It was hilarious watching prognosticators predict that this team could challenge that Jordan-era Bulls team's 72-10 record. Come on, these guys are all great players, but it takes time for a team to gel. Expecting a record-breaking performance in year one was just outlandish. So is expecting a title in year one, when these guys haven't even been through a playoff run together.
The playoffs are when guys earn their stripes. In case you didn't notice, Chris Bosh, nice stats and all, never made it past the first round in Toronto. We all know about Lebron's potential to nut up when the games actually matter. Wade's a proven leader, but how he and Lebron co-exist over the course of a 7 game series remains to be seen.
As-is, the team is fatally flawed with no interior defensive presence to speak of. I could probably score on Joel Anthony. Udonis Haslem is 6-7 playing the pivot. Chris Bosh is soft in more ways than one. That's not gonna cut it when you're lining up against the Lakers imposing front line. Not this year at least.
On the bright side, the team has 2 of the 3 best players in the league, and statistically the best power forward in the game (last year). With time they'll figure out who does what, Bosh will get more touches, the role players will get in their lanes (I'm talkin' to you Eddie House) and they'll win 50+ games just by feasting on the Nets, Pacers, and Wizards of the NBA. Their four losses have all come to pretty good teams. They'll figure it all out sooner or later. But expecting anything more than an Eastern Conference Finals appearance is just premature this season.
Give em' some time, folks.[1]
Question: Are the Heat overrated or have they just not hit their stride yet?
The pressure is starting to build in Miami [ESPN]
[1] And by "folks", I mean Pat Riley, who you know is just begging to come out of retirement and coach this team.
