Miami Heat: 10 Potential Roadblocks For LeBron James and the Heat
The Miami Heat are the biggest reason NBA fans can't wait for the 2010-11 season to begin.
The fate of the biggest free agent coup in history won't be decided for months, but it's never too early to start making predictions.
Love them or hate them, it's impossible to ignore the tremendous job Pat Riley did in surrounding the LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh with solid contributors.
It's also impossible to ignore the questions facing the Heat. Ultimately, there has never been a blueprint for meshing three stars with a new cast of characters.
Here's a look at 10 obstacles the Heat could be forced to contend with before they are elevated to dynasty status.
No. 10: Shot Distribution
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NBA players aren't an easy bunch to keep happy. With two superstars in Dwyane Wade and LeBron James and a player who thinks he is a superstar in Chris Bosh, it will be very interesting to see how the ball moves next season.
For all his immense talents, the most reliable aspect of LeBron's game is his ability and willingness to set up his teammates. But will he be pushed into hyper-competitive scoring mode in an effort to show that he is the true alpha dog in Miami?
If he does, the results could have a huge impact on the Heat's chemistry. It could prevent them from making a run to the NBA Finals.
Wade is a scorer, pure and simple. He is likely to attempt around 20 shots per game, while LeBron and Bosh will attempt somewhere slightly below that number.
Most of Bosh's shots are likely to come off the pick-and-roll and on easy plays around the basket. That could be a source of frustration for a player used to being the focal point of the offense.
No. 9: Injuries
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The Miami Heat don't have an overwhelming amount of players with a long history of injuries. That doesn't mean the team will remain healthy for the duration of the season.
Although there is enough talent to withstand an injury to one of the big three, the health of the role players could be a critical factor in determining the outcome of the season.
Key contributors Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Mike Miller have a history of injuries and are aging. Mario Chalmers was limited by injuries last season and needs to stay healthy to give the Heat someone to chase around the likes of Rajon Rondo and Derrick Rose.
No. 8: Shooting
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When healthy, Mike Miller is one of the best 3-point shooters in the NBA. The problem is he is rarely healthy for an entire season.
Miller is a career 40 percent shooter from long range, but played in just 54 games last season and is entering the downside of his career. At 6-8, he isn't a total liability on the defensive end when he is in the game.
If Miller suffers an injury, the Heat still have Eddie House as insurance. House is a streaky shooter but is a poor defender.
Don't mistake Dwyane Wade or LeBron James for great shooters, especially when they attempt to spot-up for jump shots.
No. 7: Can Erik Spoelstra Handle The Madness?
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Erik Spoelstra is widely considered one of the NBA's best young coaches. He will certainly get the chance to live up to that reputation this season as he attempts to conduct one of the most talented teams in recent memory.
It might sound easy, but Spoelstra will have to manage the game while managing minutes. It will be on him to keep everyone happy and block out external distractions.
If things don't go well early, Pat Riley may come out of retirement from coaching and head back to the bench.
No. 6: The Men In The Middle
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The Chicago Bulls showed that you don't need a center to reel off a string of NBA Championships.
At the same time, the Bulls had a stronger defensive unit than the Heat and always managed to frustrate the likes of Patrick Ewing.
The Bulls also never had to face a player like Dwight Howard, who has a huge advantage against the men in the pivot.
The Heat would like to avoid playing Chris Bosh at center, but they might have no choice if Ilgauskas and Joel Anthony can't hold down the fort.
No. 5: A Lack Of Cohesion
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Unlike the Lakers or the Celtics, the Heat haven't played together and could experience growing pains as the season progresses.
The lack of cohesion might not be felt until the playoffs, when trust and chemistry become paramount in helping teams survive. Just ask LeBron James.
Miami's incredible talent could easily erase any such issues, but it won't be easy.
No. 4: An Improved Eastern Conference
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The balance of power in the NBA is shifting to the Eastern Conference, which still has its share of weaklings but also has at least three teams capable of challenging the Heat.
If Carmelo Anthony ends up in New York, that number could grow to four.
The Celtics have the experience and playoff pedigree of success that Miami lacks aside from Dwyane Wade and his dominant performance in the 2006 NBA Finals.
The young Chicago Bulls will certainly give Miami a fight, as will Dwight Howard and the Magic.
Don't put the Heat in the NBA Finals just yet.
No. 3: It's All So Easy
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Although the going will get tough in the playoffs, the Heat could easily coast through the regular season and win at least 60 games.
There will be routs, highlight-reel plays from almost every game, and plenty of marquee wins against upper-tier opponents.
And with success will come more confidence and bravado. The circus-like atmosphere could catch up with the Heat in the end.
No. 2: Distractions
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As soon as the signings of LeBron James and Chris Bosh became official the world turned its eyes to Miami, where the party was beginning in earnest.
As the Heat prepare for the 2010-2011 season, they are the talk of the sports world. The endorsement deals are coming next. The lavish celebrations have already been held on South Beach and in Vegas.
With everybody wanting to come along for the ride, it will be difficult for the Heat to stay on task throughout the season.
No. 1: The Clash Of Egos
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A point that absolutely cannot be understated is how exactly the pieces will fit together and if all parties will be happy with what takes place.
Both LeBron and Bosh are likely to defer to Wade, an unfamiliar and possibly undesirable role for both. Solid role players like Mike Miller and Mario Chalmers will became complete afterthoughts in the offense.
The buddy-buddy routine is compelling at the moment, but will it persist as the season gets underway?
Ultimately, expecting Miami to coast its way to a string of NBA Championships might be a bit premature.
