup tonight, and will be disappointed if he's in a suit. Granted, i don't know the pain/discomfort he is in, and he did seem to aggrevate it last game, but he just needs one more game before he gets at least another 5 days of rest (earliest the ECF can start is May 21)

Reason 1:

He’s a battler, he’s a warrior, he’ll fight through it, and he never makes excuses for anything and he’s giving us everything he’s got and he’s giving us minutes that help us win — that’s the bottom line. I know everyone’s looking at how many shots he’s getting up and how many points he can score. He’s at a point where he knows every series is different, every game is different and the whole point is help us win and he’s doing that.

Is he coming in there and creating 30 a night? No, but he’s creating a lot of good things for us, defensively he’s competing, giving us a presence from the perimeter position to help rebound. And then offensively he’s making the right plays and oftentimes that’s to throw it back and let the ball start moving, so he’ll continue to get in better rhythm. He had some good actions [Monday night] that hopefully we can lean and build on for Wednesday

Reason 2:

Reason 3:

Bulls ultimately no match for the Matadors of Miami

2013-05-14T03:18:58Z

The methodical, flashy, fearless and subsequential killer instincts of the Miami Heat make their play on the court mirror that of a classic Matador.

The players of the Miami Heat arrive at the United Center dressed in decadent designer clothes, tasting blood and dressed to kill, much like a Matador entering the arena in his eccentric decor. Dwyane Wade may not be considered "Flash" due to his play nowadays, but instead, due to his flashy attire. In order to be flashy though, you must earn it. You earn it with each win and each scar. You win over fans with the bravery of your opponent coupled with your bravery to win, and skill in doing so. It is in the pride endured in battle that makes the bull-fight and true enjoyment of winning that makes a great team.

The Miami Heat have been in a bull-fight with the Chicago Bulls all season long. Undermanned and at a disadvantage, this Bulls team has showed power and instinct to defy all odds. They represent everything that a raging bull would. In game one they entered the AA Arena in full stride, blasting through the gates enraged. Much to the dismay of the crowd and the matador, the bull won. The bull fought with more heart and determination, leaving the matador to be carried away with his wounds. But in a bull-fight it sometimes means death for the matador but it means that in almost every case that he will sooner more than later be grievously wounded. If he is in fact a good matador it means that he must go to the very brink of death every time he steps into the arena to put on a performance. The Heat are the latter. They understand that the basketball court is no place for skill without risk and they continue to prove to us they are the "Greatest Show on Earth".

The Bulls left game one with a victory but they seemed like unsuspecting prey in game two. Were this series, much to the malign of the of Bulls, inevitably came to an end, with the Heat catching on fire and winning by their largest playoff margin, ultimately handing the Bulls their largest margin defeat en route. The Bulls appeared spiritually and mentally defeated after that and they never recovered. Nothing changed in game three.

Now enter game four.

Directing the Bulls everywhere they wanted, flaunting with ease and showing no sense of letting up the Miami Heat continued their dominance. With each shot made, with each rebound possessed and with every ticking minute the Heat dismantled the Bulls yet again. The job of the matador is to put on a show, weakening the bull as it does so. He steps fearlessly close to the bull as it passes and strategically stabs the bull in the neck to prevent it from rearing its horns upwards and goring him whilst doing so. Every time Cole hit a three, the head of the bull got lower. Every time Bosh hit a mechanical jumper, the head of the beast got even lower. And every time, Lebron James the most dominant player in the world even touched the ball tonight, the head of the bull didn't flinch, but understood it's end was near. The heads of the Chicago Bulls players stayed down as they walked off the court, fatigued, defeated and ready for the inevitable exit from the Eastern Conference Playoffs.

Culturally bull-fighting is considered taboo. But to the true aficionado of the sport it is considered an art form.

Stories in the NBA are made, than written in a metaphorical sense to remind us of its pureness. And nothing is more notable then on March 27th when the Chicago Bulls ended the Miami Heat's 27-game winning streak. It was the beginning of a short novel that might be the most exciting of the series. But on Wednesday, May 15th in Miami, this novel will be finished.

A stat line does not define a season, a game nor pure will to win. No stat tonight had any meaning. The Miami Heat is a team that is to often pressed to a number instead of a story line.

And this series had plenty of stories. With one more chapter to be written, one more fatal blow awaits. And the flashy, strategic Miami Heat will move on to their next prey. With one goal in mind - to be crowned World Champions for the second time in row and cap what very well might be the best two years of LeBron James' historic career.

Ole'!

The methodical, flashy, fearless and subsequential killer instincts of the Miami Heat make their play on the court mirror that of a classic Matador.

Now enter game four.

Culturally bull-fighting is considered taboo. But to the true aficionado of the sport it is considered an art form.

A stat line does not define a season, a game nor pure will to win. No stat tonight had any meaning. The Miami Heat is a team that is to often pressed to a number instead of a story line.

Ole'!

Getting Bull'ied

2013-05-07T05:46:02Z

No offense tarnishes a great defensive game for the Miami Heat and Lebron James.

On a night that started off with LeBron James hoisting the MVP trophy in front a roaring AA Arena, the Miami Heat entered with what seemed like an obvious advantage and an easy Game One victory over the spinal tapped Chicago Bulls. The overly confident emotions that were bellowing out of our big heads quickly scampered back inside after the Heat did not complete a shot for the first 6:27 into the first quarter going 0-3 from the field until Chris Bosh put in 2 from the free throw line. As Miami Heat fans though, we are accustomed to aggravatingly slow starts - especially coming after a week layoff.

"There's no excuses," said Spoelstra, "We're not making any excuses for time off or anything else."

It's hard to make any excuses when you look at what the Bulls have had to overcome. Especially after a grueling 7-game series with the underachieving and inconsistent Brooklyn Nets. Having said that, it was evident that they were left out to rust for too long in our tin man outfits during the South Florida summer squalls with Dorothy nowhere in sight and they fell 93-86 to the shorthanded Chicago Bulls. Even with rust it's hard to believe that this Miami team could not win, it's rather unexplainable.

The Bulls continue to do what they have been doing all season long. Finding a way to win. Going 2-2 with the Miami Heat so far this season.

The Chicago Bulls did what their team is built to do and that is fight for second chance points and keep it close until the end. The Bulls had 17 second-chance points on only nine offensive rebounds. "It's all about being tough," said Jimmy Butler, who was given high praise for his defense on LeBron. "We're always going to be the underdogs and we take pride in that. Everybody can overlook us, but we feel like we're good enough to hang with a lot of these teams."

None of the Bulls points came easy, as the Miami Heat showed their championship caliber defense from the very beginning. This series will not see players going off for 30 plus points unless their name is the aforementioned LeBron James. This series is all about defense, but you still have to score. As well as the Heat's defense played they were offensively inept, specifically our shooting. We couldn't have asked for better passes and ball movement. All of their shots were uncontested because of that, but the ball eluded its home in the ringer. They shot less than 30% from the perimeter going 7-24 and just less than 40% from the field. Don't be fooled though. These numbers were not a product of good Chicago defense, these were self imposed flesh wounds. Excluding our reigning MVP who shot just under 50% putting in 24 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists, which we expected, nobody else showed up. This is a team that fell victim to being out of rhythm. The energy was there but the fluidity of the shots was not. This was what you would call a glitch game, a fluke. You will never see LeBron go 1-3 in the first half of a playoff game ever again. You will never see the Big 3 combine for only 12 points in the first half ever again. Hopefully we will never see Dwyane Wade shoot another bizarre 3 pointer like he did with a 1:07 seconds left...ever and I mean ever again.

As far as the Chicago Bulls go, they are left with 1-0 lead in the series and false hope. Just like the false hope Derrick Rose has given them throughout the regular and post season. But this a Bulls team that you can not let hang around or give the slightest bit of breathing room. "We're not really a flashy team," Gibson said. "We like to go out and do our job." And thats just what they did. When Nate Robinson isn't eating the floor, he is eating the Heat up inside and out. We must follow in Gerald Wallace's footsteps and stomp him out of this series, but it doesn't look like anyone has an answer for him so far this season and that may not change.

As Belinelli said, though "It's just one game". And in order for the Bulls to keep up with the Heat they can't get overly confident with this win. They did not play well at all until the final stretch. Unfortunately for the Bulls, the Heat respond to adversity better than any other team in the NBA. Them going 4-0 the rest of the way would not be surprising.

But can we continue to be surprised by this Chicago Bulls team? They appear to have done enough this season to garnish our undivided attention by snapping our 27 game win streak and taking the first game in Miami for a 1-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Semi-finals.

No offense tarnishes a great defensive game for the Miami Heat and Lebron James.

"There's no excuses," said Spoelstra, "We're not making any excuses for time off or anything else."

The Bulls continue to do what they have been doing all season long. Finding a way to win. Going 2-2 with the Miami Heat so far this season.

A CALL TO ARMS !

2013-05-06T20:34:01Z

Float like a butterfly and sting like a bee.

Too much floating and not much stinging by the Heat -- a proper epiphany for Game 1.

Credit the Bulls for coming out and playing their style of ~~Rugby~~ NBA ball.

Pretty clean game for the most part and the refs may have been in slight favor for the Bulls style of play, which is to say they didn't call up some nonsense the Bulls were doing. Credit that to their coach. Their fanbase certainly can't complain about any vast conspiracies from Stern tonight.

Tomorrow is another day, and so is Wednesday.

On to Game Two !

Float like a butterfly and sting like a bee.

Too much floating and not much stinging by the Heat -- a proper epiphany for Game 1.

Credit the Bulls for coming out and playing their style of ~~Rugby~~ NBA ball.

Tomorrow is another day, and so is Wednesday.

On to Game Two !

"Good to go"

2013-05-06T18:33:58Z

Miami Heat superstar guard, Dwyane Wade will play tonight. Wade sat out the series finale against the Milwaukee Bucks with a bone bruise located in his knee. Dwyane Wade's health is important for the Heat if they are looking to repeat and be crowned champions again. With the Brooklyn Nets and the Chicago Bulls series going 7 games, Dwyane really got some much needed rest to heal up that knee, which has been bothering him at the end of the season.

Wade averages 21.2 PPG, 5.1 APG, and 5 rpg, but has played unlike himself in his first 3 playoff games. Hopefully with the rest he has gotten over the past week and a half gave him the opportunity to get as health as possible, because everyone wants tho see the REAL Dwyane Wade and not the hobbled one we've grown to see over the latter stage of his career. Before this injury though Wade had remained healthy for most of the season and he looked better then ever on the court, it looks like a minor setback for a major playoff comeback in the push for another ring for Wade.

Deng it.

2013-05-06T05:52:17Z

The Heat start the second round tonight vs their conference rivals, the Chicago Bulls. The Chicago Bulls will be again short handed, as they have been all season. Luol Deng will not play in game 1 vs Miami due to spinal tap complications. Deng has been suffering from leakage of spinal fluid and several discomforting side effects after receiving a spinal tap in his lower back. The already short handed Bulls somehow found a way to win game 7 without Deng, and with a team who has been recently hit by the flu bug. The Bulls have plenty heart and fight, but without Deng 100% healthy in this series vs the defending champions it will be very difficult for them to win. There's no implication on when Deng will be returning to the lineup, but the Bulls can't afford for anymore bodies to not be healthy. Also, recently former MVP, Derrick Rose announced this week that he will be sitting out the rest of the playoffs (SHOCKER!). Hopefully the Bulls can get as healthy as possible, but either way they will compete, because that's just who they are and give the Miami Heat all they've got. If they don't get Deng back anytime soon, look for Nate Robinson to be the leader if not by play it will be by heart, and he will not allow the Bulls to give up.

LeBron wins....well you're used to it.

2013-05-06T04:02:17Z

LeBron James has won yet another MVP, to the surprise of absolutely....no one. The most surprising aspect of the MVP race is the fact that he didn't win unanimously. Can you believe someone had the audacity to vote for anyone else? And even if someone did vote for ANYONE else besides LeBron that it would be Kevin Durant and not Carmelo Anthony?

LeBron "King" James averaged 26.8 ppg, 7.3 apg, 8 rpg, and led the league in efficiency! LeBron James has won 4 MVP's in only 5 years, that is what you call pure dominance of a sport, if there was any ever. With tough competition in the MVP race such as Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant, it was pretty much known since March who would win the award. So far this season and playoffs LeBron has been playing out of his mind and it looks as if it's effortless and easy to him, which makes it special to watch. James also led Miami to a incredible 27 game winning streak, where he played flawlessly over that stretch. Winning his 4th MVP puts James in a category with the greats such as Wilt Chamberlain, Magic Johnson, Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, and Michael Jordan to own at least 4 of the awards.

Congratulations to LeBron James on receiving not 1, not 2, not 3, but 4 MVP awards in his career so far!

Bulls or Nets? Preference?

2013-05-03T03:33:43Z

Not that it makes that much difference, but if you are the Heat, which team do you prefer in the next round? If the Nets win Game Seven, they go in with a bit of momentum having to come back from a 3-1 hole. If the Bulls win, you get the possibility Derrick Rose could decide to play, plus they have more playoff experience.

The Nets clearly have the better center in Brook Lopez, which seems to be the only thing that gives the Heat any trouble. With Noah hobbling, Lopez presents more problems.

Neither team should give the Heat much resistance, but in the early rounds it is nice to get as little as possible. You'd like to be as fresh as possible by the time the Finals start, so the fewer games against the East the better.

If I were the coach of some mythical team and you asked me which team I would rather play between Brooklyn and Chicago, I think I'd take the Nets. Chicago seems to be the tougher of the two against the really good teams. They snapped Miami and New York's long win streaks late in the season.

Of course, no team should worry the Heat as their second straight title is a mere formality at this point. The only thing that could derail it would be (knocking on wood) an injury to Lebron James. With that in mind, I think the Bulls would be the team more likely to inflict an injury. Not that the Nets are soft, but the Bulls are just a physical team.

The Nets clearly have the better center in Brook Lopez, which seems to be the only thing that gives the Heat any trouble. With Noah hobbling, Lopez presents more problems.

Getting Off Autopilot

2013-03-28T14:09:56Z

Time for Spoelstra to start coaching again and turn off "LBJ Wings" autopilot. First step is to find a seat for UD at the end of the bench to keep Juwan company. Give Miller UD's time, good rebounder and another offensive option. I'm surprised no one talks about UD being "a zero to the left offensively" and defensively "Mister slow feet". Come on 5 fouls in 10 minutes. If that was Joel Anthony the only court time he would see would be in front of a judge. I do not want Spoelstra to get rid of UD, because no other team would pick him up and he has that car dealership commercial he might loose.

Wake Up Spoelstra.............Go Heat !!!!!!!!!!

CELTICS' FALSE BRAVADO

2013-03-16T21:21:29Z

There he goes again ...

Those four words may become a fitting epitaph for Jason Terry (JET).

In a recent interview, the ever-effusive trey-happy guard for the ~~Mavericks~~ Celtics once again demonstrated that discretion is not the better part of valor.

“Not really impressed with it or anything that they do,” yelped Terry, adding his inestimable experience once more to the collective wisdom of humankind.

The remainder of the Celtics seemed equally unimpressed.

“I don’t really care. [...] , whether they have a streak or coming off a loss.", noted Doc Rivers.

“I hope they lose every game the rest of the season.", added Paul Pierce, in synchronicity with his partners in grime.

It is shameful that such a historically storied club would not be more gracious to one of its better rivals. However, said commentary is perfunctory and justifiably spills out of the current uninspiring Celtics squad that is both green in uniform and envy. As a consequence, the HEAT will surely index off Boston's wild verbal gesticulations.

At this point, it is clear that every team wants to be the team that ends the Miami's historic winning streak. It is also equally clear that, win or lose, this HEAT team will rise to the challenge.

Jason Eugene Terry, expect a most interesting game on Monday.

...but first, Toronto.

There he goes again ...

Those four words may become a fitting epitaph for Jason Terry (JET).

In a recent interview, the ever-effusive trey-happy guard for the ~~Mavericks~~ Celtics once again demonstrated that discretion is not the better part of valor.

“Not really impressed with it or anything that they do,” yelped Terry, adding his inestimable experience once more to the collective wisdom of humankind.

The remainder of the Celtics seemed equally unimpressed.

“I don’t really care. [...] , whether they have a streak or coming off a loss.", noted Doc Rivers.

“I hope they lose every game the rest of the season.", added Paul Pierce, in synchronicity with his partners in grime.

At this point, it is clear that every team wants to be the team that ends the Miami's historic winning streak. It is also equally clear that, win or lose, this HEAT team will rise to the challenge.

Jason Eugene Terry, expect a most interesting game on Monday.

...but first, Toronto.

The Miami Heat Roster Revamped

2013-02-23T22:33:07Z

Miami Heat

I know that the 2013 trade deadline has passed but the Miami Heat could have gotten a whole lot better before the deadline. The Miami Heat are on pace to make another run for the NBA Championship without a question. The Heat are a offensive powerhouse but compared to last year their collective defense has been subpar. To start, I will break down the starting lineup:

C: Chris Bosh: Chris Bosh is an explosive option on the offensive side of the ball. At 6'11, 235 pounds, Bosh is a better perimeter player than he is a post-up player. Bosh prospers on pick & rolls where he may set a screen, come off the screen and knock down a mid-range jumper. On the defense end of the ball, Bosh is able to defend pretty well on most possessions but he lacks the aggressiveness to defend the best bigs in the league.

PF: Udonis Haslem: UD is average on offense at best at this point in his career. His jump shot has diminished and so has his ability to score much in the post and I think the reason for this is because of lingering injuries. On D, big UD is still valuable, although he struggles in the post with more physical bigs like he did in last years playoff series vs Boston's Kevin Garnett and Indiana's David West. Although worn down and not as effective, he is still tough and is an enforcer of a competitor.

SF: LeBron James: Not much of a description needed here.. He is more dominant this season, more hungry for another title, and more ready to make a run at consecutive titles. Like he said when he joined the heat, "Not one, not two, not three.."; you get the point.

SG: DWayne Wade: In my personal opinion DWade has been slowed by injuries.. Here lately, I would say that he has not been Flash but more so of a spark in a sense but only because of injury. At more than 85%, Wade is still one of the most explosive players that has come into the league to play the game. At 6'4, 220 pounds Wade is a big threat at the SG position and is never afraid to drive into the lane to challenge any opponent with a vicious dunk. http://youtu.be/YckTXZ3WjA0 Check one out for yourself..

PG: Mario Chalmers: To be completely honest with you, I do not think that the guy that they call Super Mario is that super at all.. For a player that has been in the league for five years, I do believe that he is doing quite well averaging 8.3 points per game over those five years but he is not the right piece for the Heat. He has being pulled form the starting lineup on numerous occasions because of his inconsistent play and lack of play-making ability at the 1 position. Chalmers at best is a role-player but for now he is the best option for the Heat if they choose to stand pat.

With that being said, as I stated earlier the Heat could have improved before the trade deadline. I will present several scenarios that would have made them a better contending team, not only this year but for years to come. The Heat are one of the best teams in the league as they are now but these moves would have made them more competitive.

NBA 2010 Free Agency: The move to retain DWayne Wade and bring in LeBron James was brilliant on the part of the Miami Heat organization but the signing of Chris Bosh I don't think was the best. This was not the best move because at the time the Heat had Jermaine O'Neal as center and Joel Anthony that would take over after O'Neal went elsewhere. Miami was needing more than anything a legitimate center, which would have made Tyson Chandler the complete fit. Tyson would have added a super boost to the Heat's frontcourt and would have given them the interior defense and rebounding that they desperately needed. The Heat also gave up much too quickly on Michael Beasley. Beasley was/is very undisciplined as a player but with the right team and the proper leadership, Beasley could have flourished. Just think of the starting lineup of Chandler, Beasley, James, Wade, and Chalmers/anyone else more suitable. Chandler went on to win a title with the Mavericks this season, Michael Beasley had sparks with the Timberwolves but he fizzled quickly. The Heat signed Chris Bosh and although he played well, I think the Heat would have been better suited to win in 2010-2011 with different options. Luis Scola would have made an effective frountcourt combo with Chandler as well.

Trade Scenarios 2013: Presented here are three trades that would have made the Heat much more difficult to beat.

1. Miami: Chris Bosh, Mike Miller, Dexter Pittman, Norris Cole for Minnesota: Kevin Love, Nikola Pekovic, Jose Juan Barea

This would have been a blockbuster trade for the Heat. Kevin Love is not happy in Minnesota, which could cause contention with management if not handled with the proper regard. Pekovic is a free agent after this season but he is most likely very hungry to play for or sign with an immediate contender. Pekovic is a force to be reckoned with in the low-post and he is mobile enough to defend any center in the league and some power forwards. Love is an offensive powerhouse and a reliable defender. The combo of Love and Pekovic would have been dynamic in Miami, with so much attention on James and Wade on offense; this would have made it very difficult for opponents to crowd the lanes because Love could stretch the floor with his knock down shooting. This would also leave Pekovic waiting and ready in the post to dominate. J.J. Barea would be point guard insurance behind Chalmers or another suitable option.

2. Portland: LaMarcus Aldridge, J.J Hickson, Eric Maynor

This would also have made a very effective move for the Heat. LaMarcus Aldridge is one of the best big men in the league and he scores in bunches. He can score in the paint but is a more effective perimeter scorer. J.J. Hickson on the other hand is becoming more of a threat on offense and he is pretty fluent on defense. Eric Maynor would provide the backup minutes at the point.

3. Miami: James Jones and Jarvis Varnado for San Antonio: DeJuan Blair

This is not a blockbuster trade but is one that would have provided frontcourt depth and toughness for the Heat. Blair is a decent rebounder and he is a hard-nosed active competitor.

After the trade deadline signings: Delonte West, D.J. White, DaJuan Summers and Raja Bell or Anthony Parker

Delonte West has most likely fallen out of favor with a lot of coaches, other players and fans alike but West could still make any contending team better. His ability to score and create shots would look good for the Heat. Maybe this is and option that the Heat should consider this year during the second half of the season and going into the playoffs.

D.J. White has not quite developed as an elite NBA player and he may never develop as an elite player but he has a lot of potential to be a big contributor. At 6'9, 235 pounds D.J. White when given the chance can score the basketball but he would provide much needed interior defense.

DaJuan Summers was drafted by the Pistions but was not developed. I don't think that would be the case for him now, he is averaging double digits for the Maine Redclaws. Summers would be a valuable addition for the Heat at the 4 or 3. He is a good penetration player that can find his way to the basket pretty easily and because of his athleticism it would not be a good idea to leave him unattended to.

Raja Bell or Anthony Parker would bring another spot up shooter for the Heat behind Ray Allen and Shane Battier as reserves. Bell is a better defender than Parker but either would provide an extra push on both ends of the floor for the Heat.

Other considerations: Greg Oden, Ben Wallace, Craig Smith

The Heat are looking really good to go on to the playoffs, advance to the finals and win another title. As a Heat fan, this is food for thought about how the Heat could only get better for seasons to come. As you read this post, I ask that you would be open minded and leave feedback, responses, and comments. What do you think about the scenarios that I discussed to make the Heat better.? Do you have any moves in mind that the Heat could make to get even better? As you read this post and start to post comments, I have one last thing to say; "let's go Heat!"

Trade Scenarios 2013: Presented here are three trades that would have made the Heat much more difficult to beat.

1. Miami: Chris Bosh, Mike Miller, Dexter Pittman, Norris Cole for Minnesota: Kevin Love, Nikola Pekovic, Jose Juan Barea

2. Portland: LaMarcus Aldridge, J.J Hickson, Eric Maynor

3. Miami: James Jones and Jarvis Varnado for San Antonio: DeJuan Blair

This is not a blockbuster trade but is one that would have provided frontcourt depth and toughness for the Heat. Blair is a decent rebounder and he is a hard-nosed active competitor.

After the trade deadline signings: Delonte West, D.J. White, DaJuan Summers and Raja Bell or Anthony Parker

Other considerations: Greg Oden, Ben Wallace, Craig Smith

Poll

What free agent should the Heat sign most?

Delonte West

3 votes

D.J. White

1 votes

DaJuan Summers

0 votes

Raja Bell or Anthony Parker

3 votes

Or another player

11 votes

18 votes | Poll has closed

Happy Birthday to His Airness

2013-02-15T16:14:36Z

In honor of MJ’s 50th I would like to put to rest the silly, uneducated, ignorant argument that Kobe Bryant is better, or even on the same page as Michael Jordan. I have wasted my breath (or fingers) on this argument a couple times in the chat rooms of basketball connect. It really is just plain stupid to say Bryant is better, I get agitated when people even say they are on the same level. For the Bryant lovers, name me one aspect of the game in which he trumps MJ. Let’s just start with the numbers. Jordan leads Bryant in all the major statistical categories: points (30.1—greatest of all time), assists (5.3), rebounds (6.2), steals (2.35), and blocks (.80).

Five times, MJ was the league MVP. He led the league in scoring 10 times. It would have been 12 or 13 consecutive (that’s right consecutive) scoring titles if it wasn’t for his "fake retirement", which I will comment on later. Jordan ranks second all-time in steals, fourth all-time in total points scored in double digits in 842 consecutive games, and was a nine-time member of the NBA all-defensive team. When it comes to playoffs, MJ is on another level. His career playoff ppg stands at 33.4, the best all time. In the 1993 Finals, Jordan averaged 41 ppg, a number that will never been touched again. Every time Jordan went to the Finals, the Bulls won the title.

Bryant has already lost in the Finals twice. Remember when Bryant blew it in the Finals against the Pistons? He was completely shut down by Tayshaun Prince, and the Lakers were swept. Then in 2008 against the Celtics, the "greatest player on the planet" when 6-19 from the field for only 17 points when his team was faced with elimination. When the Lakers did actually win, I would say Shaq played Jordan’s role and Bryant plays Scottie Pippen’s role. Think about it—in the Lakers three championships, who won MVP? Shaq—all three times. The only reason Bryant even has titles is because he played with the most dominant center of all time. Even in 2010 he had an amazing cast and the greatest coach of all time in Phil Jackson. For those of you that say Jordan couldn’t do it without Pippen, remember 1998—Pippen had a back injury throughout the playoffs and MJ still got the job done. Let’s face it—Kobe is NOT CLUTCH. And he is a ballhog.

We will never see as clutch a player as Michael Jordan ever again. He had 25 game-winning shots! If it wasn’t for Jordan’s fake retirement, his numbers would be even more unbelievable. He would have had at least 12 straight scoring titles. He would have won nine straight NBA finals MVPs. And you ask why he retired in his prime?

He didn’t. Jordan, "wanting" to play baseball was used as an excuse for his retirement. The NBA could not "SUSPEND" a hero and main role model for excessive gambling. So Reinsdorf had him sign a baseball contract with a team he owned so he could take a break from basketball and let all the gambling talk cool down.

Now, I will hit you with some little known facts about Jordan, just to put some extra icing on his 50th birthday cake: In the '87-88 season Jordan averaged 5.5 rebounds, 3.16 steals, 1.60 blocks, along with 35 points per game. That year he led the league in points, field goals, minutes, steals, free throws, and was in the top 10 in blocks. He was also the defensive player of the year. Somehow in '88-89 his numbers improved: 8.0 rebounds, 8.0 assists, 2.89 steals, .80 blocks, 32.5 points per game. Against Portland in '89 he had 17 assists in one game. Twice he had 18 rebounds in one game. In '88, he had 10 steals against the Nets in one game. Once he had six blocks in a game. His best single-game scoring performance was 69 in 1990. Everyone needs to quiet down with this comparisons—Jordan will be the greatest of all time. As far as a one-on-one game, MJ answered this question himself. I would love to hear the Bryant-lovers argument against this. Bring it. We can talk about it in Basketball Connect. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/basketball-connect/id489269753?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4