The Official MIAMI HEAT Thread!
- Thread starter jimboiitmac
- Start date
jimboiitmac
miami pride
Re: 2010-2011 Official Miami Heat Thread
Well it was Heat by 6 but a fair prediction. I agree that the Heat have not been showing elements of a championship team but questions were answered today.
1) Heat can't beat playoff teams.
Lakers are #2 in the West and had won 8 straight games (including Portland, Atlanta twice, OKC & San Antonio). This wasn't the Lakers at Christmas, this was the defending champion playoff-intensity Lakers.
2) Chris Bosh is soft.
Posted 24 and 9, beat Pau Gasol routinely on the block and outplayed every Lakers big on the floor. If he continues to get it in the low-post he's going to provide that element that the Heat have missed, AND if he can do it against the most talented frontcourt in the NBA - he can do it against any team.
3) Heat have no depth
Miller had 12 points, Chalmers and Bibby combined for 15 points and 5 triples. The Miami bench looks a lot better when Miller is playing like he should, not averaging 5 PPG as he has. Plus Udonis Haslem will be back for the Playoffs. It cannot be said enough how much of a difference Mike Miller can make. He is the teams 4th or 5th (depending if you like Haslem above him) best player, and when your 4th/5th best player is averaging 5 PPG, especially when he's meant to be your 6th man, your bench is going to look crap. For example - what if Lamar Odom averaged 5 PPG? If he can play like he did today, which is what is expected of him so it's not unrealistic, the Heat bench will be a LOT better.
4) Heat can't close games
Wade with a clutch bucket at the 50 second mark, LeBron with 2 clutch free throws and a clutch defensive possession.
And I'll add in that LeBron and Wade shot a combined 16/40 in this game, and we still don't have Haslem back. The Christmas day blowout against the Lakers was meaningless, because we overpowered them with our stars, but today the better TEAM won.
Well it was Heat by 6 but a fair prediction. I agree that the Heat have not been showing elements of a championship team but questions were answered today.
1) Heat can't beat playoff teams.
Lakers are #2 in the West and had won 8 straight games (including Portland, Atlanta twice, OKC & San Antonio). This wasn't the Lakers at Christmas, this was the defending champion playoff-intensity Lakers.
2) Chris Bosh is soft.
Posted 24 and 9, beat Pau Gasol routinely on the block and outplayed every Lakers big on the floor. If he continues to get it in the low-post he's going to provide that element that the Heat have missed, AND if he can do it against the most talented frontcourt in the NBA - he can do it against any team.
3) Heat have no depth
Miller had 12 points, Chalmers and Bibby combined for 15 points and 5 triples. The Miami bench looks a lot better when Miller is playing like he should, not averaging 5 PPG as he has. Plus Udonis Haslem will be back for the Playoffs. It cannot be said enough how much of a difference Mike Miller can make. He is the teams 4th or 5th (depending if you like Haslem above him) best player, and when your 4th/5th best player is averaging 5 PPG, especially when he's meant to be your 6th man, your bench is going to look crap. For example - what if Lamar Odom averaged 5 PPG? If he can play like he did today, which is what is expected of him so it's not unrealistic, the Heat bench will be a LOT better.
4) Heat can't close games
Wade with a clutch bucket at the 50 second mark, LeBron with 2 clutch free throws and a clutch defensive possession.
And I'll add in that LeBron and Wade shot a combined 16/40 in this game, and we still don't have Haslem back. The Christmas day blowout against the Lakers was meaningless, because we overpowered them with our stars, but today the better TEAM won.
midnight_show
OzCardTrader
Re: 2010-2011 Official Miami Heat Thread
Well I must say, that was a freaking surprise today. I honestly thought the Lakers would do today pretty easily. As someone else in the thread said, they match up well with the Lakers, but they have 3 sides to beat in the east before they can even think about them.
Maybe Boshs crack the other day worked, although he seems to have a game like this every 12-15 or so. If he can play like that consistently, then the Heat are a way better side.
A big test will be when the Thunder come to town, up against Westbrook, another quality PG. But if Heat can put it together like they did today, then they are a better side.
Murkke3, yeh I am writing them off, and I still think a first round exit is a possibility. They beat the defending champions, but they got routinely destroyed by the best team in the West (Spurs) and lost many other games against playoff teams. Todays vistory was a surprise, but I havent changed my mind about them.
Well I must say, that was a freaking surprise today. I honestly thought the Lakers would do today pretty easily. As someone else in the thread said, they match up well with the Lakers, but they have 3 sides to beat in the east before they can even think about them.
Maybe Boshs crack the other day worked, although he seems to have a game like this every 12-15 or so. If he can play like that consistently, then the Heat are a way better side.
A big test will be when the Thunder come to town, up against Westbrook, another quality PG. But if Heat can put it together like they did today, then they are a better side.
Murkke3, yeh I am writing them off, and I still think a first round exit is a possibility. They beat the defending champions, but they got routinely destroyed by the best team in the West (Spurs) and lost many other games against playoff teams. Todays vistory was a surprise, but I havent changed my mind about them.
Re: 2010-2011 Official Miami Heat Thread
The element that every championship team has is poise and resiliency. Miami hasn't got that yet. They need to forget the previous games and focus on the next one. They get in a hole sometimes after getting down by a few points and they'll start turning the ball over and shooting bad and rushed shots. In the playoffs, you do that and it's series over before you know it. Miami has got the personnel and talent, now they need the heart.
The element that every championship team has is poise and resiliency. Miami hasn't got that yet. They need to forget the previous games and focus on the next one. They get in a hole sometimes after getting down by a few points and they'll start turning the ball over and shooting bad and rushed shots. In the playoffs, you do that and it's series over before you know it. Miami has got the personnel and talent, now they need the heart.
Re: 2010-2011 Official Miami Heat Thread
haha i love how people write them off because of losses to top teams but then when they beat a top team and defending champion its seen as not important... haha that makes me laugh
i guess people that hate will see what they want...
I'm not saying they will def. win a championship or even get out of the first round for that matter but to say its almost certain they wont win the championship and will probably lose in the first round and say its because they cant beat top teams doesnt make any sense...
haha i love how people write them off because of losses to top teams but then when they beat a top team and defending champion its seen as not important... haha that makes me laugh
i guess people that hate will see what they want...
I'm not saying they will def. win a championship or even get out of the first round for that matter but to say its almost certain they wont win the championship and will probably lose in the first round and say its because they cant beat top teams doesnt make any sense...
Re: 2010-2011 Official Miami Heat Thread
Anyone that expected the Heat to win a championship this year (and during pre-season, there was alot of people) was/is delusional. There's no way you can just throw a team of stars together and hope it mashes into a title. It takes time, roster experiments, chemistry, trading for minor pieces, finding the right FA's and all that stuff to create a winning franchise. There is no such thing as an instant Dynasty. I think the Heat are on par for what they realistically would have expected - a top 4 finish in the east and maybe push to get into the 2nd round of the playoffs. Anything else is a bonus. I still say they need a C who can actually bang in the paint. Bosh is not the man - plus he is the true definition of the modern day PF, as opposed to for example Blake Griffin, who is a retro 80-90's PF. Another big body in the paint and this is a seriously dangerous team. All they need from a PG is spot up 3's because they certainly wont be bringing the ball down the floor, no matter what name is stitched on the back of their jersey.
Anyone that expected the Heat to win a championship this year (and during pre-season, there was alot of people) was/is delusional. There's no way you can just throw a team of stars together and hope it mashes into a title. It takes time, roster experiments, chemistry, trading for minor pieces, finding the right FA's and all that stuff to create a winning franchise. There is no such thing as an instant Dynasty. I think the Heat are on par for what they realistically would have expected - a top 4 finish in the east and maybe push to get into the 2nd round of the playoffs. Anything else is a bonus. I still say they need a C who can actually bang in the paint. Bosh is not the man - plus he is the true definition of the modern day PF, as opposed to for example Blake Griffin, who is a retro 80-90's PF. Another big body in the paint and this is a seriously dangerous team. All they need from a PG is spot up 3's because they certainly wont be bringing the ball down the floor, no matter what name is stitched on the back of their jersey.
Re: 2010-2011 Official Miami Heat Thread
yeah, good point, but they already had lots of the pieces together, like a young Rondo, Perkins, Davis etc. But yes, that was out of this world. Different circumstances though since the similarities between LeBron and Wade is far greater than the similarities between any of the Celtics 3, therefore it was an easier build.
yeah, good point, but they already had lots of the pieces together, like a young Rondo, Perkins, Davis etc. But yes, that was out of this world. Different circumstances though since the similarities between LeBron and Wade is far greater than the similarities between any of the Celtics 3, therefore it was an easier build.
jimboiitmac
miami pride
Re: 2010-2011 Official Miami Heat Thread
Not true about Bosh, and this is what makes it seem like you are just looking at statistics - and don't actually see what's going on in game.
This is one of the first games this SEASON that Bosh got probably 70% of his touches if not more posting up.
Stats show that up to this point, 50% of his points came on spot-up jumpers. In effect, he simply wasn't being aggressive enough or demanding the ball in spots where he can help the team.
If he simply shoots mid-range J's than he's not being that useful, he's just being a bailout option for double teams that Wade/Bron will get. If he's posting up though, he's not only getting higher percentage shots, but when he gets going and doubles come, suddenly Bibby or Miller are open on 3's and Wade/Bron are wide open on cuts.
So yes, maybe statistically this kind of game he has every once in a while, but in terms of what he actually did basketball-wise, his possessions, shot attempts etc - this is something he hasn't done the entire season.
---------- Post added 13-03-2011 at 05:03 PM ----------
Not convinced a pure power guy would be the answer though. I think the type of PF that is needed is one who can stroke the long-ball and play with finesse as well as go to the block.
If Bosh can remain aggressive than I think he's going to be able to be that guy.
This kind of reminds me of when Gasol was labeled soft, then he came back and added more power and more force to his game.
Not true about Bosh, and this is what makes it seem like you are just looking at statistics - and don't actually see what's going on in game.
This is one of the first games this SEASON that Bosh got probably 70% of his touches if not more posting up.
Stats show that up to this point, 50% of his points came on spot-up jumpers. In effect, he simply wasn't being aggressive enough or demanding the ball in spots where he can help the team.
If he simply shoots mid-range J's than he's not being that useful, he's just being a bailout option for double teams that Wade/Bron will get. If he's posting up though, he's not only getting higher percentage shots, but when he gets going and doubles come, suddenly Bibby or Miller are open on 3's and Wade/Bron are wide open on cuts.
So yes, maybe statistically this kind of game he has every once in a while, but in terms of what he actually did basketball-wise, his possessions, shot attempts etc - this is something he hasn't done the entire season.
---------- Post added 13-03-2011 at 05:03 PM ----------
Not convinced a pure power guy would be the answer though. I think the type of PF that is needed is one who can stroke the long-ball and play with finesse as well as go to the block.
If Bosh can remain aggressive than I think he's going to be able to be that guy.
This kind of reminds me of when Gasol was labeled soft, then he came back and added more power and more force to his game.
TRANCEMASTER
OzCardTrader
Re: 2010-2011 Official Miami Heat Thread
Mike Bibby is a GREAT signing for the Heat. people dont realise the difference he can make for the team...
I also like Eddie House.
hope Udonis comes back soon.
Mike Miller looking awesome.
Pat Riley is smart!
Mike Bibby is a GREAT signing for the Heat. people dont realise the difference he can make for the team...
I also like Eddie House.
hope Udonis comes back soon.
Mike Miller looking awesome.
Pat Riley is smart!
Re: 2010-2011 Official Miami Heat Thread
I actually meant they need someone to work along side Bosh. He can spot up mid-long range jumpers, which opens the floor up nicely. I think they need an anchor in the post more than they need a playmaking PG. An example of the type of player that can make them better is one that has been talked about alot lately - Kendrick Perkins. They need a defensive anchor to man the paint, and someone who can grab offensive boards. They are so close to an elite team, its only a matter of time.
I actually meant they need someone to work along side Bosh. He can spot up mid-long range jumpers, which opens the floor up nicely. I think they need an anchor in the post more than they need a playmaking PG. An example of the type of player that can make them better is one that has been talked about alot lately - Kendrick Perkins. They need a defensive anchor to man the paint, and someone who can grab offensive boards. They are so close to an elite team, its only a matter of time.
jimboiitmac
miami pride
Re: 2010-2011 Official Miami Heat Thread
Oh I agree completely with you then. Essentially they need someone who is Erick Dampier's size, but can actually contribute 8-10 points per game and be imposing athletically as well.
A Tyson Chandler type guy would be great. DeAndre Jordan is kind of like a young Chandler. Can disrupt things by blocking shots and killing the boards, finish around the rim well, catch alley-oops, clean up on both ends etc.
And I agree they need that more than a true PG. I think they can make the combination of Bibby/Chalmers work well.
Bibby is, well he's Bibby and you get what you see. And Chalmers must be feeling the pressure from Bibby coming along because he's stepped up his game recently.
---------- Post added 13-03-2011 at 10:40 PM ----------
True that. The only thing I don't like with the rotations is that we're not getting any time for James Jones and Eddie House.
Earlier in the year James Jones was hitting ALL his shots, and he was also leading the ENTIRE NBA in charges taken - always there on defensive rotations.
As for Eddie it's proven he can get it done. Remember his role on the Boston team that won the championship.
It's a shame that we can't get these guys minutes, because they are deserving and have worked hard, and for the most part actually been there for the team this season.
I guess it's always going to be hard when you have Wade and LeBron at the wings though, and now that Miller is starting to play well you have to give him minutes.
Oh I agree completely with you then. Essentially they need someone who is Erick Dampier's size, but can actually contribute 8-10 points per game and be imposing athletically as well.
A Tyson Chandler type guy would be great. DeAndre Jordan is kind of like a young Chandler. Can disrupt things by blocking shots and killing the boards, finish around the rim well, catch alley-oops, clean up on both ends etc.
And I agree they need that more than a true PG. I think they can make the combination of Bibby/Chalmers work well.
Bibby is, well he's Bibby and you get what you see. And Chalmers must be feeling the pressure from Bibby coming along because he's stepped up his game recently.
---------- Post added 13-03-2011 at 10:40 PM ----------
True that. The only thing I don't like with the rotations is that we're not getting any time for James Jones and Eddie House.
Earlier in the year James Jones was hitting ALL his shots, and he was also leading the ENTIRE NBA in charges taken - always there on defensive rotations.
As for Eddie it's proven he can get it done. Remember his role on the Boston team that won the championship.
It's a shame that we can't get these guys minutes, because they are deserving and have worked hard, and for the most part actually been there for the team this season.
I guess it's always going to be hard when you have Wade and LeBron at the wings though, and now that Miller is starting to play well you have to give him minutes.
Re: 2010-2011 Official Miami Heat Thread
Eddie House really only need 10-15 minutes to be effective. He is an awesome spark off the bench, not only nailing big 3's but he also brings an energy like no other, and the crowds love him (Im obviously referring to the Boston version of House, but Im sure its not much different in Miami).
The big question is, who will win a ring first - Bulls or Heat? Its only a matter of time for both of them.
Eddie House really only need 10-15 minutes to be effective. He is an awesome spark off the bench, not only nailing big 3's but he also brings an energy like no other, and the crowds love him (Im obviously referring to the Boston version of House, but Im sure its not much different in Miami).
The big question is, who will win a ring first - Bulls or Heat? Its only a matter of time for both of them.
jimboiitmac
miami pride
Re: 2010-2011 Official Miami Heat Thread
Well earlier in the season he was nailing big shots. Including that one with less than 10 ticks of the clock left against OKC. He is capable, really he's a fearless guy.
Well earlier in the season he was nailing big shots. Including that one with less than 10 ticks of the clock left against OKC. He is capable, really he's a fearless guy.
midnight_show
OzCardTrader
Re: 2010-2011 Official Miami Heat Thread
Bulls. Better whole team unit than Miami, and that seems to be what Miami struggle with, good team units (spurs, Celtics, bulls). Im tipping Chicago to win it all this year, bit of a smokey at the start of the year, but Derrick Rose is so good, he could really lead this mob to the top.
Bulls. Better whole team unit than Miami, and that seems to be what Miami struggle with, good team units (spurs, Celtics, bulls). Im tipping Chicago to win it all this year, bit of a smokey at the start of the year, but Derrick Rose is so good, he could really lead this mob to the top.
