A wasted offseason
The Miami Heat have been the biggest losers in this offseason, in my humble opinion. After they were virtually vanquished by the Ben Gordon-led Chicago Bulls four games to love, they did pretty much nothing in the way of revamping their already troubled and old lineup. They severed ties with future Hall of Famer Gary Payton, but it seems like they replaced him with Anfernee Hardaway, who hasn’t played the last two seasons. Former Laker Smush Parker probably won’t be much of a difference maker either.
Had this been the Penny of 10 or so years ago then you would truly have something to work with there. And now there’s talk that along with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Heat are also front running the charge to sign Knick Allan Houston, who retired two seasons ago due to the same type of knee injury Penny had. Houston, now 34 years old, still feels that he has some game left in him. His shooting eye is probably still as lethal as it was, but can he still run up and down the court and cut from side to side and jump with aggression like he would need to?
And before I forget, would he and Penny be able to endure those infamous three-hour marathon practices?
That might be part of the problem also. Some players, as they get in the late 20s and early 30s (their peak years), are more reluctant to practice like that and have to play an 82-game schedule, not including eight pre-season games and all of the travel. Sure, most guys in the NBA want to win (well, at least they say they do) but the bottom line for each player is … well, their bottom line. Fact remains, each player is paid handsomely and they’d wish to do so for as long as they can. So with that, practicing often as if it’s the fourth quarter of the seventh game of the championship series can cause some early burnout.
The Heat will undoubtedly have a ton of questions to answer before and during the season. Not only the healing and mending of All-World, All-Star guard Dwyane Wade, but also the overall mental health of Antoine Walker and the Big Everything Shaquille O’Neal. Walker was robbed in his Chicago home at gun point earlier in the summer. That experience was so traumatic that Walker and his family moved from the house a week after the episode. The assailants have been caught and booked but there can still be a lingering effect on Walker’s psyche.
And this week it has been reported in various news outlets that Shaq and his wife Shaunie are on the verge of divorce. Will that have a negative impact on his mental and physical condition? Nets guard Jason Kidd used his marital troubles to spearhead himself to nearly an MVP season with his stellar play after his dirty laundry hit the streets. Can Shaq do the same and at the same time find a fountain a youth in the process?
The Heat better hope there’s something positive that is triggered out of this because as the other teams in the Eastern Conference have gotten either younger or better with free agent signings or significant trades, the Heat only have Smush to show for the summer.
Darren Said,
September 10, 2007 @ 9:04 am
I couldn’t agree more. Smush Parker was the worst starting point guard in the league last year. As a Laker fan, I am thrilled that he is gone. Let Miami deal with his poor attitude, horrible defense, inconsistent shooting, and lack of “point” guard skills.
noory Said,
September 10, 2007 @ 9:58 am
yep this is true but u forgot that they lost Jason Kapono and James posey. Doubt they will be any good this season.
Michael I Said,
September 10, 2007 @ 10:40 am
I agree completely. Any illusion that this team will somehow win another title is delusional by the management, fans and players. I have serious doubts as to if Shaq will even complete the 3 years left on his contract. Unless they begin planning for the future, Wade will be on the open market in 2 years.
Ben Said,
September 10, 2007 @ 11:36 am
Good article, Shaq and Wade definitely needs to stay healthy in order for the Heats to have a chance to get into the playoffs. Their division rival, the Wizards, have 3 superstars in Gil, Caron, and Antawn, and with their better-than-average supporting cast, the Heats are going to have a tough time trying to be the division leaders.
Rashidi Said,
September 10, 2007 @ 11:53 am
Premature article since their summer is hardly over.
Miami has acquired a player in September every year for the last 5 years or so.
Warriors will probably work out a sign/trade for Pietrus and try to get Jasikevikus too. Depending on your opinion of the difference between J-Will and Jask (probably not much), they could probably trade him straight up for both.
They also drafted Daequan Cook who will get plenty of minutes whenever Wade is hurt. Alexander Johnson wasn’t a bad pickup either.
Bringing in Parker (better than Payton at this point), Penny, Cook, Simien, these aren’t the most impactful moves, but they aren’t bad ones either. This is a veteran team with many roles already defined. Dorell Wright is ready for a bigger role and will get the minutes vacated by Posey and Kapono (until Pietrus is acquired), as well as Wayne Simien who has barely played due to injury.
This is an old team that has young guys ready to step forward and make an impact. They already have two all-nba guys and the best backup center in the league. What was really out there for them to get? Other than Artest and Pietrus (both of whom could still be had before opening day), what are you suggesting Miami have done? Sign PJ Brown to backup Haslem and Walker while blocking Simien?
When Wade is healthy, Miami has historically dominated in the playoffs. Wade’s (and Shaq’s) health is a far bigger factor in the team’s success than anyone they could have picked up this summer, and I don’t think there’s anyone they could get that is going to change that.
Rashidi Said,
September 10, 2007 @ 12:02 pm
Also, in regards to your last paragraph, Cleveland is an even bigger loser as they have done nothing. They haven’t even re-signed Varejao or Pavlovic yet. Didn’t even draft anyone.
Frank_head Said,
September 10, 2007 @ 12:05 pm
Smush Parker
Out of all the PGs that were available at the time of his signing he was the best fit. He’s not great, but he was the best choice at the right price. IMO
Allan Houston would be a horrible addition to Miami and I hope they realize this and it’s just internet chatter.
I think its all about next seasons free agents for them right now and keeping some money available for that and staying active in the trade market and always being in contact with hurting teams.
Should they re-sign Dorell before Oct 31. Who knows. I think he’s good trade bait, but what if he breaks out after leaving Miami
Jerald I don’t think Penny will do much for the team on the court.
Your right the east coast is looking dangerous for my two teams. Toronto and Miami. I think New Jersey is solid on paper. Chicago is just awesome with Deng and Gordon. New York should be better. Orlando with the addition of Lewis. the Bucks look great on paper IMO. Charlie V has to staying bloody healthy though.
It might be a long season for Miami but they also might do great.
dj hott Said,
September 10, 2007 @ 12:06 pm
i agree with rashidi, penny,d.cook,smush parker, and a older d.wright and simien, but they lost 3pt shooter kapono, should try to add allan houston,
and trade u.haslem,j.williams and doleac for chris wilcox and earl watson
jay Said,
September 10, 2007 @ 12:15 pm
I agree with Rashidi, it’s still too early to judge the offseason of the Heat when training camp hasn’t even started yet. But even if the season started today I wouldn’t bet against the Heat when Dwayne Wade and Shaq are healthy and focused. The way I see it the signing of Penny means that Riley will focus on getting his next trophy one year at a time and not aim for a dynasty. One good season from Penny (and possibly another veteran or two) plus the early integration of Smush Parker will get the Heat a long way this season.
One reason the Heat won their championship is heart, and believe me getting more veterans hungry for a championship will add to that. One game at a time, one game at a time…
Peter Said,
September 10, 2007 @ 12:33 pm
Rashidi is the man….I love the retaliation with truth. Lots of sports writers get so down on the Heat. They actually have been acquiring players like you said. Alot of the guys they have acquired are under the radar like Jeremy Richardson from the NBDL who could battle Penny for his spot. I don’t think Penny’s contract is guaranteed. Smush is a good pick up. Riley and company will get him into the right role for this team.
As for Wright, well he did just grow 2 more inches he is about 6-10. He could possibly play the 4 when the Heat want to go small. He is an up and comer, I hate nostalgia but bring Eddie Jones back was a bad move for Wright because it stiffled his development.
The Heat will be just fine if health permits for all involved, inlcuding the coach.
RLCJ Said,
September 10, 2007 @ 2:01 pm
Just like everyone else. The year miami won the title all of the writers choked and was at a lost for words. Just because you dont win the title doesnt mean you have to completely rebuild. I think the Dallas Mavericks are the biggest losers of the offseason and also Cleveland. Dallas because they still have the same team they lost with in the finals 2 years ago. Cleveland because they have done nothing. Miami will be just fine. Experience is the name of the game because obviously regular basketball doesnt win championships anymore. Flopping and hardcore basketball does. D-wade plays harcore ball and thats why he goes to the line alot. He will take them where they need to go if healthy. While everyone is all on Bostons bandwagon, I must remind you that it still takes time for team chemistry to build and while they may be practicing during the offseason together its not going to be the same as the regular season. Leave Miami alone and root against them like you did when they won the championship so I caln see you choke again.
Dan M Said,
September 10, 2007 @ 2:23 pm
“Cleveland is an even bigger loser ”
well, the bigger loser must be the one who got took out in the first round - decisively - the onus is on Miami
the way it looks now, Cleveland could start Mateen Cleaves and trounce the Heat (personally I am a ‘bron hater, but even funner is hating on under-performing favourites)
Noah Said,
September 10, 2007 @ 2:34 pm
I can’t believe the Ws really want to trade for white chocolate. my guess is they let pietrus sign with the heat for whatever miami has left of the MLE, but that they won’t do a sign & trade.
Olesk Said,
September 10, 2007 @ 2:43 pm
If Dorell Wright gets minutes and a bigger role in the team, he will be a superstar! I dear to say, his a bigger difference maker than Shaq, and almost as big as Wade! This kid has all to be a superstar defender, with dunk power and good shooting in offence if he gets the minutes! He will be a MIP, if he gets his minutes. Miami doest’nt need any SF-s, they need to give Dorell Wright a bigger role and the team will start owning regardless O’Neal and Wade helth!
Kent Said,
September 10, 2007 @ 2:57 pm
If you think Pietrus is going to turn around the Heat’s summer you must be kidding. He had minimul impact in an up tempo offence. Wait til he is put in a more traditional offense where his poor outside shooting is displayed. Wade is turning into Baron Davis with his chronic injuries and Shaq cant even play half a season anymore. Only the fact that they play in the East give them any ray of hope.
lee Said,
September 10, 2007 @ 3:08 pm
Well, not only has Miami failed to inject talent into the lineup, but it is pretty clear that the old Shaq is more a drain on the payroll than an asset on the court. By far the biggest impact Shaq has on the Heat is that he makes obtaining the players necessary to compete impossible. This franchise is dead until Shaq’s contract comes off the books …… period.
adam Said,
September 10, 2007 @ 3:22 pm
the heat still have pretty much the same team as they did when they won the championship. if they are healthy and motivated, thats all they need to win another one. players isn’t the problem, health and motivation was.
DWADE#1FAN4LIFE Said,
September 10, 2007 @ 3:30 pm
heat will be champs again!!! they did it b4 they can do it again!!!! if ya remember the year they won the championship,they didnt do well in the beginning and how their caoch left and riley took over. they didnt let that bother them. wade and the heat dominated the play offs and went on to the finals. being down 2-0 and came back 2 win 4 in a row!!!! the heat r the best. no 1 should doubt them cuz they will always overcome!!
DWADE#1FAN4LIFE Said,
September 10, 2007 @ 3:30 pm
they did it b4 they can do it again!!!! if ya remember the year they won the championship,they didnt do well in the beginning and how their caoch left and riley took over. they didnt let that bother them. wade and the heat dominated the play offs and went on to the finals. being down 2-0 and came back 2 win 4 in a row!!!! the heat r the best. no 1 should doubt them cuz they will always overcome!!
The Ice Man Said,
September 10, 2007 @ 3:31 pm
Rashidi knows all.
Daryl Said,
September 10, 2007 @ 4:08 pm
Man, it’s simple. I think ppl dont realise how hard it is to run it. But yeh in conclusion sign koby bryant.
dj hott Said,
September 10, 2007 @ 4:59 pm
heat need dwade to be healthy, shaq to still be the best center,
j-will to be healthy, penny to be versatile, and walker to hit an outside shot,
the offseason for the sixers, cavs, and mavs, sucked, eddie jones, wow
can he guard b.davis, or can they get a bigman inside for crying out loud,
and m.pietrus, is gs 10th man, he cant be miami’s savior.
wade penetrated to the hole to much, now it is easier to guard him, and haslem, needs to improve, i doubt they make a move, but lets say they at least sign a.houston, now this is there roster
g-j.williams g-s.parker d.cook
g-d.wade g-a.houston d.wright
f-a.walker f-p.hardaway
f-u.haslem f-w.simien
c-s.oneal c-a.mourning
garlicboy Said,
September 10, 2007 @ 5:48 pm
The Heat may want Pietrus and Saruans, but there is nobody on the Heat that the Dubs want. We don’t want anything the Heat has to offer. J-Will? Please. Riley can turn Pietrus into a Michael Cooper, but Pietrus shoots a better 3 ball. 39% from 3. Sarunas woul be a better John Paxson type next to Wade, but it a trade won’t happen unless the Heat is willing to give up a pick or Dorell Wright. That being said, I’d rather keep Sarunas and Pietrus. These guys are solid vets who know their roles.
Brian Boitono Said,
September 10, 2007 @ 6:46 pm
Smush parker should be selling oranges on the streets of florida. Who gave this man a job? the heat, the same squad that employed Ike Austin and Robert Hite. If it wasnt for my old friend shaquille the heat would be a mediocre team at best! Back when I used to be the worlds greatest professional and amateur figure skater Shaqu used to tell me Brian, Im glad i’m hung like a mosquito, all that dunking can be rough on the meat and potatoes. Shaq id say, it isnt easy doing a triple axel with Big John Studd slappn against your thighs. I always told shaq dont make excuses.
Rick T Said,
September 10, 2007 @ 6:51 pm
Face it. Even before Wade got hurt the Heat were in trouble. They needed to get better and that did not mean hoping that Shaq can limp through the regular season and dominate in the playoffs. They are not the same team that beat Dallas in the Finals two years ago. Remember during that years’ playoff run they did not look good as a team. They lost some very winnable games and won some games that shouldn’t have been close. I know some of you will cry ’scoreboard’ on this but they weren’t dominant as many Miami fans think. They could have easily lost the championship to Dallas had it not been for the brilliant performance of Dwade against a timid Dallas defense (a don’t forget the ghost foul). The money they pay Shaq has them married to him for a couple more years (more than we can say for Shaunie). They’d better hope Wade can stay healthy enough to endure the rebuild that’s inevitably coming. They should have done everything in their power to get Artest.
Brian Boitono Said,
September 10, 2007 @ 7:13 pm
Olesk Said,
September 10, 2007 @ 2:43 pm
If Dorell Wright gets minutes and a bigger role in the team, he will be a superstar!_____________________________
Please tell me your sniffing Glue????
cory Said,
September 10, 2007 @ 10:01 pm
Everybody calm down and stop panicking. The Heat will be fine.Wade is a legit top five star,Shaq is a top five center(although that says more about the other centers)and youve still got Riley.And above all else-they play in the east people!!!!!!!KG or not the East sucks!As long as they can avoid the Bulls(matchup stinks for them)they can dominate any team they play in the conference.
Montell Said,
September 10, 2007 @ 10:18 pm
They just let posey walk out of the building…….
dj hott Said,
September 10, 2007 @ 10:38 pm
jwill and smush, is better than a ridour and watson
but not better than a hinrich duhon,
better than a d.gibson eric snow
not better than a billups&stuckey
better than a r.rhondo&house
same as a mo williams&charlie bell, why is he leaving?
and miami, hey sign earl boykins for crying out loud
there are no logical trades that can be made due to salaries, injuries, or age for the heat, who the hell wants a u.haslem? a.walker, or jwill for 8mil? best thing they can do is pray d.wright improves, hope shaqs divorce goes ok, hope wade heals back to speed, and get an outside shooter, and a taller scorer next to shaq or off bench,
hey how come no Webber to miami? how could he go wrong next to shaq,
but his d. still sucks, and dallas sucks just to put that out there
not there, in september heats dream team
sign boykins
sign c.webber
sign a.houston
trade jwill,,w.simien
to min for j.howard,r,mccants,craig smith
dj hott Said,
September 10, 2007 @ 10:45 pm
g boykins g s.parker f-craig smith
g.wade g-a.houston f-j.howard
f-walker f.p.hardaway
f.haslem f-c.webber
c-s.oneal c.a.mourning
i dont think boston wants anything with this team,
but hey dreams never come true, but look at the senior citizensallstar 2nd unit
13.d.cook
14.d.wright
ben franklim Said,
September 10, 2007 @ 11:05 pm
Dude Jason Kidd’s wife was super hot. If I was him I would just brush problems under the rug so I could sleep with her each night.
Vivek Said,
September 10, 2007 @ 11:24 pm
I agree with alot of you about ‘Smush’ but here’s my question. All i hear is negative feedback and granted, he didn’t do anything that was too ‘eye-poppin’ as far as I remember last season, but how did he end up in the company of only Kobe Bryant, Gilbert Arenas, and Jason Kidd as the only four players in the NBA over the last two seasons to have at least 110 steals and 110 3 ptr’s? That’s got to account for something and under Riley - a man who made Ike Austin, Anthony Mason, and countless others relevant in the NBA - I wouldn’t make such bold statements too early. You guys could all be sitting back chanting that astonishing four letter word come June…DAMN!!!!!
Jax Said,
September 11, 2007 @ 8:09 am
Michael Doleac will come and save the day for Miami!!!
Coach Said,
September 11, 2007 @ 9:27 am
I’ve been a Pat Riley fan since I was 7 years old when he was coaching the show-time lakers. I was extremely disappointed and shocked when he didn’t make a move at last season’s trade deadline. And now, to not even upgrade the team to be a contender, with the injuries to Wade and mental health of Shaq. If he doesn’t come any better than this, I motion he fires himself as the GM. The Miami Heat owes the fans more than what we’ve got in last season’s playoffs. GET IT TOGETHER PAT.
TheTrooff Said,
September 11, 2007 @ 11:17 am
Personally, I think Pat Riley just likes trying to sign every name player to a contract. Penny Hardaway? Gimme a break. There’s a reason the guy retired in the first place — he couldn’t play anymore!
Read Amico’s article on probasketballnews for proof: http://www.probasketballnews.com/amico_090707.html
jay Said,
September 11, 2007 @ 11:39 am
What’s the fuss about Smuch Parker? The Heat didn’t spend a lot of money to acquire him and he wasn’t even assured of being the starting point guard. The worse thing that can happen is him being the backup of J-Will. Some of you guys react as if he was signed to be the savior of the Heat. Get your head straight, no one is claiming that the future of the Heat is not in the hands of Parker. If the Heat can win a championship with an old Payton, how worse can it be with Parker who is younger and as Vivek said, shoots 3’s and steals the ball?
George Said,
September 11, 2007 @ 12:21 pm
lol, that’s all i gotta say….Smush Parker, lol, i can’t stop laughing in L.A., lol, lol, lol, lol.
Kobe Bryant Said,
September 11, 2007 @ 12:23 pm
lol, good luck getting the ball now “Shaq” and “Wade” - ha, ha, ha
Darren Said,
September 11, 2007 @ 1:55 pm
Shoots too many threes (missing most of them) and steals are a misleading stat. He is a horrible on the ball defender. An old Payton is a 10x better defender than Smush (poor attitude) Parker. Not being a Miami fan, I could care less if Smush is on Miami. Just as long as he is not on the Lakers.
OVERWADED Said,
September 11, 2007 @ 5:00 pm
I can’t fault any fans for having “hope”; but “championship hope”? Are you serious? There is a chance the Heat could miss the playoffs all together, although I think they’ll get in.
Shaq is 35, playing less each year, numbers continue to drop, and looking more and more disinterested.
They lost 2 productive players in Kapono and Posey.
Walker, William’s, and Zo’s best years are long gone.
They added Penny…to bad it’s not 1995.
They also added Smush…who wasn’t exactly at the top of any teams list.
At least they have D-Wade. He is the diamond in the rough. But unless he stops falling down, injuries will continue to bother him.
I guess all Miami fans can be happy that they got 1 ring^.
jay Said,
September 12, 2007 @ 10:28 am
Hey Darren, did the Lakers have a better offseason than the Heat just because they let go Smush Parker and signed Derek Fisher instead? In case you didnt know, Parker hit more 3’s at a better percentage than his Laker’s replacement. In terms of steals, again Parker is much better than Fisher. I am no Parker fan and I hate him when he is with the Lakers but the discussion here is about the Heat, Dwayne Wade’s Heat!!!
dj hott Said,
September 12, 2007 @ 12:49 pm
lakers had the worst offseason
they did draft javaris crittenton, who is better than farmar
but added fisher, fisher is good on great teams, not a key starter,
kobe hasnt even called fisher, and the heat getting parker is ok, yea
he cant guard nash or any skilled ballhandler, but can make a few steals, and has good size and athleteism, his attitude sucks, cuz he isnt a starter,and kobe and phil jackson arent to impressed with him.
in miami, shaq will make him play right, instead of bitching at him, and treating him like a scrub, and payton should go to the warriors
JCP Said,
September 12, 2007 @ 1:35 pm
I agree with you Jay, first of all Darren you’re Payton had experience but he was a great defender back in the day, now he can’t keep up with players like Gordon. Smush for what we paid is not a bad deal. He’s young, healthy, athletic and he’s coming of the bench. Not a bad backup. In addition, Riley is a good coach who can bring out the best in players. Can Smush improve, sure, but he had 110 steals and 3 ptrs in the last two years, so lets give credit where credit is due and we have something to work with. Payton, and I like him as player, he just can’t keep up. He gets hurt throughout the season often and he’s shooting percentage is not there and lets not talk about driving to the basket, he can’t beat anyone of the dribbel. Smush, an improvement by far. As far as Dwade, chronic injury??????? Are you kidding, the injury was on the left shoulder, not the shooting shoulder, and it’s not an injury that’s been know to end a career, it was just one of those freak injuries. More concern about the knee, but even that was not a seriuos injury. He needs some help, I will agree, but as long as we get some young players and we have a few with Wright/Smush and even Cook to take some of the burn factor off his shoulders. I will admit that we might need one more player to help out, but lets not set the place on fire yet. Training camp has not even begun yet. As far Oneal, the guy helped out bringing a championship and still gets 17ppg and we want to through him under the train, CALM THE F%#@K DOWN. He’s in better shape this year, he is still a presence under the basket and definetily spreads the defense of other teams. I know Wade was a big factor that we won a championship, but it would have been even harder without Oneal in the lineup, that’s the truth. Oneal helped open the floor for Wade. We lost Posey, but I think we can another player to step up especially with defense Riley has a nack for bringing out the best defense out in a player. Lets relax before we jump to conclusion here. A lot of things have to come together for a team to win a championship, that’s why is so hard to do. As far as Boston, three good players on that team and two of them talk about chronic injury (Allen and Pierce). They still have to work on the chemistry, again way too many things have to come together to win a championship.
Darren Said,
September 12, 2007 @ 2:33 pm
Yes the Lakers had a better offseason than the Heat just by letting Smush go and adding D-Fish. Parker might have made more threes and had more steals than Fisher, but he also played significantly more minutes. Again, steals are not a good indicator of good on the ball or man-to-man defense. Fisher is one of the better on the ball defenders in the league. Smush gets the majority of his steals off of the ball (similar to Iverson) - both of them can’t keep an offensive player in front of them. Smush averages more steals than Bruce Bowen? Is he a better defender than Bowen? If you watched any of the Lakers games you would see that the majority of Smush’s made threes were wide open (thanks to Kobe being double and tripled teamed). I don’t recall him making any clutch shots. Whereas, D-Fish has made several over the years (including the playoffs).
dj hott Said,
September 12, 2007 @ 7:20 pm
heat trade in the works
u.haslem
j.williams for jermaine oneal
dorell wright &s.williams
daqueen cook
08 pick
09 pick
010 2ndrder
heat
g-s.parker g-robert hite
g-wade g-p.hardaway
fa.walker f-s.williams
f.j.oneal f-w.simien
c=shaq c=a/mourning
go heat go
dj hott Said,
September 12, 2007 @ 7:25 pm
indiana-g-j-will j.tinsley
g-m.daniels d.cook
f-d.granger m.dunleavy
fu.haslem i.diogu
c-t.murphy c j.foster
8 players could average 10 pts, but no star
and a future #30 pick for 2 years
miami, a east finals vs boston
a championship
statusmvp Said,
September 12, 2007 @ 11:06 pm
miam is in the east, they have nothing to worry about, shaq, wade and riley will figure something out, miami never promised to build a dream team so quit your whining and shut the hell up, and lets jus say they do have a bad season and not make the playoffs, some teams havent been there for years, once again, quit your whining and shut the hell up
gio Said,
September 13, 2007 @ 1:33 am
the heat won’t win if they don’t make some moves fast.
what do they have?
-jason williams, smush parker
-dwyane wade, dorell wright
-antoine walker, penny hardaway
-udonis haslem, wayne simien
-shaquille o’neal, alonzo mourning
-and some new guys..
i suggest they push a trade for mickael pietrus who can play shooting guard or small forward because they need more wing players. smush parker will be a good starter or backup point or shooting guard. maybe they can sign allan houston too, now that they looking for back-up players.
Zane Said,
September 13, 2007 @ 11:41 am
The upcoming season is make or break for the Heat in my opinion.
With the cast they have, it could go either way - they have a lot of former big names on the roster, but if Riley can’t make it work or they are troubled by injuries to Shaq and Wade - this team looks real old, real quick. If they can’t contend with Shaq then they oughta trade him and the rest of the older players for some fresh legs…
Ron Said,
September 13, 2007 @ 1:50 pm
First off, Smush Parker isn’t going to blow you away with his talent, but he can still play. He was definitely not the worst starting point in the league last year– Eric Snow? Speedy Claxton? or is it Tyronne Lue? No, Anthony Johnson? Maybe Royal Ivey… I think even Kenny Smith suitd up and started some games for his old team last season. Anyhow, Smush is a solid player who can contribute. His attitude may be an issue, but then again I would be a little upset too if rumors of being replaced before the trade deadline began to circulate.
Now, did the Miami Heat have a bad offseason? Yes– Awful! I can see why they didn’t do much last offseaon– they won the championship! So if they can do it once, why not try again with the same exact team? We would later find out that it’s not that simple. But After being swept by a still very young Bulls team with no interior offensive presence whatsoever, the Heat need to make some changes.
Rumors surfaced about them trying to acquire Point Guard Mike Bibby. And along with the Knicks, they were the only teams who expressed any interest in Ron Artest– a player the Kings organization is heavily trying to get rid of. So instead of devoting your offseaon to signing Smush Parker, 36 year-old Anfernee Hardaway, and entertaining the possibility of signing Allan Houston– another injury prone veteran trying to make a comeback, to a team that has enough age as it is, how about trying to snag both Bibby AND Artest in one swoop. Now they’re not exactly rookies but they can still give you enough to make a run at a another championship before Shaq’s engine runs out. The Eastern Conference is getting stronger and stronger. In just a couple of months, the East has been able to pry away stars like Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Rashard Lewis, Zach Randolph and Jason Richardson from the western Conference rivals. So the clock is ticking in Miami.
Granted, the deal looks much easier on paper but if they really wanted to, they could make it happen. Just look at how Danny Ainge took the Celtics from a young team with promise which couldn’t get in the playoffs to an experienced team trying to contend for a championship. If Pat Riley were able to pull off such a deal, it would most likely include
- Udonis Haslem, a bruiser who would give Sacramento the toughness they need especially after Brad Miller’s decline in production
- Dorell Wright is a young, Tracy McGrady-type of player who still can a long way to come but is definitely worth the investment
- Jason Williams is a guy the Kings probably don’t want to bring back but would have to since they would need a point guard. Antoine Walker might also be involved to make the numbers work. You throw a draft pick or two in and you make and you hve yourself a deal.
Although the Kings would be giving up alot of talent, it works out because in return, they would receive good, low maintenence players they can put around recently extented Kevin Martin, who apparently has become their new francise player.
The Kings realize that the roster they have now isn’t going to cut it– especially against the Spurs, Mavs, Suns, Nuggets and Rockets. Also, the Jazz and Warrios will try to start off strong after impressive post seasons. Not to mention the new kids on the block, Greg Oden and Kevin Durant, who along with their teams, will definitely have something to prove.
Steve Said,
September 13, 2007 @ 4:26 pm
Phil Jackson thought enough of Smush to start him in 162 of 164 reg season games. He’ll help the Heat and Laker fan is gonna be saying “what the f”? Strong personalities get run out of LA because they don’t bow to the basketball’s worst teammate, #24.(see Shaq).
#24 has a losing record since Shaq left ! Look it up! On nationally televised games, he is constantly seen lecturing teammates angrily.
Smush can play.
Darren Said,
September 14, 2007 @ 10:37 am
Smush only started those games because Phil doesn’t like to play rookies. It also goes to show how pathetic the Lakers PG situation has been. I wouldn’t hold your breath on Smush helping the Heat too much. Basketballs worst teamate…..don’t think that would be Kobe. Shaq has recently agreed with Kobe, that the management is to blame for Shaq leaving town. Additionally, Caron Butler has stated that Kobe is the best teamate he has ever played with. The losing record since Shaq left is a little decieving. If you look at games that Kobe actually played in, the record is much better. You have to also take into account all the injuries the Lakers have had since Shaq left (specifically Odom). I’m sure that is Kobe’s fault. Is it Kobe’s fault that Mitch Kupchack (worst GM) traded a future all-star Butler for no hands Kwame Brown? Just look at the cast Kobe has to play with. Take Kobe off the Lakers and they have the best chance for the #1 draft pick.
dj hott Said,
September 15, 2007 @ 1:39 pm
DARREN
FARMAR SUX TOO, THATS WHY THEY GOT D.FISHER&J.CRITTENTON. AND SUN YUE CAN PLAY 1,2,3
LAKERS TO TRADE J.FARMAR,K.BROWN, TO SEATTLE FOR W.ZERBIAK AND 2ND RD PICK
dj hott Said,
September 15, 2007 @ 1:40 pm
AND WHAT HAS WASHINGTON DID IN THE OFFSEASON
Rashidi Said,
September 16, 2007 @ 11:40 pm
“how about trying to snag both Bibby AND Artest in one swoop.”
How about you get off the crackpipe.
Artest and Bibby dislike playing with each other. To get both would require trading Wade or Shaq. Since there is a thing called the salary cap. This is not fantasy basketball.
dj hott Said,
September 17, 2007 @ 11:58 am
portland will suck
miami, is too old, shaq is still better than yao, but not great
dwade, lost a step, jwill, will get hurt again
smush will get in trouble, u.haslem, i just dont like him
a.walker cant play d, and needs to step up
daqueen cook, will earn bench splitters, instead of staying at ohio state, being a allamerican next to koufos and contend for a championship,
dorrell wright hasnt shown anything, less than gerald green
w.simien, is a poor mans haslem, the heat signed penny for the fans
and j-will will be a free agent, so his 8mil contract, could be exciting, or let him go, and sign a fa next year, lets hope they at least make it to the 2nd rd or shaq may decide to retire early, to have time to look for a new wife,
and hey what about a jwill,,w.simien, to philadelphia, for andre miller,
dj hott Said,
September 17, 2007 @ 1:44 pm
GREG ODEN OR K.DURANT=SAM BOWIE OR MICHAEL JORDAN
OR IS HE GOING TO HEAL AND BE THE HAKEEM
THE FACT IS ODEN HURT HISSELF SITTING DOWN ON HIS COUCH?
ODEN THROWS THE BALL DOWN, LIKE A SHAQ,D.HOWARD,OR A.STOUDEMIRE, BUT CANT DEFEND PLAYERS HIS SIZE,FOULS TO MUCH AND IS INJURY PRONE, YES THE LEAGUE LACKS MANY SKILLED BIGMEN
AND ODEN DID, DOMINATE, PF’S J.NOAH&AL HORTFORD
DURANT DOMINATED EVERYBODY, AND CAN ONLY BENCH 180,
ALL HE HAS DO DO IS HIT THE WEIGHTROOM, AND WORK ON HIS HANDLES A LITTLE AND SHOT SELECTION, BUT HE STILL IS A SCOREAHOLOIC AND AT 6′10 AND LONG, WITH RANGE, I WOULDNT HAVE PASSED UP, AND YEA ZAC RANDOLPH JUST AVERAGED 23 AND 10, ODEN WILL AVERAGE 0 AND 0 FOR THE YEAR, AND YEA IF FOR WHATEVER DUMBASS REASON PORTLAND MAY HAVE TRADED RANDOLPH ANYWAY, HEY, ID LIKE TO SEE RICHARD JEFFERSON IN PORTLAND, MORE THAN ,CHANNYING FRYE, AND A LITTLE CASH, PORTLAND COULD HAVE GOTTEN ANYBODY, THEN THEY GIVE STEVE BLAKE A YEAR OFF AND WANT HIM BACK, 5PGS, AND NONE OF THEM HAVE ALLSTAR POTENTIAL,
BUT SINCE THE SUBJECT IS ABOUT MIAMI,
WHY DIDNT THEY TRADE, J.WILLIAMS,A.WALKER,D.WRIGHT, AND WAYNE SIMIEN FOR Z.RANDOLPH
dj hott Said,
September 17, 2007 @ 1:47 pm
I MEANT -J.WILLIAMS,A.WALKER,UDONIS HASLEM
STARTERS
G-S.PARKER OR SIGN EARL BOYKINS
G-D.WADE
F-D.WRIGHT
F-Z.RANDOLPH
C-SHAQ
AND DID LA OFFER BYNUM IN A GARNETT TRADE, IF NOT WHY NOT
CELTICS, VS SUNS
OR SPURS VS CAVS AGAIN
Darren Said,
September 17, 2007 @ 3:44 pm
Yeah, LA was offering Bynum and Odom + a couple of throw ins for Garnett. However, Mchale decided to GIVE Garnett to Boston and help Danny Ainge. I don’t think McHale would have traded Garnett to the Lakers for any package. He has too much hate for the lakers, from his old Celtic playing days. Plus he prefered not trading Garnett to another western conf team. The Garnett trade is the only time I have heard Mitch Kupchack willing to trade Bynum. If he had any sense he would have included him in a deal for Kidd at the trading deadline. No wonder why Kobe is frustrated with management.
dj hott Said,
September 17, 2007 @ 5:02 pm
heat just signed charlie bell
so now what 3 same skilled pgs somewhat,jwill,smush,and cbell
or is that a way to trade jwill
and yea lakers can get a star by not offering anything, and like darren said
i dont even think mchale would have did a odom,bynum,,k.brown,j.farmer
and the lakers wouldnt give up 4 people anyway, guess another 1st rd loss, or not even playoff year is ok, then kobe walks for free a year after that, and wherever he goes, mark my word he will win a ring
dj hott Said,
September 17, 2007 @ 5:08 pm
the heat, are going backwords, even tho i like charlie bell
they sign, a old ass 2/3in penny, smush parker, who if was in the 2008 draft,would probably be a early 2nd rounder, draft baby daqueen cook, loose their weakest position player, best defender in posey, who is miami’s gm
but hey as long as they have on red jersey’s they will find a way
and let the best 3point shooter go in kapono, I want to feel out a application, to be portland or miami’s gm shit, and bostons gm, should get an eternity contract
Deshaun Said,
October 20, 2007 @ 12:51 am
The Heat have had a poor offseason. They lost Posey, Kapono, and Eddie, but signed Smush. They missed out big in not getting Bell or Mo Williams, but they still can make some moves. They should go after Pavlovic and Varejao, then start from there. If Jermaine O’ Neal is unhappy during the year, they could make a trade offer for him 2. Offer J-Will, Udonis, a cuple more players n draft picks.
blog Said,
December 2, 2007 @ 12:48 pm
greatings
exellent