Are LeBron James and the Miami Heat the Panacea for the NBA's Woes?

LeBron James and the Miami Heat are just what the doctor ordered for David Stern’s ailing NBA.  Love ’em or hate ’em, win or lose (which may not happen soon or often), the torpid talents of the South Beach crew are commanding attention and delivering some high-octane hoops hysteria.

Brother Stern’s media partnership, especially the New England component of it, has been hyping coach Eric Spoelstra’s modified football-based up-tempo philosophy. But this “new” style is rooted in the teaching of such coaching legends as Wooden and Auerbach and has been utilized to championship success by John Thompson (the original), Nolan Richardson (he called it “Forty Minutes of Hell”) and countless others at all levels of play.

In their two victories of the young season, over defending champion Dallas and perennial nemesis Boston, the Heat have forced the pace of play to the tune of over 100 possessions each time. In only two other of the 20 NBA games played thus far have the teams broken the century mark in possessions—Denver-Dallas on Monday and Minnesota-Milwaukee last night.

Clearly, athleticism—extraordinary athleticism—has been the signature attribute of this unit. James and Dwyane Wade (Wade's jumping seems particularly explosive nowadays) are simply physical freaks; Joel Anthony and Udonis Haslem provide an aggressive and challenging defensive presence; and the speed and quickness of rookie Norris Cole will have NBA scouts scurrying to Horizon Conference games in greater numbers, wouldn’t you think?

In last night’s emotional clash, when the Paul Pierce-less but gritty Celtics had clawed to within 108-105 in the final two minutes on a Keyon Dooling trey, defensive stops on three of the next four Boston possessions and a key Chris Bosh offensive rebound reduced the proceedings to a free-throw procession and a 115-107 final score.

Oh, and there was that Cole kid, who had this Baby Boomer Celtic fan wondering if Andrew Toney, the notorious Boston Strangler from Julius Erving’s heyday, had been athletically reincarnated.

After a first half played at a break-neck pace of 55 possessions, Boston coach Doc Rivers had his guys settling back into a 2-3 zone defense—yes, the Celtics—to off-stride the Heat, who had the C’s playing catch-up all night.

Curiously, neither LBJ nor D Wade has attempted a three-point field goal in either Miami game.  LeBron did put his new post-up skills on display a handful of times in the first half, both in the low box and on the wing.  On one occasion, he offered what appeared to be his version of the “Dream Shake” from the left baseline.

In truth, James looked more dangerous on that wing post, where his vision and passing skills come into play. Perhaps the Great One has been reviewing some Larry Bird game tape along with studying at the knee of Hakeem Olajuwon this extended off-season. (Maybe he can do a “Stay in School” PSA with his new mentor!)

That’s almost as scary as a resurrected Toney, at least in Beantown.

Commissioner Stern, as much as he may sincerely be wishing and working for a viable franchise on Bourbon Street, knows that his league is most fantastic when there are super teams. Are the Heat ready to become one such transcendent powerhouse, or is LeBron merely the one chosen to find a way to self-destruct?

Of course, it’s too early to tell, even in this shortened season, but we may have been given a hint early in last night’s game. About five minutes in, following a steal, LBJ was the victim of a “clear path” foul and consequently deprived of a roof-raising dunk. The Heat were on a run, already up by seven, but LeBron appeared annoyed by this turn of events. 

And when Boston had cut that deficit (which had grown to 11) to three at the end of the quarter, you could almost hear the naysayers striking up the “Same Old, Same Old” symphony. But the Heat re-grouped, maintaining a lead that peaked at 85-65 before Ray Allen and Brandon Bass fueled Boston’s late charge.

David Stern and LeBron James should share one resolution for 2012—to keep the high drama ON the court.

Here’s a thought. Chamberlain’s 1966-67 76ers went 46-4 to start their season, two games better than Jordan’s top First 50, four games ahead of Russell’s best pace.

Ready to join this rarefied air, boys?

And how ‘bout buying the Hornets and solving all the Commissioner’s problems?