In 2006, the Miami Heat proved a lot. They brought home the first ever NBA Championship in franchise history, they proved that D-wade can get the job done, that the Shaq-trade paid off and proved that the Superman of basketball can still lead a team to the top, and that Ol' Pat Riley still has got it in him.
But 2 years later, the so-called "15 Strong" of 2006, are now the "15 Wrong and counting" (NBA.com, 2008). You see, the Miami Heat has dropped 15 games in a row. FIFTEEN games. FIFTEEN straight losses. Well yes, considering that Shaq and Zo are injured, but this is still ridiculous for a team who won the Finals two years back and was a playoff team last year. I heard of bad teams from the past, but never heard a losing-streak like this. Damn, they are at the bottom of the Eastern Conference winning just 8 of their 41 games at this point of the season. Hell, the Knicks are having a better standing than they are. Now that is something! (haha)
Well, let us look at what the team has done. They brought in Penny Hardaway last off season, in which, they also waived mid this season (coming out of retirement was not a good idea after all penny). They also got Smush Parker who has done, uhm, well, nothing so far (struggled to find his shots and his spot in the team). They let James Posey wander off to other teams who is a great defender and shooter. (Well, Posey is happy with that move as he is with the Celtics now). In addition to that, the 3-point King, Jason Kapono is not with the Heat anymore, as they let him go to Toronto. And they traded Antoine Walker for Ricky Davis and MArk Blount. And who did all of this???
PAT RILEY.
Mr. Riley is the coach and the general manager of the team. Well, as a coach, i take my hat off to PAt. I heard about his name as a great coach since i was a kid. But, as a general manager, i think he has not done a good job. He has not created a better future for the team. They have a few young players ( D-Wright and Chris Quinn). They should do more something about passing torches. Some of his decisions proved futile as players who he was gunning for never stepped up to the level of his expectation. Maybe, a better solution for this is that the Miami Association find a better GM and let Pat do what he does best, coaching!
I think the season is over for Miami. With the All-Star Break nearing, and Shaq still hurt, i dont think they cant bounce back in the second half of the season. 41 more games remaining. It will be a Herculean task to make the playoffs this year. The best the Heat could do is plan for thier future, and begin their crusade for redemption next season. Better luck next time Dwade, and to you too Shaq - if you dont retire next year that is.
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Now that Shaq is in Phoenix, will Shawn Marion be another piece that will fit perfectly to this squad?
