Pros and Cons For A Heat Repeat
With the new NBA season only a few days old, it’s time for all the hype and predictions to cease and let the players do the talking.
Having said that, here are a few belated reasons as to why the Miami Heat will retain their championship, and some as to why they will see someone else wearing the crown at the start of next summer.
Let’s start with some examples of why they will repeat…
1) Ray Allen – The veteran guard will add all his experience to an already talented roster. Coupled with the fact he was lured over from Heat-ed (excuse the pun) rivals, Boston Celtics; this adds fuel to the fire whenever these two teams meet up.
2) Home Court – It could be argued that of all the US professional sports, having home advantage in the NBA when the playoffs roll around is essential. The American Airlines Arena is now a formidable place to visit. Last year the Heat went 28-5 there, which was only equalled by the San Antonio Spurs in the West.
3) East is Weak – After all the summer’s comings and goings, it’s a fair a shout to say the Western Conference now has the power edge over the Eastern side. Miami’s only threat will come from Boston, the newly named Brooklyn Nets could surprise, Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks will be in the mix if they stay healthy.
So, who or what is stopping them from going back-to-back…
1) Los Angeles Lakers – The Staples Center could well see its 18th championship banner raised next June. After summer moves for Steve Nash and Dwight Howard, they probably have the best starting 5 in the league. They could be their own worst enemy, they need to gel quickly (going 0-8 in pre-season, just a blip). No doubt this is a Hollywood story in the making and the last roll of the dice for some of the players to gain a ring.
2) Hunted, not the Hunter – For the past several years it was all about LeBron James and his search for the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Now he has ended that quest, with MVP honours. Can he raise his game again, as others come to play against him with the urgency that saw him win it all? His supporting cast will have to stay healthy and help fend off the pack looking to slay the King.
3) No strike – Last year’s strike shortened-season played into Miami’s hands. They struck hard and fast, only Boston ran them close in the conference. The finals belonged to James. Teams this year now know all about the Heat dynamic approach and will have more time to adjust to it. Longer season means potential for more injurys, Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade have had problems here before and if they are laid off again for long periods of time, other teams will be waiting to pounce.
It looks like being another compelling season, hopefully one that proves that this sport is be unpredictable.
– Follow Gary Jordan on Twitter @gazjor1 or visit his blog on NFL’s Dallas Cowboys –
