GIGAFAN99
Diamond Hoya (over 2500 posts)
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LeBron
Jul 14, 2010 14:00:06 GMT -5
Post by GIGAFAN99 on Jul 14, 2010 14:00:06 GMT -5
I almost agree with hifi again, which makes twice in one day, so I'm off to see my analyst to find out what's wrong with me. Don't forget that the roster still isn't complete. Yes, interior defense is likely to be an issue, and they could be a playoff flame-out, but if they are, LeBron should feel right at home. I think the whole thing is going to be fascinating to watch. As for why only the three of them showed up, perhaps it's because the only other player who was under contract at the time was Mario Chalmers. Interior defense against who? One-dimensional Dwight Howard? Carlos good-but-not-great Boozer? Fact of the matter is Andrew foul-o-matic Bynum and Kendrick Perkins started at center in the finals. Not exactly Kareem vs. Parish. With one solid big body down low in Haslem and a role playing offensive center in Z, the Heat could get sufficient low-post defense from Joel Anthony, McGloire, or even if Dexter Pittman comes out strong. It would be a better argument against the Heat's post game if aging Garnett/Gasol paired with a guy getting 8 points and banging around the lane weren't exactly the strategy that won last year. That's the Bosh + serviceable defensively-minded guy strategy we're seeing here.
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hifigator
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Posts: 6,387
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LeBron
Jul 14, 2010 14:42:30 GMT -5
Post by hifigator on Jul 14, 2010 14:42:30 GMT -5
I almost agree with hifi again, which makes twice in one day, so I'm off to see my analyst to find out what's wrong with me. Don't forget that the roster still isn't complete. Yes, interior defense is likely to be an issue, and they could be a playoff flame-out, but if they are, LeBron should feel right at home. I think the whole thing is going to be fascinating to watch. As for why only the three of them showed up, perhaps it's because the only other player who was under contract at the time was Mario Chalmers. Interior defense against who? One-dimensional Dwight Howard? Carlos good-but-not-great Boozer? Fact of the matter is Andrew foul-o-matic Bynum and Kendrick Perkins started at center in the finals. Not exactly Kareem vs. Parish. With one solid big body down low in Haslem and a role playing offensive center in Z, the Heat could get sufficient low-post defense from Joel Anthony, McGloire, or even if Dexter Pittman comes out strong. It would be a better argument against the Heat's post game if aging Garnett/Gasol paired with a guy getting 8 points and banging around the lane weren't exactly the strategy that won last year. That's the Bosh + serviceable defensively-minded guy strategy we're seeing here. While I agree that the Heat have a roster that can find the promised land again, I still think that the disparity between the "interior" game of the Heat doesn't match up very well with the likes of Pau Gasol -- and that comes from someone who can't stand Gasol. I'll still give him the credit he deserves ... as much as it pains me to do so.
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hoyarooter
Blue & Gray (over 10,000 posts)
Posts: 10,438
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LeBron
Jul 14, 2010 19:12:47 GMT -5
Post by hoyarooter on Jul 14, 2010 19:12:47 GMT -5
Interior defense against who? One-dimensional Dwight Howard? Carlos good-but-not-great Boozer? Fact of the matter is Andrew foul-o-matic Bynum and Kendrick Perkins started at center in the finals. Not exactly Kareem vs. Parish. With one solid big body down low in Haslem and a role playing offensive center in Z, the Heat could get sufficient low-post defense from Joel Anthony, McGloire, or even if Dexter Pittman comes out strong. It would be a better argument against the Heat's post game if aging Garnett/Gasol paired with a guy getting 8 points and banging around the lane weren't exactly the strategy that won last year. That's the Bosh + serviceable defensively-minded guy strategy we're seeing here. While I agree that the Heat have a roster that can find the promised land again, I still think that the disparity between the "interior" game of the Heat doesn't match up very well with the likes of Pau Gasol -- and that comes from someone who can't stand Gasol. I'll still give him the credit he deserves ... as much as it pains me to do so. Thank you! My sanity has returned! You hate Gasol because...he plays for the Lakers? I can't see any other basis for it. And if Andrew Bynum can ever stay healthy (big if), he and Gasol will destroy the Heat interior defense as it is presently constituted. Of course, Giga's point that there aren't a whole lot of teams out there with strong interior games is nevertheless well taken.
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Buckets
Golden Hoya (over 1000 posts)
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LeBron
Jul 15, 2010 0:09:48 GMT -5
Post by Buckets on Jul 15, 2010 0:09:48 GMT -5
Thank you! My sanity has returned! You hate Gasol because...he plays for the Lakers? I can't see any other basis for it. Pau Gasol also has never committed a foul and has perfected the Tim Duncan "who me?" face. Possibly better than even the original.
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hifigator
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
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LeBron
Jul 15, 2010 1:46:14 GMT -5
Post by hifigator on Jul 15, 2010 1:46:14 GMT -5
rooter wrote:
Thank you! My sanity has returned! You hate Gasol because...he plays for the Lakers? I can't see any other basis for it.
freemoney wrote:
Pau Gasol also has never committed a foul and has perfected the Tim Duncan "who me?" face. Possibly better than even the original.
I'm going to go with money on this one. Although rooter's implicit point that I wouldn't like Gasol, even if money's point weren't true is tough to deny.
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hoyarooter
Blue & Gray (over 10,000 posts)
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LeBron
Jul 15, 2010 13:37:44 GMT -5
Post by hoyarooter on Jul 15, 2010 13:37:44 GMT -5
Actually, I think Gasol tends to be more demonstrative in objecting to no calls where he thinks he's been fouled than objecting to fouls called on him. In any event, there's no way he could ever touch the master, the king of "I never committed a foul," Kevin McHale.
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hifigator
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
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LeBron
Jul 15, 2010 15:49:59 GMT -5
Post by hifigator on Jul 15, 2010 15:49:59 GMT -5
Actually, I think Gasol tends to be more demonstrative in objecting to no calls where he thinks he's been fouled than objecting to fouls called on him. In any event, there's no way he could ever touch the master, the king of "I never committed a foul," Kevin McHale. Yeah, Kevin had that flabbergasted look down pat. Although when it comes to getting away with playing with the refs Karl Malone had no equal.
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DanMcQ
Moderator
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LeBron
Jul 16, 2010 13:24:23 GMT -5
Post by DanMcQ on Jul 16, 2010 13:24:23 GMT -5
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LeBron
Jul 17, 2010 1:37:11 GMT -5
Post by HometownHoya on Jul 17, 2010 1:37:11 GMT -5
Personally I think that as long as Bynum returns to 100% and actually plays with a passion, the Lakers will beat the Heat.
The regular season is now pointless so I guess I won't watch it for the most part this year (except for a few big games).
Hopefully the heat will pick up PEJr. for their roster this year. They need a serviceable replacement for Lebron that will not lose them points and have a positive ratio. Who better that will come at the salary minimum then PEJr, hes young, energetic, defends, and does the dirty work that is needed to keep a team from making a run while your star is out.
I saw somewhere that LeBron wants to be more of a distributor then scorer, so that will be interesting, makes sense why he chose the heat over the bulls. It will be interesting to see how it will work out though.
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SFHoya99
Blue & Gray (over 10,000 posts)
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LeBron
Jul 17, 2010 7:42:41 GMT -5
Post by SFHoya99 on Jul 17, 2010 7:42:41 GMT -5
The Lakers have the superior frontline, but anyone who thinks this Heat team isn't going to be that good is crazy.
Yes, there are possible chemistry issues, but I think all the talk of LeBron not needing to be the man helps that. James can play the Magic role and Wade the more traditional scorer role. They aren't huge, but they make up some size down low up top -- LeBron is big for a 3, Wade is big and an excellent rebounder for a 2, etc.
Wade and LeBron can be exceptional defenders at playoff time. Bosh is a very good pick and roll guy defensively, though he can't bang.
I like their complementary pieces so far. Chalmers has had one good year and one bad, but I think he recovers and basically shoots and plays D. Miller is a good shooter who feels no need to take shots and is a very good passer -- a good fit for the team except defensively. Haslem has a nice jumper and is willing to play a role. Can't get much better than that for the price except maybe stronger defensively - like whoever the new James Posey / Bruce Bowen is.
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hifigator
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
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LeBron
Jul 19, 2010 12:02:11 GMT -5
Post by hifigator on Jul 19, 2010 12:02:11 GMT -5
SF wrote:
Miller is a good shooter who feels no need to take shots and is a very good passer -- a good fit for the team except defensively.
That is pretty much spot on. He's decent on the break, but not great. Defensively, he is below average but does make up for a bit of it with his length. If you call him the 4, then he's certainly undersized, but I see the Heat using a big lineup in crunch time with LeBron handling the ball, and Wade and Miller on the wings. In that role, then I think Miller is a very nice compliment.
Also, RDF made some comments on Miller shooting of late. The article in the paper -- granted, it was the Gainesville Sun, so more likely to be wrong than right -- but still, the article in the paper said that his 3 point percentage was the highest in his career last season, in the high forties. I want to say 47% or 48%. Granted, the team wasn't any good, so there weren't any real pressure situations, but it still shows some level of both maturity and development. Also, the fact that he went to the heat for less money than he could have gotten elsewhere tells me that he is focused on SOMETHING. I can only hope that focus is on winning.
As most of us have said, it will really come down to the chemisty and how well these players can make a team. To use a corny analogy, it's kind of like how Florence Henderson and Robert Reid could come together, each with their own 3 kids and build a "family."
P.S. I already said it was corny; what more do you want?
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RDF
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
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LeBron
Jul 19, 2010 14:54:37 GMT -5
Post by RDF on Jul 19, 2010 14:54:37 GMT -5
SF wrote: Miller is a good shooter who feels no need to take shots and is a very good passer -- a good fit for the team except defensively.That is pretty much spot on. He's decent on the break, but not great. Defensively, he is below average but does make up for a bit of it with his length. If you call him the 4, then he's certainly undersized, but I see the Heat using a big lineup in crunch time with LeBron handling the ball, and Wade and Miller on the wings. In that role, then I think Miller is a very nice compliment. Also, RDF made some comments on Miller shooting of late. The article in the paper -- granted, it was the Gainesville Sun, so more likely to be wrong than right -- but still, the article in the paper said that his 3 point percentage was the highest in his career last season, in the high forties. I want to say 47% or 48%. Granted, the team wasn't any good, so there weren't any real pressure situations, but it still shows some level of both maturity and development. Also, the fact that he went to the heat for less money than he could have gotten elsewhere tells me that he is focused on SOMETHING. I can only hope that focus is on winning. As most of us have said, it will really come down to the chemisty and how well these players can make a team. To use a corny analogy, it's kind of like how Florence Henderson and Robert Reid could come together, each with their own 3 kids and build a "family." P.S. I already said it was corny; what more do you want? His 3pt attempts are way down--and while he shot a high percentage he often passed up shots on a team that needed scoring.That was my point--not that he can't hit shots--that he got a little gunshy and on a team like he's going to play on--that can't be the case--because he's going to be open a lot and needs to pull the trigger.
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hifigator
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
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LeBron
Jul 19, 2010 15:46:19 GMT -5
Post by hifigator on Jul 19, 2010 15:46:19 GMT -5
Ok, I see your point. Honestly, I don't know if I watched a single game of theirs this past season. But to play devil's advocate, just because your team needs to score doesn't mean that you need to shoot. How much of the dropoff was getting gunshy and how much was maturing to the point where you are more discerning between what is a good shot and what is not?
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hoyarooter
Blue & Gray (over 10,000 posts)
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LeBron
Jul 19, 2010 19:24:07 GMT -5
Post by hoyarooter on Jul 19, 2010 19:24:07 GMT -5
If Miller is unwilling to shoot he will be worthless to the Heat, but I'm inclined to think that won't happen, despite his recent record with the Wizards. I admit I have nothing upon which to base that opinion, it's just my gut feeling.
My question about Miller is that he plays the two positions that are most regularly played by guys named James and Wade. Is he going to get adequate minutes? I suppose the Heat could rejigger their lineup to play Wade at the point, but I don't really think that's optimum for them. Like I said before, I think it will be fascinating to see how all this plays out.
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GIGAFAN99
Diamond Hoya (over 2500 posts)
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LeBron
Jul 20, 2010 8:47:45 GMT -5
Post by GIGAFAN99 on Jul 20, 2010 8:47:45 GMT -5
I think Lebron will play point in late-game situations. James, Wade, Miller, Bosh, Anthony.
It's really being undersold how difficult it will be to set up your defense to stop Lebron and Wade if they space the floor properly. It's just all kinds of problems and any effective recovery leaves Bosh shooting short jumpers or Miller open for 3.
One-on-one you could make an argument for the Lakers are a tougher match-up if Bynum is healthy and motivated but I think it's more difficult to play team defense against the Heat with two guys who need full attention at all times.
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Boz
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123 Fireballs!
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LeBron
Jul 20, 2010 9:17:07 GMT -5
Post by Boz on Jul 20, 2010 9:17:07 GMT -5
You all are aware that this thread is now about twice as long as the NBA regular season thread on this board, right? I'm going to take that as proof positive that talking about the NBA is far more entertaining than watching the NBA (former Hoyas excepted). But it's not as long as the NBA playoffs thread, so David Stern still has that going for him as far as an entertaining product.
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hoyarooter
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LeBron
Jul 20, 2010 12:06:01 GMT -5
Post by hoyarooter on Jul 20, 2010 12:06:01 GMT -5
I think Lebron will play point in late-game situations. James, Wade, Miller, Bosh, Anthony. It's really being undersold how difficult it will be to set up your defense to stop Lebron and Wade if they space the floor properly. It's just all kinds of problems and any effective recovery leaves Bosh shooting short jumpers or Miller open for 3. One-on-one you could make an argument for the Lakers are a tougher match-up if Bynum is healthy and motivated but I think it's more difficult to play team defense against the Heat with two guys who need full attention at all times. I concur with this, which is why I keep saying that it will be fascinating to watch. Wade/LeBron is the closest thing I can remember to West/Baylor. I also saw today that the Heat resigned Magliore and James Jones (who I think they waived a month or so ago) - two more veteran guys who can contribute.
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DanMcQ
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LeBron
Aug 3, 2010 12:16:00 GMT -5
Post by DanMcQ on Aug 3, 2010 12:16:00 GMT -5
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hifigator
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
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LeBron
Aug 11, 2010 22:13:52 GMT -5
Post by hifigator on Aug 11, 2010 22:13:52 GMT -5
I'm just curious what the general feel everyone has for LeBron and how it might have changed, both when he first made his decision as well as since then, if at all. At least down here in Florida, I am hearing basically 2 views.
By far the most noticeable, is, at least for lack of a better term, LeBron-Hate.
The second, is simply a sort of, passive appreciation for either the "Big 3" or the Heat in general. I know I am in Florida, but the NBA gets far from top billing ever, especially in north-central Florida. Furthermore, most even recognizable NBA fans around here are Magic fans, not Heat fans. So, I'm a bit curious if what little "support" he is getting comes from an allegiance to the "team."
Without digging back through the thread, I think that LeBron is getting a bit more "heat" than he deserves -- pun certainly intended.
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