In the wake of their recent losses, the sports media is consumed with debate this morning regarding what is wrong with the Miami Heat. Some "experts" are still sticking with now well-rehearsed lines about how the team and its "superstars" need more time to gel. I prefer to turn towards the words of former NFL coach Dennis Green to explain the Heat's struggles against good teams - they are who I thought they are.
As I've stated before, I have no problem with players choosing where they want to play and no problem with free agents deciding to go to the same team together. As a fan of greatness, I want to see the truly great players strive to lead their teams to championships, which is why I did lose some respect for LeBron James when he decided to take his talents to South Beach - though really I think "the Decision" did more to confirm what I already thought of James than devalue my opinion of him.
And as I stated before, I never bought into the hype that the Miami Heat suddenly became the favorites to win the next three, four or five NBA Finals with their 2.5 superstars and assembled pieces. They lack depth, size and defensive skill. The talent and physical gifts of their top players is enough for them to run weaker teams off the court and keep them in some games against stronger opponents, but that's not going to be enough when the playoffs start. Furthermore, the Heat don't appear to know how to close out close games. Clearly, they don't want the ball in LeBron James' hands - as a matter of fact, it's gotten so bad for James since he quite in the NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Celtics last season that I wouldn't even want him on the court anymore. They can't successfully run plays for Dwayne Wade and they don't have anyone else on the roster who can be trusted to create in big moments. It's also not working for them as they try to fit guys like Mike Bibby and Mike Miller into roles that are less than those players are accustomed to assuming.
Now, it's gotten so bad in Miami that coach Erik Spoelstra is admitting to players crying in the locker room after tough losses*. There's an air of panic in South Beach and the stench of dissension in the Heat locker room.
*Actually, I think too much is being made of this. Spoelstra was trying to get across the point that his players care and take these losses seriously. And I have no problem with professional athletes who, unlike Charlie Sheen, are paid to win (more or less), being upset after a loss.
It's hard to imagine the situation is going to improve much this year, and, despite their stars' talents, I don't think it looks good for the Miami Heat going forward. The 2011-2012 NBA season is in much greater jeopardy than the 2011 NFL season ever was, and when the players and owners do eventually agree on a new CBA, there is likely to be a much tighter salary cap and additional safeguards to help small market teams keep their talented players. There's reason to doubt Miami will be able to add any significant upgrades to its roster, and also reason to doubt that Wade, James and Bosh will be able to continue playing for the same team with at their current salary levels.
The heat is rising in Miami, but the Heat are not.
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