FanNation - The Republic of Sport

JaxLax said 02/27, 11:24 AM
I can never remember a team in the NBA falling from elite status as quickly as the Heat did. Just two years ago, they made an amazing run through the postseason and won their first title in franchise history. At 10-44 at this point, the Heat have the worst record in the league. Their defense has been a weak point this year, and losing Shaquille O'neal won't help the interior defense.

Having said this, they have the potential to very quickly return to the playoffs and become an above average team again. If you look at their projected 08 roster, they will start Dwyane Wade, Shawn Marion, and most likely if he comes out this year, Kansas State's Michael Beasley. The Heat have a great chance of winning the lottery this year and getting the #1pick. Beasley is playing out of this world for K-State this year, and will win player of the year as a freshman. With two all-stars and a number one pick that is going to be "the real deal," the Heat will be the most improved team next year. Not to mention that they have a Hall-of-Fame coach and a very supportive fan base that fills the arena every night. I'm not predicting that the Heat will win the NBA Finals, but they will be a goo

JaxLax said 02/27, 01:08 PM
Remember, in order to be a playoff team in the EAST, you don't have to be an amazing team. This team will be good next year, a lot better than they were this year. And your argument saying that a young player cannot lead a team to the playoffs is flawed. This is proven by the exact team that we are talking about. The Miami Heat won the playoffs last a couple years ago with one experienced player and a young superstar, Shaq and D-Wade. This time around, Wade can be the experienced veteran leader with guys like Beasely, Cook, and Ricky Davis playing the roles of talented youngsters.

Like I said, in the East, you don't need to be an amazing team to make it to the playoffs. You just simply have to be good enough, and the Heat will be just that next year. They even have a big man with raw talent in former Kansas star Wayne Simien. Simien simply hasn't had enough playing time for the heat due to Shaq being their dominant center. This team has potential to have a good season next year, and make it back to the playoffs.

JaxLax said 02/27, 08:19 PM
You need to have somewhat of a good team to be in the playoffs in the east? What do you consider to be "somewhat of a good team?" As I can see it right now, the 25-32 Sixers would be in the playoffs if it started today, and the 19-37 Bobcats are only 6 games back of them!!! For a team that is 19-37 to still be very much alive in the playoff hunt, that means that you do not have to be a great team to make it to the playoffs. All the Heat have to do next year is go .500, maybe even a little bit worse, and it would be a great improvement from last year, and they would make the playoffs.

You can't tell me that a team with Dwayne Wade (one of the best players in the league), Shawn Marion (a proven all-star in the league), Beasely/Hansbrough/another star from college this year, and a Hall of Fame coach that is one of the best of all time can't make the playoffs in the East.

Have you forgotten that Wade is coming off of two serious injuries heading into this year? Also, a proven shut down interior man like Alonzo Mourning will be back next year, so if the Heat could just get someone to play the post on offense, they will be a strong team. Don't forget about Jason Williams too.