2010-2011 Miami Heat

[Ryan Scott]

Ok, so three big time free agents have agreed to sign with Miami.

Currently the only player Miami has under contract is PG Mario Chalmers.

Rumor has it that Mike Miller is willing to sign for the mid-level exemption.

That basically leaves them with a starting five of Chalmers, Wade, Miller, James, and Bosh.

Not a horrible group.

However, if the big three get the expected max of about $16million each, it leaves Miami with precious little space to sign other players under the salary cap.

In fact, it leaves them with only about $8million to spare for another seven players. It's barely enough to sign seven rookies to minimum deals.

I'm sure there are other exemptions to be had. I think some of Wade's deal can be exempted because he's staying with the same team. Perhaps the same is true of Bosh if there's a sign and trade deal, which seems likely.

I don't know all the intricacies, but would these guys really be willing to take less money just so the team can sign some role players?

[Benjamin Burch]

Ok, so three big time free agents have agreed to sign with Miami.

Currently the only player Miami has under contract is PG Mario Chalmers.

Rumor has it that Mike Miller is willing to sign for the mid-level exemption.

That basically leaves them with a starting five of Chalmers, Wade, Miller, James, and Bosh.

Not a horrible group.

However, if the big three get the expected max of about $16million each, it leaves Miami with precious little space to sign other players under the salary cap.

In fact, it leaves them with only about $8million to spare for another seven players. It's barely enough to sign seven rookies to minimum deals.

I'm sure there are other exemptions to be had. I think some of Wade's deal can be exempted because he's staying with the same team. Perhaps the same is true of Bosh if there's a sign and trade deal, which seems likely.

I don't know all the intricacies, but would these guys really be willing to take less money just so the team can sign some role players?

All three have said they'd be willing to do so. LeBron has not only said they'd be willing to - but that they will in fact be taking less money.

Also, no way Mike Miller starts. He will be a sixth man off the bench. We'll try to sign Haslem back if he'll be willing to take a pay-cut. That'll give us a scrapper/hustler/rebounder off the bench, too. Chalmers will fill the Ron Harper role well, while LeBron will handle most of the offensive Point Guard duties (much like Scottie Pippen).

What they need is a center. No way Bosh starts at center. He only weighs 220.

[Ryan Scott]

Yeah, I was just using the five guys reported to be on the team to begin with. Obviously Miller and LeBron sort of play the same position.

I'm actually excited for Chalmers, probably my favorite NBA player right now. He'll do well with this group around him.

[Benjamin Burch]

After losing out on LeBron, the Mavericks made sure Miami couldn't get Haywood by offering him fat $55 million dollar deal for 6 years. He's only worth that to a team that doesn't have other pieces and needs to compete with the Lakers, Spurs, and others. Too bad for Miami. Not sure who's out there right now in the Free Agent pool for centers.

I think that the three contracts will come to less than $45 million. Miller's salary is excepted and Chalmers will make less than $1 million in 2010. That gives us around $10 million to play with before filling out the roster with minimum contracts (look for them to target someone like Raja Bell).

$10 million should be enough to try and grab Derek Fisher and a center. Fish wants 2 years at $5mil/year. The Lakers are offering him 1 year at $2.5 million. If we offer him 2 at $4 million I think he'll come play for a championship. The Lakers might get serious though - who knows.

[Shea Zellweger]

If the contracts work out the way most are anticipating, they would have room to offer Beasley a contract, and then trade him for some talent (or just sign that talent directly if it's there). Also, their draft round picks and mid-level exemptions are not included in figuring salary cap. Derek Fisher is a possibility as Ben mentioned, and overall I think they can get the bodies in uniforms that they need to. Lebron and Wade both already have more money than they know what to do with, and Bosh isn't far behind. I think they'll do what they need to in order to insure this is a championship caliber team.

[Benjamin Burch]

After losing out on LeBron, the Mavericks made sure Miami couldn't get Haywood by offering him fat $55 million dollar deal for 6 years. He's only worth that to a team that doesn't have other pieces and needs to compete with the Lakers, Spurs, and others. Too bad for Miami. Not sure who's out there right now in the Free Agent pool for centers.

I think that the three contracts will come to less than $45 million. Miller's salary is excepted and Chalmers will make less than $1 million in 2010. That gives us around $10 million to play with before filling out the roster with minimum contracts (look for them to target someone like Raja Bell).

$10 million should be enough to try and grab Derek Fisher and a center. Fish wants 2 years at $5mil/year. The Lakers are offering him 1 year at $2.5 million. If we offer him 2 at $4 million I think he'll come play for a championship. The Lakers might get serious though - who knows.

Current Lineup thoughts:

1st String:

PG - Chalmers
SG - Wade
SF - Bron
PF - Bosh
C - ???

Bench:

SF/SG - Miller
C - Pittman
SF/SG - Matt Barnes??
C - Joel Anthony
G - Raja Bell
PG - Jason Williams
PF - Varnado
SF - Butler

There is a lot of nonsense being thrown around Heat Forums and from Bron himself that Anthony will start at Center. We'll never win if that's the case.

[Benjamin Burch]

If the contracts work out the way most are anticipating, they would have room to offer Beasley a contract, and then trade him for some talent (or just sign that talent directly if it's there). Also, their draft round picks and mid-level exemptions are not included in figuring salary cap. Derek Fisher is a possibility as Ben mentioned, and overall I think they can get the bodies in uniforms that they need to. Lebron and Wade both already have more money than they know what to do with, and Bosh isn't far behind. I think they'll do what they need to in order to insure this is a championship caliber team.

Beasley has already been traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Bye-Bye trouble.

[Shea Zellweger]

Current Lineup thoughts:

1st String:

PG - Chalmers
SG - Wade
SF - Bron
PF - Bosh
C - ???

Bench:

SF/SG - Miller
C - Pittman
SF/SG - Matt Barnes??
C - Joel Anthony
G - Raja Bell
PG - Jason Williams

There is a lot of nonsense being thrown around Heat Forums and from Bron himself that Anthony will start at Center. We'll never win if that's the case.

C...What about Shaq? I mean, he'd have to take a huge paycut, but does anyone else really want him anymore? He's played with Bron, didn't ruin the team. He might have one good year left in him.
Otherwise, they could go after a Jason Collins or a Juwan Howard type player...

[Shea Zellweger]

Beasley has already been traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Bye-Bye trouble.

Missed that memo, who'd they trade him for? ESPN and Yahoo aren't saying.

[Benjamin Burch]

Missed that memo, who'd they trade him for? ESPN and Yahoo aren't saying.

No one. Not sure what they got, but no players.

[Shea Zellweger]

I'm going on record as the first to call Bron, Bosh, and Wade "The Three Miamigos." If anyone tries to trademark it, I claim half the profits :)

[Benjamin Burch]

C...What about Shaq? I mean, he'd have to take a huge paycut, but does anyone else really want him anymore? He's played with Bron, didn't ruin the team. He might have one good year left in him.
Otherwise, they could go after a Jason Collins or a Juwan Howard type player...

Shaq won't end up in Miami. We don't need 53 games. We need 82. Riley won't do it.

[Shea Zellweger]

Shaq won't end up in Miami. We don't need 53 games. We need 82. Riley won't do it.

So include a year's supply of Icy Hot in his contract... oh wait, IcyHot probably already gave him that.

[Billie Goodson]

I know the comparisons aren't perfect -- but why is the Heat starting to make me think of the Lakers when they got Malone/Peyton or even the Magic when they got Hill/McGrady...these load up teams never seem to pan out like people think they should. I see trouble on the horizon...

[Ryan Scott]

Missed that memo, who'd they trade him for? ESPN and Yahoo aren't saying.

A second round pick and an unspecified future swap of first rounders. Well, that an cap space.

[Benjamin Burch]

A second round pick and an unspecified future swap of first rounders. Well, that an cap space.

http://www.prosportsdaily.com/forums/showthread.php?t=506918

Pat Riley is working relentlessly towards a championship in 2010-2011. He won't settle for a ECF this year and a Finals victory next year. He wants it now.

Sign and Trade for LeBron in order to secure Haslem - essentially for free.

I don't see Gilbert helping us or LeBron, but he may have no choice but to help Cleveland. We shall see. I wish Pat Riley ran the White Sox.

I'm plenty content with the way Ireland and Parcels run the Dolphins!

[Shea Zellweger]

http://www.prosportsdaily.com/forums/showthread.php?t=506918

Pat Riley is working relentlessly towards a championship in 2010-2011. He won't settle for a ECF this year and a Finals victory next year. He wants it now.

Sign and Trade for LeBron in order to secure Haslem - essentially for free.

I don't see Gilbert helping us or LeBron, but he may have no choice but to help Cleveland. We shall see. I wish Pat Riley ran the White Sox.

I'm plenty content with the way Ireland and Parcels run the Dolphins!

I would call that a pipe dream, but ya never know.

[Ryan Scott]

Cleveland isn't doing a sign and trade. They're lucky Toronto seems open to the idea.

[Benjamin Burch]

I would call that a pipe dream, but ya never know.


Cleveland isn't doing a sign and trade. They're lucky Toronto seems open to the idea.

Obviously you are both working off of good (and probably correct) assumptions.

I'm still holding out for that "ya never know."

[Benjamin Burch]

Rumor has it that The Heat are also talking to Big Z (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/zydrunas_ilgauskas/career_stats.html). He is not spectacular, but can still grab 7 boards a game and take up some space in the middle defensively. Between Anthony and Pitman we wouldn't need him to play major minutes aside from games where we could use his height advantage.

He will be a nice addition when we mee the Lakers in the Finals! :smilies1722:

[Bob Hunter]

Filling the Center position is the real challenge here. And there is a shortage of big men in the league...always is. But I would suggest Juan Howard. He came into Portland last year after Greg Oden got injured and did a fine job. He is smart (avoids stupidity), he does what he is told, he is a role player at this point in his career. I would also think Shaq might be a possibility but I think he is already gone or there are reports of him getting ready to sign a contract. I'm just glad they got him out of Cleveland, I think he was a bad influence on Lebron and let his laziness (or out of shape physical condition) rub off on King James. Anyway, Portland will have to release a Center with Oden and Joel Pryzbilla healthy. They can't have 4 centers, so two of them will go somewhere. And likely that will be Pryzbilla or Howard.

[Benjamin Burch]

Filling the Center position is the real challenge here. And there is a shortage of big men in the league...always is. But I would suggest Juan Howard. He came into Portland last year after Greg Oden got injured and did a fine job. He is smart (avoids stupidity), he does what he is told, he is a role player at this point in his career. I would also think Shaq might be a possibility but I think he is already gone or there are reports of him getting ready to sign a contract. I'm just glad they got him out of Cleveland, I think he was a bad influence on Lebron and let his laziness (or out of shape physical condition) rub off on King James. Anyway, Portland will have to release a Center with Oden and Joel Pryzbilla healthy. They can't have 4 centers, so two of them will go somewhere. And likely that will be Pryzbilla or Howard.

We have enough 6'9'' 260 Lb options to play center. We don't need one who is old. We need someone who has some height to them.

[Ryan Scott]

Rumor has it that The Heat are also talking to Big Z (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/zydrunas_ilgauskas/career_stats.html). He is not spectacular, but can still grab 7 boards a game and take up some space in the middle defensively. Between Anthony and Pitman we wouldn't need him to play major minutes aside from games where we could use his height advantage.


Except then LeBron has to be your leading rebounder. As much as people tout Bosh's "superstar" cred, a lot of it is just potential. He's not a great rebounder.

[Bob Hunter]

We have enough 6'9'' 260 Lb options to play center. We don't need one who is old. We need someone who has some height to them.

In that case Joel Pyrzbilla would be a good fit, he is bigger and at 7' 1" he creates real match up problems. Or a player like him. Joel is 30 years old and has good movement. Again, these guys are in short supply and they are not cheap.

[Benjamin Burch]

Except then LeBron has to be your leading rebounder. As much as people tout Bosh's "superstar" cred, a lot of it is just potential. He's not a great rebounder.

Bosh averaged over 10 a game. With a diminished scoring role, I see no reason why he can't improve his rebounding. He averaged almost as many a game as Boozer. Is Boozer not a great rebounder? I just think that this is nonsense.

[Benjamin Burch]

I would call that a pipe dream, but ya never know.

Cleveland isn't doing a sign and trade. They're lucky Toronto seems open to the idea.

Did you two mean... will happen (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/basketball/nba/07/09/lebron.arrival.ap/index.html)?

And, as I mentioned earlier in this thread... Haslem is expected to sign in the next couple of days and Riley is talking with Fisher tomorrow.

Didn't I also claim LeBron was going to Miami? I'm on a roll.

[Ryan Scott]

Did you two mean... will happen (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/basketball/nba/07/09/lebron.arrival.ap/index.html)?



Four number one picks? I suppose its better to give them away after you score the top players rather than before like the Knicks did. Still, it seems like their putting a lot of trust in role players taking paycuts to play with these guys going forward.

[Jeremy D. Scott]

643

[WARNING: BIASED OPINION TO FOLLOW]

All right...I just watched the clips from last night's...I don't know...what was it even called? Was it a press conference...news conference...whatever it was. I get the hype and if I owned or presided over the Heat and cared about that much money and hype, I would have done it too, but that was ridiculous.

I haven't read the other LeBron thread yet, but I think I'll post my thoughts here (I have been on vacation in northern Vermont):

First...this team should definitely win. No doubt - in all that I'd say, no one should hear that I'm saying they won't win. But they haven't won yet. The only guy on this team that has shown any heart and champion is Dwayne Wade. As distasteful as the Cavs owner's email was, he was absolutely right: LeBron quit in this past postseason. I've already said this elsewhere. Dwayne Wade has more heart in his left pinky toe than LeBron showed in the postseason this past year. The Heat should definitely win - they quite obviously have the talent. But they must keep Wade the center of this team. He has the champion heart and if LeBron wants to win, he better be ready to take the back seat and let Wade take over.

...which is one way that this could fail. LeBron quitting on Cleveland (both in the post season and now in totality) shows that he hasn't the basketball guts to wrench out a championship. I do think he had the tools in Cleveland and if and when he ever says otherwise, it'll just show how heartless he is. His signing with Miami might already show that he has said this.

The things that they are saying reek of arrogance:
- "Yes. We. Did." - You haven't done anything yet!
- "Dream come true" - I don't get it...has the dream already occurred? Did you guys get rings last night or something?
- "The best trio to ever play the game of basketball" - Come on Dwayne, I have respect for you, at least say, "We hope to be called the greatest trio to ever play the game" or "We're going to do all that we can do be the greatest trio to ever play the game."
- "LeBron James' Kingdom" - This "king" thing has to stop until he actually conquers something.
- "It's all about family - that's what I'm all about." - Come on, LeBron...which aspect of what Cleveland did for you made you feel like it wasn't family? If you were "all about family"...wouldn't you have stayed in Cleveland? This just shows what "family" means these days.

I might give LeBron a little bit of respect: either he's completely ignorant or he doesn't care about the title of the greatest ever because despite Wade's attempt to downplay the whole thing, four or five rings with this team will not elevate him above Jordan or Kobe (however...it might be possible for Wade...wouldn't that be something?).

Somebody said last night on Facebook "Not to be outdone, Brett Farve announced he will reveal his decision in an ESPN miniseries." I actually think this may be a good comparison. LeBron may indeed shatter all individual records and win a ring or two. But he may never be the champion that Michael, Magic, Larry, Russell, and Kobe were (are). He's got a lot to prove, and it'll be more difficult with the already-champion Wade running the show (and again...he must run the show unless LeBron has a huge change of heart about what it takes to win...this may be that change, but it's yet to be seen).

By the way...has anyone talked about all of the signings this summer giving quite a shift to the East? While some just shifted from one East team to another (LeBron, Bosh), it sure looks like the East is getting stronger.

[Ryan Scott]

Bill Simmons column had emails from people about the whole thing - one was a guy from Florida whose wife was a psychotherapist and had just watched the documentary about LeBron's high school team. She thought this was an attempt to recreate the "good old days," with his friends in Miami. It makes a lot of sense. As a sports fan, I want LeBron to be super competitive and the kind of player he's proven not to be. Instead he's taking slightly less money to play with his friends - probably a healthier place for him than Michael Jordan's "destroy everyone" zone - even if it's less fun to watch.

What we've got here in now Wade in the Jordan role, with a souped up Scottie Pippen and a much less crazy Rodman.

Has Pat Riley officially made himself the coach again or is that still to come?

[David Morris]

We get a new D.S. on the Indianapolis District during our DA in 2011. I am going to start working now to create the hype for who it will be. I want to broadcast "THE DECISION 2" live on NazNet one year from this August. Who would like to offer sponsorship? Hopefully Jerry Porter will just quit on the BOGS, and will sign with us.

[Stephen Bouldrey]

Shea the "3 Miamigos" great ESPN calliber stuff there. But on a serious note who is the the #1 option Lebron or Wade. And I am a cleveland fan but am not mad at Lebron, Because maybe he will have a shooting Guard that will not forget what basketball is come the playoffs. Oh what his SG is Wade now so it should not be a problem. And he has a true point guard to play with not a combo guard. I heard Mo williams say with out Lebron we will have to step up and play. Maybe if Mo stepped up in the playoffs Lebron might still be in Cleveland and have the last 2 rings not Kobe.

[Shea Zellweger]

Shea the "3 Miamigos" great ESPN calliber stuff there. But on a serious note who is the the #1 option Lebron or Wade. And I am a cleveland fan but am not mad at Lebron, Because maybe he will have a shooting Guard that will not forget what basketball is come the playoffs. Oh what his SG is Wade now so it should not be a problem. And he has a true point guard to play with not a combo guard. I heard Mo williams say with out Lebron we will have to step up and play. Maybe if Mo stepped up in the playoffs Lebron might still be in Cleveland and have the last 2 rings not Kobe.

I've been trying to come up with a valid reason for James' fans to be upset (other than that trainwreck of a telecast), and I believe I have one: 'bron does not appear to have pushed for Cleveland in the same way Wade did for the Heat. Everyone knew that if those 3 got together, it would be in Miami, and that's got to be disconcerting for any fan who wants to believe that all things being equal, the super star stays.

[Bob Hunter]

Without a doubt the Miami Heat 2010-11 teams looks strong. But may I throw out a spoiler? The Portland Trail Blazers. Last year the injury ridden Blazers still managed to win 52 games and in a very tough schedule beat top contending teams consistently. The Blazers are feared in the league mainly because of their roster and almost every team hates to play in the Rose Garden where the only professional team in this city is Basketball. I've been there, the place is nuts. Consider all star Brandon Roy and Greg Oden (when he is healthy) not to mention Nicolas Batum and Lamarcus Aldridge. There is such depth with Marcus Camby and Rudy Fernandez that you can't write them off. Blazer owner Paul Allen has the bucks to see this thing through. At some point Portland wins a championship, I think it could be sooner rather than later. Or at least I see them knocking off the Lakers in the West at some point. One thing is for sure, the Blazers have a better chance than the Cavs of winning a championship! (Dan Gilbert doesn't know what the heck he is talking about).

The following article explains why the Blazers could spoil this little love fest going on down in Miami, and every part of me wants to see it happen.

http://www.iamatrailblazersfan.com/ArticleDisplayPlaceholder/tabid/192/ItemID/1590/Default.aspx

[Benjamin Burch]

Zydrunas Ilgauskas will be joining LeBron (http://www.digitalsportsdaily.com/nba/news/2308-report-ilgauskas-will-join-lebron-james-in-miami.html) in Miami!

This gives us a 7-footer to contend on the glass and a great offensive rebounder. He's not great, but he can limit Gasol and Bynum down low with his length. Joel Anthony plays very big for a 6'9'' guy and will be able to man up well against Bynum - much like Perkins was able to do at 6'10''.

We are also apparently close to landing Howard. He'll eat up some minutes and give us a strong body.

Chalmers
Wade
James
Bosh
Anthony

Bench:

Ilgauskas
Haslem
Miller

Good possibility we will add:

Bell
Howard

that is 10 out of 15 and we've got a couple talented rookies. It's starting to take shape!

[Bob Hunter]

Wow, I figured Juwan Howard would be headed that way. He did a great job in Portland last year and I see no reason why he couldn't contribute to this team in a very positive way. I don't know that Joel Anthony is a starter on this team though. Really, his rebounding is not that impressive, and while he has the body to match up against a big player, he just doesn't have the rebounding to impact the game. He doesn't need to score, (he doesn't anyway). He just needs to tip balls in and get offensive boards.

[Benjamin Burch]

Wow, I figured Juwan Howard would be headed that way. He did a great job in Portland last year and I see no reason why he couldn't contribute to this team in a very positive way. I don't know that Joel Anthony is a starter on this team though. Really, his rebounding is not that impressive, and while he has the body to match up against a big player, he just doesn't have the rebounding to impact the game. He doesn't need to score, (he doesn't anyway). He just needs to tip balls in and get offensive boards.

I think Joel Anthony is only a starter because of his defense and the fact that his rebounding can get better - he's only a 2-year pro. Big Z and Howard will eat up some minutes. None of the three will play more than 25. Plus, if Pittman can progress well, he'll be a nice 10-15 minute guy at 6'10'' 290. Maybe even work himself into a 15-20 minute role in the playoffs.

We will do a big-by-commission type thing. Bosh and Haslem will handle the PF duties with a very rare entry by Vardano or Howard at PF. Z, Howard, and Anthony will rotate the Center position - since it is only needed defensively. Pittman will work his way into that role if he can progress and we'll have 4 able bodies to wear out the bigger, tougher, better centers. I think it'll work well. We have way too much talent at the G/F position. All we need is guys to eat minutes and play fresh defense at the C and PG position. Chalmers and Raja Bell will do just fine at the PG (assuming Bell signs with us instead of Orlando). I think this big-by-commission will be good enough to get us to the Eastern Conference Finals. Everything after that point is a matter of the right guy playing the right basketball on the right night.

I like where we stand.

[Bob Hunter]

I like where we stand.

I don't :rolleyes::rolleyes:

[Steven Martinez]

Major sources in LA have Bell meeting with Kobe to play for the Lakers. So it looks like we keep D-Fish, add Steve Blake and Bell to come off the bench. Bell, Kobe and Artest is a defensive nightmare for the opponent. I still take the defending back to back champs to someone knocks them off. One thing I know is follow the veteran trail. Winners flock to winners. Losers go where the money is or where the stars are. If a guy like Fisher gets to chose between Miami and LA and chooses LA that tells you something. Also the Lakers signed the biggest free agent this year... Phil Jackson. He has more rings the Kobe, Wade and Lebron combined.

[Benjamin Burch]

Major sources in LA have Bell meeting with Kobe to play for the Lakers. So it looks like we keep D-Fish, add Steve Blake and Bell to come off the bench. Bell, Kobe and Artest is a defensive nightmare for the opponent. I still take the defending back to back champs to someone knocks them off. One thing I know is follow the veteran trail. Winners flock to winners. Losers go where the money is or where the stars are. If a guy like Fisher gets to chose between Miami and LA and chooses LA that tells you something. Also the Lakers signed the biggest free agent this year... Phil Jackson. He has more rings the Kobe, Wade and Lebron combined.

I don't think Bell will go to L.A. He'll entertain the idea but they can't give him any more than the veteran minimum, which is what he'll get to stay home in either Orlando or Miami. The only way he goes to L.A. is if he doesn't get an offer from Florida.

Also, Fisher chose to stay because he wants to be in L.A. By going to Miami he was trying to see if he could get more out of L.A. He wouldn't have left. I just got my hopes up.

[Jeff Scott]

643
LeBron may indeed shatter all individual records

Wouldn't this be incredibly hard to do now that he's going to be "sharing the ball" with Wade and Bosh? Won't they all score less individually for the sake of the team? Perhaps not?

[Benjamin Burch]

Wouldn't this be incredibly hard to do now that he's going to be "sharing the ball" with Wade and Bosh? Won't they all score less individually for the sake of the team? Perhaps not?

But he might be able to AVERAGE a triple double..

[Benjamin Burch]

Major sources in LA have Bell meeting with Kobe to play for the Lakers. So it looks like we keep D-Fish, add Steve Blake and Bell to come off the bench. Bell, Kobe and Artest is a defensive nightmare for the opponent. I still take the defending back to back champs to someone knocks them off. One thing I know is follow the veteran trail. Winners flock to winners. Losers go where the money is or where the stars are. If a guy like Fisher gets to chose between Miami and LA and chooses LA that tells you something. Also the Lakers signed the biggest free agent this year... Phil Jackson. He has more rings the Kobe, Wade and Lebron combined.

Raja Bell signed with Utah. Doesn't look like Riley was even interested. I imagine it was the season ending injury sustained by a 34 year old guy.

[Bob Hunter]

Wouldn't this be incredibly hard to do now that he's going to be "sharing the ball" with Wade and Bosh? Won't they all score less individually for the sake of the team? Perhaps not?

I don't think their numbers will suffer more than 25%. They will put up a lot of offense and carry the scoring load, therefore, I see them each averaging in the low 20's. This means of course, that some games will be lopsided depending on the match up and who has the hot hand. By mid season I predict they will each have numbers in the low 20's, which is a sacrifice but one worth making for the overall team to advance.

[Shea Zellweger]

Wouldn't this be incredibly hard to do now that he's going to be "sharing the ball" with Wade and Bosh? Won't they all score less individually for the sake of the team? Perhaps not?

it shouldn't have a particularly negative impact. If they all play defense, the team will probably see the ball more. If they all rebound, they'll get more second chances. If they're as good as they're supposed to be, their shooting efficiency and ability to make plays should allow each of them to keep their individual production up. I wouldn't be surprised to see James average a triple double in the coming season. The catch is that if they each play for individual stats, they will probably perform worse individually than if they were to play team basketball.

[Benjamin Burch]

it shouldn't have a particularly negative impact. If they all play defense, the team will probably see the ball more. If they all rebound, they'll get more second chances. If they're as good as they're supposed to be, their shooting efficiency and ability to make plays should allow each of them to keep their individual production up. I wouldn't be surprised to see James average a triple double in the coming season. The catch is that if they each play for individual stats, they will probably perform worse individually than if they were to play team basketball.

I think LeBron addresses this well here. (http://www.nba.com/heat/video/originals/)

[Bob Hunter]

Fellas,

You may have heard the debate over the Miami Heat's collective nickname. I might get in trouble for posting this, but it is a newsworthy item if you consider the source credible The onion isn't exactly credible!

http://www.theonion.com/articles/james-bosh-wade-decide-nickname-will-be-the-threeh,17788/

I'm sure the franchise won't be using this nickname. But I have found that unofficial nicknames have staying power. For example, in the early 2000's the Trail Blazers got the dubbed the Jail Blazers (They deserved it). They ended up being one of the most hated teams in the NBA. But it stuck. Back in the 80's & early 90's the Denver Bronco's had three stand out receivers that became known has the "Three amigos" It stuck. I hope the rumored Heat nickname doesn't stick, because it is terrible. Why not something like, the "Trinity of Terror"

[Benjamin Burch]

Fellas,

You may have heard the debate over the Miami Heat's collective nickname. I might get in trouble for posting this, but it is a newsworthy item if you consider the source credible The onion isn't exactly credible!

http://www.theonion.com/articles/james-bosh-wade-decide-nickname-will-be-the-threeh,17788/

I'm sure the franchise won't be using this nickname. But I have found that unofficial nicknames have staying power. For example, in the early 2000's the Trail Blazers got the dubbed the Jail Blazers (They deserved it). They ended up being one of the most hated teams in the NBA. But it stuck. Back in the 80's & early 90's the Denver Bronco's had three stand out receivers that became known has the "Three amigos" It stuck. I hope the rumored Heat nickname doesn't stick, because it is terrible. Why not something like, the "Trinity of Terror"

I pray that your bitterness will one day heal and that you will be able to embrace the Heat for the awesomeness that they are.

[Shea Zellweger]

Fellas,

You may have heard the debate over the Miami Heat's collective nickname. I might get in trouble for posting this, but it is a newsworthy item if you consider the source credible The onion isn't exactly credible!

http://www.theonion.com/articles/james-bosh-wade-decide-nickname-will-be-the-threeh,17788/

I'm sure the franchise won't be using this nickname. But I have found that unofficial nicknames have staying power. For example, in the early 2000's the Trail Blazers got the dubbed the Jail Blazers (They deserved it). They ended up being one of the most hated teams in the NBA. But it stuck. Back in the 80's & early 90's the Denver Bronco's had three stand out receivers that became known has the "Three amigos" It stuck. I hope the rumored Heat nickname doesn't stick, because it is terrible. Why not something like, the "Trinity of Terror"

I've already named them the Three Miamigos, and so they shall be.

[Bob Hunter]

I pray that your bitterness will one day heal and that you will be able to embrace the Heat for the awesomeness that they are.


Whah? The awesomeness that they are? They haven't even played a game yet! Dood, come on. I can't wait until Miami plays the Thunder, Blazers and Nuggets, it's going to get real ugly! We might be calling them the three knuckleheads.

[Steven Martinez]

I've already named them the Three Miamigos, and so they shall be.

I have named them the "2010-2011 Eastern Conference Runners Up." I know it is long, but it has a nice ring to it.