| If you can't take the Heat... | | | | Williams. I think he will get himself into trouble is he tries |
| The Miami Heat made their best showing in franchise | | | | to play these guys in a set rotation. If he plays them |
| history a season ago in reaching the Eastern | | | | strategically according to matchups, the Heat will be |
| Conference Finals but still fell short of expectations. | | | | better off-even if this means one of them hardly |
| The expectations grow even higher this season as | | | | playing in some games. |
| veteran guard Gary Payton (The Glove) and still | | | | Defense was the biggest weakness for Miami a |
| emerging playmaker Jason Williams (White Chocolate) | | | | season ago. In this regard, the Heat improve with their |
| join Superman (Shaquille O'neal) and Flash (Dwayne | | | | new players. Payton's length at 6'4'' and above |
| Wade) to form their own version of the fantastic four. | | | | average quickness, despite aging legs, should provide |
| With other key acquisitions James Posey and Antoine | | | | solid on the ball defense resulting in keeping the |
| Walker thrown into the mix, along side Alonzo | | | | oppositions point guards in check. Posey is athletic at |
| Mourning; this is the best talent in the East. The | | | | 6'8'' and can guard smaller if need be. Walker's large |
| question at large is if this team will look as good during | | | | frame will allow Van Gundy to be creative with |
| the course of the season as they do on paper. | | | | matchups. He will be a solid compliment to O'neal and |
| In the recent past we've seen that having too much | | | | Haslem. Miami shouldn't lose a game on the boards all |
| talent can hinder a team. In 2003, the Los Angeles | | | | season. |
| Lakers, with four future hall-of-famers (Shaq, Kobe, | | | | If Miami had another weakness last season, it was a |
| Gary Payton, Karl Malone) had trouble finding their | | | | consistent compliment to Shaq and Wade. The Heat |
| rhythm and ultimately could not get the job done. | | | | need a third player to be productive and efficient to |
| They found it difficult to get enough touches for each | | | | win a title. For the Bulls in the nineties, there was |
| player, and Payton and Malone never fully adapted to | | | | Michael, Scottie, and Horace Grant. For the Spurs, |
| the triangle offense. But with this new Miami squad, not | | | | there's Duncan, Ginobli, and Parker. Last season, the |
| as much seems to be in doubt. It is a huge advantage | | | | two Jones' usually took on the role of the third scorer. |
| that O'neal and Payton were both a part of the | | | | But in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Pistons |
| Lakers' debacle two seasons ago. They will be able to | | | | defensive intensity made it difficult for Damon to get |
| dissect the problems in L.A. and bring their experience | | | | open looks and kept Eddie's slashing to a minimum. |
| to Miami. | | | | Antoine Walker could be what the Heat is looking for. |
| One problem they will have to address is team | | | | He will fill a stat line more than either of the Jones' did |
| chemistry. Players will need to understand and adhere | | | | last season. He will consistently get double-doubles. But |
| to the role that is best for the team and not the one | | | | in order for Walker to be the type of player this team |
| they are used to playing. Dwayne Wade, Jason | | | | needs, he will have to exercise better shot selection |
| Williams, Gary Payton, and Antoine Walker are all used | | | | than he's shown in the past, which should help him |
| to having the ball in their hands and making the | | | | shoot a better percentage from the field. Also, look for |
| decisions on offense. Dwayne Wade will have the ball | | | | William's energy at the end of quarters to be a big |
| the majority of the time, and it will be up to Coach Van | | | | spark for the Heat. |
| Gundy to find a system that works for Payton and | | | | Miami will be the team to beat in the East this season. |