Miami Heat Hatred: 1 Player on Each Team South Beachers Can't Stand

There's always that one player on an opposing team who fans love to hate.

Whether this is because of something he said, something he did or the way he performs, fans just don't like him.

After LeBron James famously took his talents to South Beach, the Miami Heat and their trio of superstars have been subjugated to vitriol from around the league.

Let's turn the tables and pick one player from each roster that Heat fans could live without seeing.

Atlanta Hawks: Josh Smith

Although Joe Johnson has led the Atlanta Hawks in their three previous games against Miami, it is Josh Smith who should worry Heat fans.

Smith’s three-game averages against Miami include 11.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.67 blocks.

The preps-to-pros star has explosive leaping ability and is one of the game’s best weak-side defenders.   When motivated, Smith plays with a tenacity and effort that is contagious and most evident on the defensive end.

Smith attacks the basket without fear and is brave enough to do anything to give his teammates a spark—and when I say anything, it includes this dunk attempt.

Although J-Smoove is a 14.7-point career scorer, he has the ability to drop 30 on any given night. 

Boston Celtics: Rajon Rondo

Kevin Garnett has been the heart and soul of the Boston Celtic defense since he arrived in 2007; however, it is Rajon Rondo who Heat fans should fear the most.

In their five previous regular-season games, Rondo has averaged 12 assists. He was also the leading assist-er in four of the five conference semifinal games last year.

Rondo’s ability to push the ball and see the floor makes him the catalyst of Boston’s offense. 

Seeing how the Celtics currently rank third overall in points allowed and 26th in points scored, if Rondo can go back to last year’s form and create good shots for his teammates, Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen could all find themselves shooting near 50 percent against the Heat once again.

Charlotte Bobcats: Gerald Henderson

It’s pretty slim pickings when it comes to a four-win Charlotte Bobcats team, but my vote would be for Gerald Henderson. 

In their two regular-season meetings against the Heat, Henderson has done a little bit of everything when it comes to stuffing the stat sheet.  His 14.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, three assists, 2.5 steals and one block don’t measure his court awareness and effort.  See how the former Duke product uses his head to prevent LeBron from scoring on this play.

If Henderson can hone his athletic ability and translate it into his offensive game, look for the Bobcats to be much improved in coming years.

Chicago Bulls: Derrick Rose

Some fans may still be bitter at Derrick Rose for beating out James in last season’s MVP race, but they should focus on the present and not the past.

Similar to last season, Miami may find itself matched up against the Chicago Bulls during their playoff run.  If they hope to repeat their success, they must contain the All-Star point guard.

In their four previous regular-season matchups, Rose has averaged over 30 points and more than eight free-throw attempts.  

This means that not only is Rose scoring, but he’s also getting Miami players to commit fouls.  Once he’s at the line, the pace of the game slows down—which prevents the Heat from running in transition.

Rose possesses a deadly crossover and an even scarier spin move.  His ferociousness in the air while attacking the basket is parallel to LeBron.  I doubt Miami fans have forgotten this explosion in last year’s Eastern Conference Finals.

Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving

The heir to King James’ throne is Kyrie Irving.  The No. 1 pick of the Cleveland Cavaliers has already faced the “Big Three” three times throughout his rookie season.

The results have been impressive.

In these matchups, not only is he leading his team in scoring at 16.7, but he's also contributing 4.7 rebounds, four assists and 1.33 steals as well. 

Once Irving develops more consistency in his outside shot (8-for-8 from three-point range in the Rising Stars Game), he will add another threat to this team’s struggling offense.

James was once considered as the “poster-child” of Cleveland, but he has since been replaced.  It would be wise for Heat fans to keep track of his development, since he is so closely linked to LeBron.

Dallas Mavericks: Dirk Nowitzki

Although Miami has won the only rematch between the two teams since the NBA Finals, I’m sure Heat fans still either really appreciate Dirk Nowitzki, or really hate him.

I’d bet that the majority went with the latter.

After winning the Finals MVP Award in South Beach, Heat fans still hate Dirk.

During that six-game series, the Germanator averaged 26 points, 9.7 boards and 7.7 free throw attempts, while converting 98 percent of them.  Not only did Nowitzki hit clutch shot after clutch shot in the closing moments of Game 6, he did it in a fashion that will resonate amongst Heat fans until they win a championship.

Dirk’s uncanny ability to make difficult off-balanced jumpers definitely doesn’t sit well with the Heat faithful—who had an extended offseason to mull what could’ve been.

Denver Nuggets: Ty Lawson

The Denver Nuggets have undergone a complete transformation from the team they had last season.  No longer is Carmelo Anthony the player that the Heat should fear, but rather Ty Lawson.

As the starting point guard, Lawson is the catalyst for this Denver team and has proven to be extremely efficient against one of the league’s top defenses.

In their only meeting this season, Lawson scored 24 points, dished nine assists and shot seven free throws.  He only missed two of his 11 field-goal attempts and didn’t miss anything within the three-point line.  His ability to penetrate deep into the key allowed for five of his teammates to shoot over 54 percent from the field.  As a team, the Nuggets posted a collective 55.1 shooting percentage.

Detroit Pistons: Greg Monroe

Although Austin Daye had an impressive performance against this year’s Heat team, it is center Greg Monroe who fans should fear.

The defensive tenacity that James and Dwyane Wade provide on the perimeter is unmatched by post players Chris Bosh and Joel Anthony. 

The drop-off in the middle is what allowed Monroe to score 20 points, grab 10 rebounds, get three steals and block one shot, while shooting 57.1 percent from the field.

It’s obvious that Bosh and Anthony aren’t equal as defensive forces when a second-year center makes his case for Most Improved Player against a team that allows 94.4 points per game.

Golden State: Dorell Wright

Monta Ellis has put together some impressive numbers against Miami in their three previous contests; however, his 17 turnovers are proof that he can’t handle Wade’s defensive pressure.

Stephen Curry sat out their only matchup due to injury and didn’t fare too well against them last year.

This leads me to a name that Miami Heat fans should be familiar with—Dorell Wright.

In his first year with the Golden State Warriors, Wright more than doubled his top scoring seasons with Miami.

After spending the first six years of his career in South Beach, Wright has learned the intricacies of Wade’s game and has an in-depth knowledge that his teammates don’t have.

Since Wright was one of their own grown, any success that he has against the Heat can be seen as bittersweet.

Houston Rockets: Kyle Lowry

LeBron James is constantly in the MVP discussions due to his overall production. 

Well if you were to give James the MVP, you should give Houston Rockets guard Kyle Lowry an Academy Award for Best Impersonation.

In their two meetings last year, Lowry averaged 18 points, seven rebounds and eight assists, while posting an astounding 5.3 assist-to-turnover ratio.

This season as a starter, Lowry is averaging career highs in nine different categories!

His isn’t the biggest name on the Rockets, but should be one that Heat fans remember.

Indiana Pacers: Roy Hibbert

In their past two games against the Heat, the Indiana Pacers have five players who are averaging between nine and 13 points per contest.

Surprise!  Danny Granger is not one of them.

It’s actually Roy Hibbert, who leads his team in these contests and also averages 8.5 boards, one block and only 1.5 turnovers.  His 52.2 field-goal percentage once again proves the inadequacies of Anthony and his primary backup, Udonis Haslem.

Los Angeles Clippers: Chris Paul

If anyone watched the Heat’s January 11^th overtime loss against the Los Angeles Clippers, they would point to DeAndre Jordan’s 11 rebounds and six blocks or Chris Paul’s 27 points, 11 assists and three steals as the key to LA’s victory.

Since Paul is the main reason why DJ doesn’t have to take a shot from outside the key, I’m choosing him as the player Heat fans hate to see.

CP3’s intelligence, vision and control is what makes him the league’s best point guard and is what allows him to get away with silly plays like this.

Los Angeles Lakers: Kobe Bryant

This one’s easy, right?

Even if the Miami Heat were to win this year’s NBA Championship, the Big Three would still trail Kobe Bryant in the jewelry department. 

Although King James has consistently won the battle of statistics throughout his career, he still has nothing to show for his efforts.

In a way, Miami fans can thank Kobe and the Los Angeles Lakers.  If it weren’t for them, Boston wouldn’t have put together such a formidable team, which in turn may not have motivated Wade, James and Bosh to coalesce.

Kobe’s pedigree and numbers speak for themselves.

If these two teams were to meet in the Finals and the Lakers found themselves trailing by one with possession and 10 seconds left, how many Heat fans would confidently say “brick!” as Kobe releases the ball?

I’m guessing not many.

Memphis Grizzlies: Rudy Gay

The Memphis Grizzlies lost Zach Randolph four games into the season and are in playoff contention thanks to Rudy Gay.

Gay is averaging nearly 19 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists this season, however it’s his versatility that has made the team more dangerous than last year.

Similar to James, Gay has spent time playing the power forward position.  In a game against the Heat, his interchangeability would allow Memphis to match up well when Miami employs this strategy.

Not only is Gay underappreciated as a scorer (All-Star snub), but this new-found talent to play the 4-spot makes him overlooked on defense as well.

Milwaukee Bucks: Brandon Jennings

In three games against the Big Three, Brandon Jennings has missed more than two-thirds of his field-goal attempts; however, he still manages to average 22 points.

How?

By getting to the charity-stripe over seven times per contest.

Along with his four rebounds, six assists and 2.67 steals, Jennings is also the main reason why Mario Chalmers has averaged four fouls and 4.7 turnovers in their matchups.

If Chalmers finds himself in foul trouble against the Milwaukee Bucks, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Jennings' shooting percentage spike upwards in a matchup against rookie Norris Cole.

Minnesota Timberwolves: Kevin Love

Kevin Love is only player who ranks in the top four in points and rebounds.

In his last three meetings against the Heat, Love has shot over 52 percent while turning the ball over a little more than twice per game.

He causes havoc in the post by rebounding with an aggression that few can match, yet can extend defenses with his Three-Point Contest-winning abilities.

The only post player who is as diverse and skilled as Kevin Love might be Pau Gasol, but ironically, Love doesn’t come with a “soft” label.

New Jersey Nets: Kris Humphries

Yes, Deron Williams is the New Jersey Nets’ best player, however, I don’t believe there to be a player who has been booed more than Kris Humphries.

Forget the fact that he posted 25 points, 12 rebounds (five offensive) and three steals in a meeting earlier this season.

While his play on the court should be enough to warrant Heat fans’ boos, it’s his play off the court that has caused them.

Around the nation, Humphries has been heckled for his 72-day marriage with Kim Kardashian. 

Whenever he’s introduced in opposing arenas, he’s booed.  Whenever he touches the ball, he’s booed.  And whenever he steps to the free-throw line, yup, you guessed it.  He’s booed.

New Orleans Hornets: Eric Gordon

There isn’t much to choose from here, but I’m going with Eric Gordon.

In his first season with the New Orleans Hornets, Gordon is on pace to set career highs in minutes, field-goal makes, field-goal attempts, rebounds and blocks, however, this is largely because he has only played in two games.

As the main prize that sent Chris Paul to Los Angeles, it is clear in this small sample size that Gordon has the freedom to grow and expand his game.

If Gordon were to return for a matchup against the Heat, fans could legitimately gripe about his sudden health and ability to suit up.

New York Knicks: Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony is a name that his Olympic teammates should recognize. 

Similar, but not to the same extent as Gordon, Melo has suffered from a variety of ailments that have caused him to miss extended action.

Along with Kevin Durant, Anthony is considered to be one of top scorers in the NBA.  He has the ability to shoot the trey, drive to the basket and use his strength near the blocks.

His offensive repertoire is more complete and well rounded than that of both LeBron and Wade.

This falls in line with the “Kobe Effect”—where Heat fans just hate to see what they don’t have.

Someone else who received consideration for this slot was Jeremy Lin, but people actually cheer him for beating their home team.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Kevin Durant

If Melo isn’t the league’s best scorer, then Kevin Durant is—which makes it no surprise to find him on this list.

Not only do the Oklahoma City Thunder share the league’s best record with the Heat, but they also have the primary threat to LeBron’s MVP chances.

Although the two teams have yet to face each other this season, Durant has averaged 31 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.5 steals and 11.5 free-throw attempts in their two previous regular-season matchups.

His size and length make it challenging for even the NBA’s best defenders to stop him.  Even on a cold-shooting night, KD can still do damage by getting to the foul line, where he is nearly automatic.

His unselfish demeanor and ability to hit clutch shots is something Miami can squawk at during the NBA Finals.

Orlando Magic: Dwight Howard

After reading this far into my list, you should be able to tell where I think Miami’s deficiencies lie.

The majority of the players on the list are post players or point guards who have made a living in the paint.

Since both the Heat and Orlando Magic reside in the state of Florida, it’s almost unfair for Miami (who has almost everything) to lack in the center department.

Dwight Howard is the premier center of the NBA.  No one can match his strength, his stature, his personality or his presence.

In the last six matchups between these inter-state rivals, D12 has averaged 18.5 points, 16.3 rebounds, 1.67 blocks and over 10 free-throw attempts, while shooting above 56 percent from the field.

Simply put, he has dominated the Miami front line.

As Heat fans may tell you, All-Star Chris Bosh seems to shy away in these contests.

His 13-point average on 36 percent shooting is well below his season averages of 18.4 and 49.4 percent.

Whether it’s because of Howard’s intimidation factor, or the fact that Bosh expends more energy on defense, you’d think Miami would cheer about Howard’s expected departure from the team.

Philadelphia 76ers: Lou Williams

Although he doesn’t start, Lou Williams is the leading scorer for the Philadelphia 76ers.  His ability to provide energy and scoring off the bench is something the Heat have lacked.

Not only does Williams’ 15.1 point average rank higher than anyone on Miami’s bench, but it also covers Chalmers’ 11.1 average and dwarfs Anthony’s three points.

Even with All-Star teammate Andre Iguodala on the roster, it's Williams who leads the 76ers' principle of depth and balance.

Phoenix Suns: Steve Nash

Steve Nash may be one of the greatest distributors of all time, but don’t allow that disguise to fool you into forgetting him as one of the purest shooters too.

Both James and Wade have significantly cut back on their three-point attempts this season and have directed their aggression towards the basket.

In turn, this has provided Chalmers the liberty of shooting 4.5 threes per game.  And although he is converting them at a magnificent rate of 45.6 percent, can you think of anyone more suited to play the role of designated shooter (maybe Stephen Curry) as a point guard than Nash?

Portland Trailblazers: LaMarcus Aldridge

LaMarcus Aldridge has been a beast all year long—and in the two games against Miami last season, things were no different.

The All-Star power forward abused everyone Miami sent at him to the tune of 28.5 points, nine rebounds, four assists, one block and one steal per game. 

Not only was he effective, but efficient as well.  By shooting 53.5 percent from the field and turning the ball over less than twice per game, Aldridge has forced Heat supporters into a state of nostalgia—making them remember the type of contributions that Bosh used to give Toronto.

Sacramento Kings: Tyreke Evans

The tale of the tape between point guards seems almost unfair.

The Sacramento Kings boast 6’6”, 220-lb guard Tyreke Evans, while Miami has the 6’2”, 190-lb Chalmers.

Good thing basketball is a team sport because in a one-on-one match-up, Chalmers would get abused.

Not only does Evans possess the speed to keep up with his opponents, he has the strength and balance to walk his defenders into the key as well.

Even as a rookie point guard, Evans was drawing comparisons to LeBron as he averaged over 20 points, five rebounds and five assists per game— which almost fall in line with his career averages.

The former first-round pick is a defensive nightmare and can be considered the “LeBron James of point guards.”

San Antonio Spurs: Manu Ginobili

While Tony Parker and Tim Duncan have quietly kept the San Antonio Spurs atop the Western Conference, it is the man who is missing that should cause panic.

The man who disguises as a super-sub, Manu Ginobili, has been limited to nine games of action due to a nagging injury.

When healthy, he is a prime candidate for Sixth Man of the Year and is one of the craftiest players in the NBA.

LeBron has already witnessed Ginobili’s unorthodox style in the 2007 NBA Finals, where he got past a defender with this move.

With all the time that Manu has spent on the bench, it would be interesting to see what tricks and energy he has left up his sleeve.

Toronto Raptors: DeMar DeRozan

Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan is not someone Heat fans want to see, but rather someone they would want to see playing for them.

Miami leads the league in scoring thanks in part to their ability to turn any play into a fast-break opportunity.

The young, athletic DeRozan would be a dreamy fit in South Beach.  His quick-step and explosiveness towards the basket allowed him 25 points, three rebounds, three assists, two steals and this highlight in an earlier season meeting.

There are few who can keep up in the track meet that Miami runs, but DeRozan is definitely one of them.

Utah Jazz: Paul Millsap

While Joel Anthony has done a good job containing Utah Jazz center Al Jefferson, his teammates have failed at stopping Paul Millsap.

In the teams’ previous two meetings, Millsap has averaged 32 points, seven rebounds, 1.5 steals and a block as well.  His 70.0 field-goal percentage is largely boosted by his ability to get around Bosh on offense.

Millsap was the main reason why the Jazz were able to recover from a 22-point deficit on the road against this same team last year.

Washington Wizards: Jordan Crawford

The Washington Wizards feature a variety of talented young players in John Wall, Nick Young and JaVale McGee; however, there’s no nightmare that LeBron would prefer to live down than Jordan Crawford.

As a member of James’ very own Skills Academy, Crawford turned himself into a YouTube sensation with this two-hand jam over the camp founder.

This wouldn’t have been such a big deal in the public eye if Nike hadn’t intervened to protect their superstar’s image.

Without many players to fear, Miami fans could get on board with me and help ease one of their MVP's shortcomings.