I have strong doubts. I've been very optimistic about this team, but I just don't see it. I just don't see a POSSIBILITY of this team being better than Detroit in a few months, and good enough to win one or more games on Detroit's floor while taking care of business at home. There's no question that we're the third best team in the league, but I don't think we're even on Detroit's level right now. I think we could hang with Detroit and stretch them to a seven game series, but we can't beat that team with this current roster. Not with sorry *** Antoine Walker. Not with Dwyane Wade having to take control of every game and be the only effective player in the entire fourth quarter [save Gary Payton, who surprisingly, has been the most consistent fourth quarter player on this team other than Wade]. Not with Shaquille O'Neal's laziness. Not with the lack of actually getting the ball to Shaq in the clutch. Not with Udonis Haslem's disappearing acts. Not with James Posey being ABSOLUTELY SPOTLESS unless he has the open three, which he doesn't even take all the time. Not with Shaq eating a #3 at Wendy's [triple cheeseburger], Biggie-Sized every night. Not with all these injuries.
It's sad to say, but trading Eddie Jones really killed this team. We had the defense, the veteran leadership, the chemistry, the shooters, the two star players, the supporting cast...everything. It's a real shame we couldn't of retained Damon Jones, kept EJ, and added Michael Finley and a point guard like Nick Van Exel, or even Gary Payton. I am very glad we picked up Jason Williams, but was it really worth it? James Posey has been a VERY inconsistent defender this year. I knew we were gonna get **** with Walker, but I thought J-Will & Posey would make up for it. Injuries aside, J-Will has been a fantastic player for us this year. When he takes the ball to the basket, he just opens up so much for the rest of the team. He's a wonderful player to have, and even though he's not a great defender, at least you can see the effort unlike when he was with Memphis and he had to split time with Eric Watson. I just wish we kept Eddie Jones and the chemistry this team's core had. We were what, 2-3 minutes away last year? In the lead, at home, in game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals with a VERY injured Dwyane Wade? Hah, I don't think this team will get that close with a HEALTHY Eastern Conference this year. Wait until you guys see how LITTLE Antoine Walker has to offer against a very smart Detroit Pistons team.
I am a true Heat fan, and I'll keep the faith - mostly because I believe in Dwyane Wade & Pat Riley [I'll never trust Shaq staying healthy and not being lazy]. But realistically, I'm looking at this as an NBA fan and not just a Heat fan. Detroit and San Antonio are simply better teams right now, and I don't see that changing in the Playoffs.
Seriously, I just wish Antoine Walker would disappear.....