Miami Heat: Did Pat Riley Set Up New Model for Building NBA Teams?

There are indelible moments that redefine a sport.  Some are powerful and undeniable, like Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball.  Some are somewhat less tangible, but still significant, like when Michael Jordan, early in his career, crossed up Larry Bird before drilling a jumper in his face. 

One of those type of moments may have happened this summer in the NBA.

Heading into free agency, the Miami Heat dumped practically every asset they had to clear up money under the salary cap.  At one point, they had one player, Mario Chalmers, officially on the payroll.  It was an unprecedented move, precipitated by the fact they knew that several big-time free agents, namely LeBron James and Chris Bosh, would be available to woo. 

It was, however, a huge risk. 

Traditionally, good teams have been built through the draft and some trades.  Free agents, especially ones like LeBron James and Dwayne Wade, didn't change teams often.  And the reason was that they cost a team entirely too much money.

Championship teams were usually spread pretty thin where the salary cap is concerned, and small pieces here and there might be added for the mid-level exception, but that was about as far as it went. 

However, for players of the caliber of Wade, James, and Bosh, Pat Riley and the Heat were willing to think outside the box.  They were willing to challenge everything that has been said about building a winner. 

And you know what? It's probably going to work.

Wade, James, and Bosh are under contract for the next six years.  And the Heat were even able to acquire some nice complementary pieces like Mike Miller and Udonis Haslem, all while staying under the salary cap.  The Heat are surrounding those five with a mix of rookies and veterans who will play for the league minimum and a chance at a ring.  Or two.  Or more. 

The question facing the NBA now is this: Is this the new model for building a winner?  Every so often, strip your team down to nothing, and use the salary cap space to lure big-time players to form a superteam? 

Will this, in some cases, replace more traditional ways of building a team?  My answer is no.  This was a very unique situation. 

How often have two of the best three players in the NBA been free agents at the same time?  Some people seem to feel this is a seismic shift as to how things in the NBA will be done.  I don't.  There were factors that played into this that aren't likely to be repeated. 

The traditional ways of building champions will win out in the long run.  But there is at least a chance now that another team will try this formula again.  Assuming, of course, the Heat are successful.  So it might have opened the league up to new possibilities, but ultimately, won't be a trend setter.

What do you think about the Heat and their new school way of doing things?