NBA Predictions 2011: Will the Miami Heat Become America's Team?

As the 2011-12 NBA season approaches, it's time for predictions!

Season 2 of the Miami Heat's "Big Three" gets underway on Christmas Day and has many fans and skeptics voicing their opinion on the team in South Beach. Last year was hardly successful for the Heat, with the team being upset in the NBA Finals by the Dallas Mavericks.

How will the team fare in 2012?

With a year of chemistry under their belt and the pressure of their 82-0 dream season dissolved, 2012 should be a great year for the team everyone loves to hate.

But that's just it. Can the tide turn in the Heat's favor this year in the court of public opinion? LeBron James has already shed his "villain" role,  and Shane Battier is already cracking his million dollar smile. Dwyane Wade is as popular as ever, and Chris Bosh has packed on the pounds.

The Heat seemed destined to be not only good but great. They'll also look great doing it.

America loves winners no matter what form they come in. If the Heat continue to light up the highlight reel as well as rack up the wins, people will applaud them.

Things have settled from last year's circus. Reality has hit and people realize LeBron is not a Cleveland Cavalier anymore. Fans also realize the Heat can be the most exciting team in the NBA. If LeBron continues to do the right thing as it relates to his image, and Miami wins with humility, look for fans to sincerely cheer the Miami Heat.

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