A recent survey conducted by NBA.com revealed that most general managers believe that the Miami Heat will again win the national championship. Though I am tempted to conform to the majority, I don’t believe the Heat will pull off a three-peat.
The Eastern Conference has gotten quite a facelift since last season, and I believe this will pose a threat to Miami’s playoff success.
Let’s begin with Chicago. The Bulls are a team that had no business being in the Eastern Conference Semifinals last year, yet they found a way. Chicago accomplished this, despite the absence of Derrick Rose (my prediction for this year’s MVP). Joakim Noah, as goofy as he is, has a contagious energy level unmatched by any player in the league. Not to mention that Luol Deng is coming off his second consecutive all-star season, averaging 16.5 points per game last year. Their bench is deep, they have an electric home fan base and may possibly be the most motivated team in the East. They also have the perfect defensive matchups to stop Miami’s trio. Look out Miami, Chicago is ready for you.
Without a doubt, a Chicago and Miami conference final would be entertaining, but I’m not entirely convinced the Heat will even make it that far.
If the Heat hopes to three-peat, they would have to get through either the rejuvenated Brooklyn Nets or the Indiana Pacers.
Brooklyn was the spotlight of the offseason, and for good reason. In a surprising trade the Nets acquired Jason Terry, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett from the Boston Celtics. A team that was already a four seed in the playoffs last year attained arguably three of the best four players from a playoff team in Boston. These three players, coupled with Joe Johnson, provide a veteran background unlike any team. Let’s not forget about returning all-stars Deron Williams and Brook Lopez either.
It’s a little early to know whether Brooklyn’s experience can overcome the explosiveness of the Miami Heat, but the Nets could definitely give them a run for their money.
Then, there’s Indiana. Last year the Pacers pushed the Heat to game seven of the Eastern Conference Championship in an even matchup. Besides Tyler Hansbrough, the Pacers are returning all of their playmakers. Last year was the first playoff experience for many of Indiana’s youngsters, and I’d say they did pretty well. I’m excited to see what they can do this year with a little more experience under their belts. They may not have mainstream names like Miami, but they have certainly proven that they can play with anyone.
If by chance the Heat can make it through the Eastern conference, it will not be a walk in the park to beat whoever makes it out of the West.
Since 1990, there have been three situations when teams have pulled off three-peats. The Chicago Bulls did this twice in the 90’s and the Lakers did it from 2000-2002.
While the Heat have excellent talent at the top of their roster, they are missing someone both of these teams had. That someone is 11-time championship coach Phil Jackson, possibly the best coach of all time.
Jackson had a recipe for winning, and most importantly, his players trusted and respected him. Miami coach, Erik Spoelstra, simply does not have the type of player-coach relationship that Jackson did. At times it even looks as if Lebron is coaching the team.
I believe in Lebron, I just don’t think the team collectively has what it takes. After narrowly escaping the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern conference finals and squeaking through the finals in a series that San Antonio should have won, I just don’t see them doing it again.
