Bleacher Report - Articles by Mike Piccolo

LeBron James vs Dwyane Wade: Will Round 15 of This Matchup Decide the NBA's MVP?

Mike Piccolo — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 09:16:16 -0500

LET'S GET REAAADDDDYYYYY TO RUMBBBBBLE!

Tonight's NBA showcase offers one of the best match-ups in the league. I'm talking of course about league leaders and MVP hopefuls Dwyane Wade and LeBron James going head-to-head.

I'm sorry, of course I meant the Miami Heat going head-to-head with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Yet, how can anyone deny the excitement that occurs when these two warriors of the NBA face off; showcasing their respective talents? It Just Can't Be Denied!

I'd like to review a little of the history behind tonight's matchup. Bragging rights are certainly at stake, after all, and this matchup is a bit peculiar when you look at the numbers, since LeBron and Dwyane seem so evenly matched.

While their respective teams have battled each other 17 times since Dwyane Wade and LeBron James entered the NBA in 2004, Wade has not played in all of those games due to injury.

The respective team's record against each other is 9-8 in favor of the Heat. Yet, the matchup between Wade and LeBron is even more level. They have faced each other 14 times, with each coming out victorious in seven of those contests.

Over those 14 games, LeBron James has averaged 32.2 PPG while Dwyane Wade has averaged 30.4 PPG. They've also both filled up the rest of the stat sheet with incredible numbers, both averaging more than 5 RPG and 6 APG.

Of note is the fact both LeBron and Wade have had four 40+ point games in those 14 battles.

Tonight these two champions and MVP competitors meet for their fourth and final matchup of the season.

Could this be the last regular season preview of a huge playoff series? Could this be the matchup that decides the NBA's MVP? Could this game be one of the best ever between these two fine competitors?

I'll tell you one thing; this game has all the makings of a hardwood classic just waiting to happen!

Since this is an opinion article, I will give my opinion. I feel Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat have far more to prove tonight than do LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

As some of you may already know, Miami is seemingly stuck at the five seed in the Eastern Conference.

If the Miami Heat do emerge victorious tonight against the Cavs, and the Atlanta Hawks fall to the Detroit Pistons, not only will the Miami Heat capture the No. 4 spot in the East, but a lot of the speculation as to whether they are a playoff-caliber team will be put to rest.

Tonight the Heat can prove themselves "worthy" as a powerhouse in the East and a serious competitor to be reckoned with in the playoffs.

Jermaine O'Neal-Shawn Marion: Heat and Raptors Pull Off Blockbuster Trade

Mike Piccolo — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 16:06:00 -0500

The much-anticipated blockbuster trade has been completed!

Shawn Marion, Marcus Banks, and cash considerations (said to be $3 million) have been traded to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Jermaine O'Neal, Jamario Moon, and a conditional draft pick.

All I can say is: What a trade for Miami!

Let's face it, Marion was never a perfect fit in Miami. As much as Miami Heat fans wanted it to work, it just didn't. During Marion's short stint with the Heat, his points and rebounds were down drastically from his career averages.

Also, his explosiveness and tenacious play were less than impressive. The acquisition of Marion also left Miami with a poor void at center, with only Joel Anthony and a mediocre Jamal Magloire to fill it.

This trade is a monster for the Heat and is just what the trade doctor ordered!

Jermaine O' Neal has been white hot in his last seven games for the Raptors, scoring 20 or more points in four out of the last six games. O' Neal has also had four-plus blocks in three of the last seven games, with one of those games including nine blocks.

O' Neal provides a huge and much-needed presence in the middle for the Heat, while Moon provides even more diversity and depth to an already exciting and energetic young team.

Amazingly, these two new additions could be the keys to the playoffs and beyond for the Miami Heat.

It's pretty clear who has gotten the better end of the deal. With a starting lineup of Dwyane Wade, Mario Chalmers, Udonis Haslem, Michael Beasley/Jamario Moon, and O' Neal, it's going to be a big finish for the Miami Heat. Look for them to make it far into the playoffs, if not further.

This is not to say that the Toronto Raptors didn't get a good deal as well.

The frontcourt of Jose Calderon, Anthony Parker, Chris Bosh, Andrea Bargnani, and Shawn Marion is nothing to sneeze at. This new lineup will allow for Bosh to play down low, where he was crowded by the post play of O' Neal. It also gives Bargnani the freedom to venture past the three-point arc, where he is more than comfortable.

Marion will surely be a much better fit on the Raptors, with his up-tempo play and run-and-gun mentality.

So what are your thoughts on the biggest trade of the season thus far? Post your opinions; I'd love to hear them.

Thanks for reading, and LET'S GO HEAT!

Miami Heat Midseason Player Analysis & Awards

Mike Piccolo — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 17:40:14 -0500

Here we are approaching the midseason point in this thrilling whirlwind adventure of a season for the Miami Heat. There's one thing that's for sure: The edge of my seat will never be the same again.

It has been worn and withered to nothing from all these nail-biters and thrilling endings thus far!

Since this season is filled with so many amazing and magical moments, I felt it only be right to make some Miami Heat awards for this exciting Miami Heat team.

Well, although my chair and fingernails didn't make it, I'm glad to report that my fingers can still type, so the show must go on. Let's get to these awards shall we.

First up is the Award for the Most Improved Player

And the winner is...Guard Daequan Cook!

Daequan has truly shocked the Miami Heat nation this year thus far.

I mean, we all knew he was good at shooting three-pointers, but 42 percent? WOW!

Also, Daequan is on pace to post career highs in minutes per game, field goal percentage, three-point percentage, free throw percentage, shots per game, and points per a game. Also, his turnovers are down from 1.07 per game last year to only .64 per game this year.

Off the bench, Daequan has been a serious shooting threat to any opponent and a force to be reckoned with behind the three-point line.

Next is the Award for the Sixth Man of the Year

And the winner is...Forward Michael Beasely!

Sure, Michael was in the starting lineup for 13 games, but now his home resides off the bench, and honestly, he's really been feeling right at home there.

While Michael's minutes have gone down, not much everything else. In three out of the last six games, Beasley has scored 20+ points, with one of those games including his first double-double.

In the month of January, Beasley has averaged 50 percent from the field, 55 percent from three-point land, an assist, and 15 points per game! Let's just say he's heating up, HE'S ON FIRE (NBA Jam reference, I couldn't help myself)!

This rookie has really been proving he deserves the minutes, and yes, he is as good as they say he is. The scary part is I think we haven't seen anything yet.

Next is the Award for Defensive Man of the Year

And the winner is...Center Joel Anthony!

This guy eats, sleeps, and breathes defense posting a career high 1.6 blocks per game.

Joel reminds me of a young Ben Wallace as his defensive intensity is seldom matched by the opposing team, which gives the Miami Heat an automatic upper hand.

The lane has never been the same since Joel has come to reign!

Next is the No Fear Award

And the winner is... Guard Mario Chalmers!

Some players have to adjust from a lot of the changes and challenges transferring from college ball to the NBA, but Mario is not one of those players.

From day one, he has started for the Miami Heat at point guard with a fearless attitude, and a champion's mentality.

This could be from his confidence level being raised beyond the roof after his game saving, and ultimately winning, three-pointer at the end of regulation in last year's NCAA championship game.

Whatever the reason, this guy can straight out BALL! 9.3 PPG, 4.5 APG and 1.8 SPG!

This guy is a rookie, right? Could have fooled me!

Next is the Dirty Work Award

And the winner is... Forward Udonis Haslem!

Udonis is truly the NBA's most valuable blue-collar player. Whether it's hustling for a much needed rebound or hitting a game changing basket, Udonis has been the man to count on.

Haslem is shooting 50 percent from the field and posting nine rebounds a night. With a great knowledge of the game, and a winning veteran's mentality, Udonis has earned the title of co-captain on this Miami Heat squad.

Next is the Award for Most Versatile Player

And the winner is...Forward Shawn Marion!

The man is a stat sheet beast! Shawn is one of those players who can and will do just about everything, and anything, at any given time during a game.

This statement is especially true for the month of January where Shawn has managed to finish with a double-double in four out of the eight games.

In January Marion is also averaging better than 52 percent from the field, 88 percent from the free throw line, 9.3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1.6 steals, and 14.3 points per game!

Did I mention this guy does it all? He didn't get the nickname "Matrix" for nothing.

Quick Side Note:
Will a blockbuster trade happen right before the February 19th trade deadline? Reliable sources say that Jermaine O'Neal may join Miami very soon in a trade involving Shaun Marion and Marcus Banks. Keep your ears to the NBA streets—this could be a huge move for Miami. While Shawn Marion is a great player, he lacks the size inside that the Heat desperately need right now. Jermaine O'Neal pretty much answers that dilemma.

Last but certainly not least is the Most Valuable Player Award

And the winner is...Guard Dwayne Wade!

It should come to no ones surprise that Wade has earned this honor on the Heat team. In fact, this award may be his at the end of the year for the league.

Wade has been nothing short of amazing. Wade is basically all the awards that have been given out in this article in one player, except for sixth man of course.

Wade has so far posted career highs in points (28.9 PPG), blocks (1.6 BPG), and steals (2.3 SPG) while on the verge of posting a career high in assists (7.4 APG) as well! This guy is in a league of his own!

When the Heat need a clutch player who can do it all? They call on Wade, and with a record of 22-18, he has come through and proven that he is the heart and sole of this Miami Heat team.

Mid-Season Burning Questions...

1) Will the Miami Heat manage to get to the playoffs, and beyond, with Jamaal Magloire at back-up Center?

He has been a disappointment to this point, however. In Magloire's last game on January 18th versus the Oklahoma City Thunder, he did have season highs in both points, with 13 and blocks, with two.

Could Magloire be finally turning his sour season around?

2) Will Alonzo Mourning make a comeback from last years disastrous knee injury?

Obviously, a combination of Joel Anthony and Alonzo Mourning would be a huge force to be reckoned with. The idea alone is mind blowing when you think of all the blocks and defensive stops the Heat could tally with those two guarding the lane. Time will tell...

3) Will James Jones ever be healthy?!?!?!??!

What was first conceived to be the biggest pickup for the Miami Heat over this past offseason has become a quest for meaning.

Jones has played in just three games so far averaging 5.7 minutes per game and that is about it.

Jones has managed to acquire no points, or steals and only one rebound in those three games. I wish him the best for his, and Miami's, sake.

This also begs the question, what would a team with a healthy James Jones look like? Hopefully in the second half of the season, we will find out.

Final Thoughts...

The Miami Heat are having a great season, but I can't help but feel like there is one thing missing from the championship feel of the 2005-06 Heat team.

Will the Heat forge together and follow through with Pat Riley's "15 STRONG" theme in an effort to run to the finals?

Do the Heat need that extra something to make them serious contenders (a true center, a trade for Jermaine O'Neal or a healthy James Jones)?

Can Wade muster up the will power and courage to put this team on his back and ride into another championship?

The answers are in the mind, body and souls of the Miami Heat players. So, let's hope that this Miami Heat team wants the championship as much as the 2005-06 team did.

MIAMI HEAT MID-SEASON PLAYER ANALYSIS & AWARDS

Mike Piccolo — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 17:34:34 -0500

Here we are approaching the mid-season point in this thrilling whirlwind adventure of a season for the Miami Heat. There's one thing that's for sure, the edge of my seat will never be the same again, it has been warn and withered to nothing from all these nail biters and thrilling endings thus far! Since this season is filled with so many amazing and magical moments, I felt it only be right to make some Miami Heat awards for this exciting Miami Heat team. Well, although my chair and fingernails didn't make it, I'm glad to report that my fingers can still type so the show must go on. Let's get to these awards shall we.

Begin Slideshow

Dwyane Wade: The New Superman of South Beach?

Mike Piccolo — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 03:06:57 -0500

Sure we all know of Dwyane Wade's nickname, "Flash," but I have to say, after the first 16 games of the season, he is looking more like another superhero.

Let's evaluate. Flash was an amazing superhero, sure, but was he one of the elite superheroes of the Justice League just as Dwyane Wade is one of the elite superstars of the NBA?

While Flash was fast, he had no other attributes that really caught people's eye. Therefore, Dwyane Wade couldn't possibly be "Flash." Wade is not only a scorer, but a versatile monster as well.

Along with leading the league in scoring at 28.4 points per game, Wade also is among the league's top 11 in blocks per game (1.7), top three in steals per game (2.44), top seven in assists per game (7.4) and top nine among guards in rebounds per game (4.8)!

Now after analyzing the beckoning question at hand, I ask you, "Which superhero would you compare Dwyane Wade to?" Sorry, Shaq, but only one would do Wade justice...Superman.

Is there a new Superman of South Beach? Stay tuned, Heat fans, but the forecast right now is Sunny with an 80 percent chance of making the playoffs.

Miami Heat: Early Starting Line-Up Analysis

Mike Piccolo — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:51:48 -0500

Well, Miami Heat fans, here it is! An analysis on the positives and negatives of each player in the Miami Heat starting lineup up to this point (Game 12 of the 2008-09 NBA season).

PG: Mario Chalmers

Positives

I really can't express how much I like this rookie. A favorable steal on draft night, Chalmers is a rookie starting point guard, which is very hard to come by. The Miami Heat have really landed a solid up-and-coming point guard who could potentially become a star in this league.

Mario possesses great offensive and defensive skills, as well as a great understanding of where and when to be aggressive to the basket, or pass the ball to an open teammate. His field-goal percentage is on the rise, and so is his confidence. Keep an eye on this rookie—he is a special one.

Negatives

There is only one to report. Mario has been a little too anxious to steal the basketball and play the passing lane, which can shake up the defense a little bit. However, he also has averaged two steals per game—I guess you can take the good with the bad on this one!

SG: Dwyane Wade

Positives

Dwyane Wade is one of the elite players in the league. The most remarkable thing about Wade is that he has improved in basically every major category this year. A former NBA Finals MVP and a sure MVP candidate this year, Wade is impressing just about everyone—including himself.

His strong defensive skills he has shown over the first 12 games of the season are astonishing, averaging two blocks per game and 2.5 steals! As for his offense, 28 points, eight assists and five rebounds say it all.

His fearless drive to succeed and presence of greatness he brings to the court every game make the players he plays with better and more motivated to win. With an attitude of reckless abandon, and a constant drive and need to score, Dwyane Wade is the heart and soul of this Miami Heat team.

Negatives

Sometimes Wade isn't just the heart and soul of this team—e is the whole team. This could potentially lead to injury and serious fatigue as the season wears on. Also, his turnovers have gone up slightly, now approaching four a game. However, the ball is in Dwyane's hand 90 percent of the time he's on the floor, so go figure.

SF: Shawn Marion

Positives

Shawn Marion is a great scorer, and an asset to the more up-tempo game that the Miami Heat have grown accustomed to as of late. Shawn's defensive skills are astounding and a huge asset to the defensive mindset coach Erik Spoelstra has been preaching to his newly-renovated and revamped Miami Heat team.

Negatives

Shawn's numbers are down in almost all of the key categories that make him a great player. This can partly be blamed on the face-mask that he had to wear for the last few games.

In fact, Monday night’s game was this first game in 4 games that he did not wear the mask. He proved the mask was the reason for his declining numbers, putting up 20 points and 14 rebounds while shooting 10-17 from the floor.

Shawn Marion is what I'd like to call the "X" factor on the Miami Heat. Is this a positive or negative thing? At the moment, I will leave it as a negative—until he can prove himself consistent.

PF: Michael Beasley

Positives

Beasley is one of the most-talented rookies—if not the most-talented rookie—in the 2008-09 NBA Draft. It was a concern on draft night that his age and maturity may come into play during the season, but so far so good! Beasely has proven himself to be NBA ready, not only making it into the Miami Heat's starting line-up, but also receiving major minutes.

An ambidextrous scoring machine, at age 19, with his talent for scoring and rebounding, is what some might call a "one in a million". Look for Beasley to continue to grow and get better, possibly even exploding at the end of the year, and to average 20 points and 10 rebounds.

Negatives

Beasley, no matter how talented, is still 19 years old. So I have listed this fact in the positive as well as the negative section. We will see where this should be listed as the season goes on.

C: Udonis Haslem

Positives

One of the most-underrated players in the game, the Miami Heat’s captain has been having one of the most preeminent seasons of his career. Haslem is a major presence defensively on the boards, and as a solid jump shooter. He has become Dwyane Wade's "go-to guy".

Haslem is a double-double threat on any given night. He possesses a love and passion for the game of basketball which is remarkable to watch.

Negatives

Udonis Haslem is only 6'8" and is the starting CENTER for the Miami Heat. Yes, this is a major negative. He is very often outsized, and this could pose to be a problem down the road for the Miami Heat.

Miami Heat Early Analysis: Contender or Pretender?

Mike Piccolo — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:38:03 -0500

Looking back on the first 12 games of the 2008-09 season, I can’t help but analyze the Heat's progression.

Yes, it's early in the season, with 70 games to go—but hey, let's break them down anyway!

When looking at a team such as Miami, many strengths and weaknesses come to mind.

The Miami Heat first and foremost are one of the NBA's most talented squads, but is talent enough nowadays?

I think it's time we answered the age-old question, “Does size really matter?” In the NBA, the answer just may be yes.

While very talented, the Heat are majorly undersized compared with many NBA teams. This is a huge problem—especially when talking about the center position. Miami's starting center, Udonis Haslem, is an amazing player, but he is only 6'8". This could pose to be a significant problem as the season progresses.

Analyzing the numbers from Miami's first 12 games, I can't help but notice one key factor. When the Miami Heat hold their opponents to under 100 points, they are a perfect 6-0. On the other hand, if Miami allows their opponents to score over 100, they also have a perfect record—in the loss column, at 0-6.

In many of these losses, Miami has also been outrebounded by their opponent.

Looking past this obvious height and rebounding dilemmas, the Miami Heat also have three key members of their team injured.

Let's start by talking about Shaun Livingston. This guy can straight-up ball! The organization has confirmed that he is healthy enough to play—however, he sits on the bench. No doubt this is because the Heat do not want to rush his return.

Livingston himself has complained of some soreness and swelling after practice, but the most important obstacle Shaun will face is gaining back his explosiveness—which is what helped him make a name for himself.

Next up is James Jones. Can you say anticipation? This is a three-point shooting machine who can shoot the three from basically anywhere on the court! When Jones returns to the lineup, watch out NBA—Dwyane Wade has a gigantic answer for that double-team opposing coaches just love to counter him with.

Also, Jones will be the last piece of the up-tempo offensive puzzle coach Erik Spoelstra has so impressively put together.

Last, but certainly not least, is Jamaal Magliore. Magliore was saved for last because he is something of an enigma. While Magliore answers the Heat's desperate need for size at the center position—and in the line-up in general—will Jamaal answer much more than that?

He has been pretty much silent for the last two years. His career has been on a downward spiral after the 2003-04 NBA season, when he posted career high numbers and was named to the All-Star team. Is Magliore a one-hit wonder, or will he prove to be a diamond in the rough?

Miami has a great team with versatility and potential. Will the Heat's potential blossom, and the point guard dilemma be solved, as it has been over the first 12 games?

The one area that the Miami Heat must look into is the center position. This will be the final piece of the puzzle for the Heat. Miami has a great chance to make it to the playoffs and beyond if they can tackle this issue. If Magliore does not prove to be the answer in a month or so, the Heat will be forced to make moves and look elsewhere for a center—or take a major gamble with their small line-up.

This season could be a great and prosperous year for the young and energetic Miami Heat. Stay tuned.

Miami's "Wadeing" Pays Off: Dwyane Wade Is Back

Mike Piccolo — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 02:44:05 -0500

There's 5:48 left in the fourth quarter...the New Jersey Nets are up 83-73. It looks like Miami has just earned itself another notch in the loss column to go below .500 on the season.

A grumble in the crowd begins...is there anyone who can step up and save the Miami Heat from a surefire loss? No.

"BUT WAIT! WHAT ABOUT DWYANE WADE?"

"Ehhhhhh, I don't know, he doesn't have that fire anymore, that passion, that all or nothing to him. His best days are long gone."

Then, that switch, that uncanny "take over" switch Wade possesses that has been broken for two years finally turned back on.

Not only did Dwyane Wade take over this game, but he looked good doing it. D Wade managed to score 19 points in the fourth quarter to allow the Miami Heat to come back from an almost insurmountable deficit to the New Jersey Nets, winning the game 99-94.

Just by watching Wade's mannerisms and play on the crowd, you could tell he was back, and he was having fun. I think there is no question in anyone's mind after his late game heroics that he is back to 100 percent.

Actually, not only back, but back to 2006 Finals form, if not better.

Hey, is it possible that this is the best Dwyane Wade we have ever seen?

Over the last four games, he has averaged 31.3 PPG, 7.5 APG, 6.25 RPG, 3.25 SPG, and 1.5 BPG.

Any way you look at these numbers, they're incredible. The best part of Wade is his versatility. He can dunk, make a circus layup, draw the foul, pass, and shoot from basically anywhere now that his three-point range is on target.

Oh yeah, did I mention Wade had four three-point field goals, including one from 28 feet in last night's victory? The Miami Heat have entered into a new era of basketball.

Get ready for the ride of your life this season, Heat fans. You sure have earned it after last year. Enjoy, and...LET'S GO HEAT!

Miami Heat Ready to Rise to the Top Once Again

Mike Piccolo — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 11:17:33 -0400

As the Miami Heat get ready for their preseason tipoff, I can't help but make a prediction about the upcoming season.

We have all seen the offseason moves and chances that the Heat have taken, but will they pay off?

The answer, I believe, is yes.

Miami has made huge headlines and major waves since the end of their worst and most-disastrous season in their short history in the league. Moves including drafting one of the best and most NBA-ready talents in years, Michael Beasley, and picking up for basically nothing one of the most underrated rookies on draft night, Mario Chalmers.

But this was just the tip of the iceberg. The Heat went on to make many major acquisitions, such as James Jones—and my personal favorite, former lottery pick Shaun Livingston.

After the offseason moves, here is a look at what may potentially be the Heat's starting lineup:

PG: Shaun Livingston/Mario Chalmers

SG: Dwyane Wade

PF: Shawn Marion

SF: Micheal Beasley

C: Blount/Udonis Haslem/Magliore

I really don't see how this team could miss the playoffs. With this much talent and the leadership of one of the best players in the league, Dwyane Wade, there is no doubt in my mind that, barring injury, this team will rise to be one of the most-feared and powerful teams in the Eastern Conference.

My predictions are as follows:

The Miami Heat will finish first in the Southeast Division, with a 51-31 record.

The Miami Heat will finish second or third in the Eastern Conference, behind only the Boston Celtics and possibly the Detroit Pistons.

Looking into the playoffs, however, is another story. With Dwyane Wade on the team, they could easily slip into the Conference and/or NBA Finals. This is why I feel that the sky is the limit for this amazing team.

The Miami Heat have the world in their palms (no pun intended). What they do with it is up to them.