Heat On Miami

The SEVEN

June 12, 2011

I. The Best?

The NBA Finals are usually very good and often excellent, but this year is on another plane. I almost wish this were best of 17 as opposed to 7.

II. Be Careful What You Ask For

Not that DeShawn Stevenson asked for a LeBron James resurgence, offensively speaking, when he stated that James had "checked out" during the fourth quarter of Game 4 - but the possibility exists that it could occur as the series returns to Miami with the Heat down 3-2. Then again, this is not the first instance of talk from Stevenson to or at LeBron, so the singular motivation factor may not be there.

III. Pip, are you sure?

Naturally a lot has been said about Scottie Pippen's statement about James with respect to Michael Jordan, but as I thought about it I wondered if, in the words of Barry Manilow, "could it be Magic?"

I recently pulled up stats from the career of Magic Johnson, a player that I feel was the greatest leader and winner on the court in my remembrance and one whose stats, I also believe, did not tell the entire story. Looking at the years of 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, and 1991, Magic's averages during those years were about 20 points, 12 assists and 7 rebounds, right around his career averages of 19.5, 11.2, and 7.2. In 1983 Magic only averaged 16.8 points per game, and of course in the 1980 championship game he scored 42...which is to say that he scored what was needed when needed, but his game was a well-rounded game.

So while the airwaves have been buzzing these last few days about the lack of production by LeBron - even in the midst of his recording a triple-double in game 5 - the question is whether he and his natural game should be compared to Jordan or to Johnson.

IV. Advantage On The Sideline

One reason the series returns to Miami with the Heat down is that Rick Carlisle has out-coached Erik Spoelstra so far. From the usage of the zone which has helped keep games from becoming a dunk-fest, to his manipulation of his roster (such as the usage of Barea and seating of Peja Stojakovic), Carlisle has taken the edge and this edge has made the difference in these so-close games.

V. Disadvantage On The Sideline

I truly loved Mike Bibby and Peja during the Sacramento Kings years - but the fact of the matter is that they aren't money like they used to be. Carlisle has shut Peja's minutes down, but meanwhile Bibby continues to start for the Heat. Bibby ought be down to spot duty in favor of his brother-in-law, Eddie House. Meanwhile, if the Heat were to utilize Big Z for some minutes, they would be in position to benefit from Ilgauskas knocking down the 18-footers that would make the Dallas bigs come out, loosening up the middle somewhat for some more drives by Dwyane Wade and James. I realize Joel Anthony is a tremendous defensive player, but he will only score a very few points, tempting his man to let him go totally and be in place to help on those two guys. With Z out there that cannot happen.

VI. Going Forward

With all the money committed to James, Wade and Chris Bosh for years to come, the Heat may be very competitive for all these years - but just as in this year, the rest of the roster may continue to be patchwork.

VII. Prediction

Not about this series...I predict that if they can keep it together personnel and ego-wise, the Thunder will be hoisting the trophy at some point in the near future.