There’s No Way Miami Can Beat Boston This Year
LeBron James, Dwyane Wade & Chris Bosh (photo. David Alvarez)
Let’s just put all the cards on the table. On paper, Miami’s new “Big Three” looks unbeatable. They have LeBron, D-Wade and Bosh, role players that should be able to fill in around them and an X on their backs for motivation. But in reality, it’s a long road to an NBA Championship. Are Miami’s offseason moves even enough beat the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference right now? The answer is absolutely not.
Miami now has two feature stars, something which the city hasn’t seen since Shaquille O’Neal was wearing HEAT across his chest. The reason Shaq and Wade worked so well together was because only one of them (Wade) needed the ball in their hands. Now that LeBron is in the picture, that’s a whole different ballgame. Looking at the Celtics’ offseason moves – Shaq, Jermaine O’Neal and three draft picks in Semih Erden, Avery Bradley and Luke Harangody – the Celtics have added much frontcourt depth which hindered them throughout the postseason. Not only do they have enough length and bulk to take on the Lakers (especially when Perkins comes back at full strength), but they will also dominate the Heat due to their lack of a quality frontline.
The Heat might be more talented, but without size, they will eventually fall short in the Eastern Conference Finals against Boston. Don’t get me wrong Heat fans – they will get their championship, just not this season. With an improved offense, more depth and a sense of urgency that time is running out, Boston will advance to the NBA Finals once again this season and show the Lakers why they’re the toughest team in basketball.
What do you think?
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September 16th, 2010 at 2:13 pm
JA says:
The Heat have a bit of front court depth, plus they might land Dampier now.
PF: Chris Bosh, Udonis Haslem, Juwan Howard, Shavlik Randolph
C: Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Joel Anthony, Dexter Pittman, Jamaal Magloire
September 16th, 2010 at 2:14 pm
Leoni says:
First…
September 16th, 2010 at 2:14 pm
Leoni says:
damn…
September 16th, 2010 at 2:14 pm
@LakersNation says:
Agreed . . . We want Boston one more time before they die for another 20+ years . . . No. 17 is OURS!
September 16th, 2010 at 2:16 pm
Andrew Macaluso says:
@ JA
I know they have some front court depth, but I’m stating that I don’t think what they have is more talented than the Celtics. I’m just not a fan of a team automatically being labeled as the best in the East when they have yet to do anything.
September 16th, 2010 at 2:21 pm
This_Will_Hurt says:
……..at not being able to count.
September 16th, 2010 at 2:23 pm
Chicagorilla says:
you are really reaching with this one Andrew. Sure Boston will be good, but their front line may not even make it to the playoffs! Between Shaq, JO, Big Baby, KG, and Perk….name one who will play all 82 games? Name one that could check DHoward or Bosh?
While Shaq is huge and should be able to stop Howard, he is lazy and his heart ain’t in it no more.
KG on the other hand, has the heart and isn’t lazy…but he is dragging that leg still. He’s done.
JO is a mix of KG’s injuries with Shaq’s lack of heart. He is useless.
Perk had no chance to begin with and has even less of a chance coming off injury.
Davis…nuff said
the rest of them won’t see the court vs the big 3 or Magic.
Doc Rivers would have to put together his best coaching job ever to get this front line to stop MIA or ORL.
September 16th, 2010 at 2:23 pm
Joe's Momma says:
Expect a lot of venom for this article AndyMac.
People are not going to like you saying this.
I disagree though. Who on that Boston frontline is an imposing presence anymore? Other than KG no one. Shaq will get his 12 points, JO will stick to his perimeter game. But will that break Miami?
Boston has a real big problem, really big. They can’t score in the 1/2 court. With all that individual talent, they still can’t seem to get quality shots when runnin their sets except for jumpers. No layups outside of lobs to KG or fast breaks. Even KG gets jumper happy. Pierce goes to the mid post often and thats it, no one else posts up regularly.
Their defense will still be good, I expect a slight dip with Tibs gone, but still one of the best in the league if they can help Shaq on screen rolls.
If Miami can slow the game down, they can win. Which means they have to play borderline great transition defense. Offensively they have enough talent and if they can get 90 points, they will win. I don’t see Boston winning many low scoring games against Miami.
September 16th, 2010 at 2:24 pm
JAY says:
100% agree.
Opposing teams will just dump the ball to whoever Bosh is guarding. In the playoffs I can see Bosh averaging just 30mins, maybe even less, due to the foul trouble he will experience.
September 16th, 2010 at 2:32 pm
Andrew Macaluso says:
@Joe’s Momma
That’s fine, but I’m still standing by what I stated. You just can’t write off the Boston Celtics over night, especially with what they’ve done and overcame the past three seasons. Everyone talks about Boston’s injuries, but what about when one of the Miami’s big three ends up getting injured? Dwyane Wade’s not durable, is this the season LeBron gets hit with a major injury? What then?
September 16th, 2010 at 2:33 pm
Cavalier says:
Andy – I wouldn’t say Lebron/Wade have ‘yet to do anything’. Wade won a chip and Lebron took a god-awful Cavs team to the Finals and multiple 60 win seasons. Miami will get another body to throw at the aging Celtics front court and that will be that. Boston is O-L-D and I don’t see how Allen/Pierce are going to be able to trade buckets with Lebron/Wade while guarding them on the other end.
Wake me in June for Heat-Lakers. Sigh.
September 16th, 2010 at 2:35 pm
QazQami says:
i’m a heat fan for a loooong time, living in south beach myself.. but i agree that the heat will fall short this season … but vs LA in the finals.. not vs boston.
the heat will win 3 or 4 ships in a row after this season tho : )
September 16th, 2010 at 2:36 pm
Andrew Macaluso says:
@ Cavalier
You completely misinterpreted what I meant by that. By me stating that they haven’t done anything, that meant by this year. They haven’t played together with their new team yet. I know what D-Wade and ‘Bron accomplished as individuals.
September 16th, 2010 at 2:37 pm
JA says:
I agree that Boston presents a decent matchup for Miami.
- Boston has a lot of size in the front court, and Miami is realatively weak there.
- Miami is weak at PG, and Rondo should be able to get into the lane at will.
If Boston can use these points to their advantage, and get Miami quickly into foul trouble, PP can go to work and live at the line all game. Of course if they don’t commit to the strategy fully, it will backfile (as Shaq/Rondo shooting freethrows will hurt them instead).
Plus KG historically eats Bosh’s babies.
September 16th, 2010 at 2:40 pm
derik says:
another typical “ANDREW MACALUSO” article, all i see is Lebron and Wade cramming all over the Boston’s “mighty” frontline. KG, Shaq and Jermaine is no longer great shot blockers anymore, not to mention Lebron and Wade are the top athletes in the league now.
September 16th, 2010 at 2:48 pm
JBaller says:
Great article Andy. I agree that crowning the Heat as Champs in the east or the league has been premature and even a bit sycophantic. These guys played together in the Olympics, and had great success, but the NBA is a whole different animal. So I agree with you, but not so much because I think Boston is so great, it’s just that this new Miami team is still an unknown variable. The whole is not equal to the sum of it’s parts, so we can’t just add up the big three’s stats from past seasons and assume that they will produce at the same pace while working together.
I actually think that Orlando has just as good a chance to take out the Heat as the Celts, and I would love to see SVG shut Pat the Rat up and send him back to retirement (I know that Spoelstra is still the coach, but Riley’s gonna be on the bench before you know it).
BTW I think Boston’s best pick up was Delonte “Bron’s step daddy” West.
September 16th, 2010 at 2:49 pm
Joe's Momma says:
Last year Boston was a sleeper. Anyone that says they picked them to get out of the second round is lying.
This year they won’t sneak up on anyone, they are the defending EC champs, and they will have a target on their backs. The only teams who will have a bigger target is LA and Miami(who haven’t done anything except talk, I call them the Jets of the NBA)
Miami is potentially a great team. I don’t know how well they will do come playoff time and the games count. Bosh never played in a meaningful game, LBJ has 2 second rounds exits. Wade has 2 first round exits. But together they are a monster. Defense will win. It is a toss up, but I still pick Miami.
Boston will be primed come playoff time. But I don’t see them getting past Orlando if they stick to what they have been saying the past 2 years and play a legit 4 next to Dwight. Dwight can’t grab EVERY rebound, Lewis is a tall shooter.
September 16th, 2010 at 2:49 pm
karizmatic says:
I have to agree that Boston is extremely deep in the frontcourt, however the question is going to be whether they have enough quality talent there when they have to play Miami. I think if Miami players get their chemistry right, and I don’t have any reason to think that they won’t, Boston will be hard pressed to stop them. I don’t think they’ll win a ring this year though even if they do get to the finals.
September 16th, 2010 at 2:53 pm
LakeShow84 says:
100% WID IT
I been saying this.. and also dont forget Mario chalmers will have to matchup with RONDO which spells TRIPLE DOUBLE for Rondo all over that match up..
The top 2 positions (PG & C) are in favor of the Celtics if and when they matchup..
@ ChiTown
Ummmmmmmmm Perkins checks AllStar centers all day.. hes probably one of the few defenders who DOESNT need a double dealing with Howard.. Perkins will lock out whoever plays C for Miami (which wont matter) but Shaq will probably be a big part of they offense by the playoffs.. Shaq will drop buckets on Joel Anthony no matter how old he is.. lol be real..
And as old as he is KG is still psycho enough to get under Bosh’s skin..
If anything i say Miami with Big Z, Magloire and Howard will have issues with frontline injuries..
Shaq will play limited minutes but wont be foolishly tucked away like he was with Brown and he should be fairly healthy for the playoffs.. Say wahtchu want about Shaq but is RARELY injured by the time the playoffs roll around.. which is always a big coincidence..
September 16th, 2010 at 2:56 pm
Diggity Dave says:
This is a joke. Wade, Lebron, Bosh are worlds better than Allen, Pierce and Garnett. Lebron won 61 games WITH a shitty team which did not feature Wade and Bosh as well. All the haters have an edge right now, since the season hasn’t started. It’s going to be sick.
September 16th, 2010 at 2:58 pm
Nizzio says:
You are right. That’s why I predict a Laker 3-peat.
September 16th, 2010 at 3:01 pm
JAY says:
@LAkeshow: “If anything i say Miami with Big Z, Magloire and Howard will have issues with frontline injuries..”
^^^ DAMN STRAIGHT!!
Even though Bosh is adamant he does not want to play center, he might have to. Maybe they’ll bring in Greg Ostertag or George Zidek to fill in for the fragile big men on that roster. Is Sabonis still walking?
September 16th, 2010 at 3:01 pm
SJ says:
Gotta disagree with this. They play each other four times, so just on chance they pull at least one V. I don’t see any team in the East with good enough D to stop DWade and LBJ on the court at the same time, let alone if they wish to pass the ball off to Bosh. I wonder how many teams put the doubleteam on Wade last year… and how many doubled up LBJ… what about Bosh? Probably not doubled, but occaisionally pulled a second defender? Anybody know?
I think size will be more beneficial going up against teams in the West than East.
I’m glad you didn’t plagiarize in this article, though.
September 16th, 2010 at 3:02 pm
Joe's Momma says:
All this talk about LBJ winning 60+ with $hitty teams, c’mon!
People were praising those teams as the “deepest team in the L” until they got popped in the mouth.
Stop flip flopping!
September 16th, 2010 at 3:04 pm
Sporty-j says:
Ok im going to make this short as possible. When the Heat played the Celtics last year that series could have easily been 3-1 in the Heats favor if we did not blow a 14 point second half lead in game 1. Game 3 the Celtics won by 2 thanks to Pierce last second shot over Richardson… Wade could not get any rest to have energy for the 4th and he still destroyed Boston by HIMSELF. You add a Bosh whos a drastic upgrade over soft no rebounding Beasley and Lebron who quit after game 3 because his teammates and front office did not tell him Mr. West was banging his mom. We are about to sign even more size with Dampier so the critics can shut up about our lack of size and you are saying the OLD-MEN Celtics are going to keep up with the Heat who could not stop Wade by himself lol. I Guess Shaq is going to Magical turn back the Hands of time. Im not even going to talk about the amount of rest the big 3 will get with Haslem, Da’Sean Butler, and Mike Miler comind off the bench… We will not lose 1 game per series each round and that includes the Lakers…
September 16th, 2010 at 3:06 pm
shawn361 says:
are you serious????? really boston has two washed up O’neals and KG is on one leg seriously after reading the headline i knew this was a joke just like whatever hater
and the only the boston we get this year is there social security benefits
keep on hating haters
September 16th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
jmg says:
ERICA DAMPIER is garbage. he wouldnt help the Heat more than any one on the roster now.
September 16th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
dan says:
Andrew
First Id say miami shouldnt be annointed champs of anything yet, but you are also making a huge assumption that boston will win the east again. Not saying they wont or didnt get better but you make yourself sound similar to everyone saying the heat will be champs.
second this “The reason Shaq and Wade worked so well together was because only one of them (Wade) needed the ball in their hands. Now that LeBron is in the picture, that’s a whole different ballgame.
correct me if im wrong but im going to make the assumption here that you think wade can be most effective. Wade was just asked to be that for the team, but I can assure you that he can be just as deadly off the ball.
September 16th, 2010 at 3:11 pm
Cavalier says:
Andy – “By me stating that they haven’t done anything, that meant by this year. They haven’t played together with their new team yet.” Doesn’t the same apply for the Shaq/JO frontcourt?
It’s a nice attempt to be bold and you got the discussion going but I think your logic is flawed. Alas, that’s why they play the games.
September 16th, 2010 at 3:14 pm
Andrew Macaluso says:
@ dan
I know how dangerous Wade is with and without the basketball, but I’m stating that now LeBron is in the picture they’re going to have to share and share alike.
September 16th, 2010 at 3:16 pm
ab40 says:
damp wants do. houston has offered him just that.
boston is gonna be a tough out for any eastern confrence team. attitudes are gonna be broken in boston and in miami.
btw orlando signed another old pf who can’t play
rudy fernandes has reportedly signed with barca that is if he is released you can see it here: http://www.eurobasket.com/Israel/basketball.asp?NewsID=203317
September 16th, 2010 at 3:17 pm
sh!tfaced says:
Good one, AM. Nice to see a rare write up not riding the Heat bandwagon’s ass…
September 16th, 2010 at 3:18 pm
Jah says:
Time will tell on this one. I want to see the C’s do well this year, but I am a Miami Heat fan (ever since the destruction of my beloved Seattle Supersonics and creation of something called the “Oklahoma City Thunder”) and WE WILL BE A PROBLEM.
September 16th, 2010 at 3:19 pm
Andrew Macaluso says:
@ Cavaliers
But which is the bigger topic of discussion? Shaq teaming up with Jermaine, or LeBron teaming up with Wade? It’s different for Shaq and JO because they’re going to come off the bench most likely and they know that their careers are coming to an end so they automatically knew their roles coming into this. Just because Wade and ‘Bron played together nicely in the Olympics doesn’t mean that playing together in the NBA for a full season automatically puts a ring on their hand.
September 16th, 2010 at 3:19 pm
LakeShow84 says:
That series will come down to Wade carrying them as far as he can..
The thing about Lebron is he DOMINATED the ball in Cleveland.. is he going to be as DOMINANT without it in his hands at all times?? Can he spot up and hit the 3?? can he work his mid range game?? can he play off of Wade??
DWade and Lebron play so similar to me.. Both streaky shooters who DOMINATE going to the rack.. Boston packs the middle so i can see Mike Miller and Eddie House having a big say if they make it past Boston..
Boston’s big 3 aint about alley oops and droppin 125 points on people.. they big 3 is about locking people up and winning the battle underneath the rim.. TOTALLY different from what Miami’s philosophy will be..
September 16th, 2010 at 3:26 pm
Nodizzel says:
OMG I’m so hype for the season! All this back and forth and not one game has been played!!!! I LOVE THIS SHIT!
September 16th, 2010 at 3:27 pm
egypt says:
I agree with this, but I’d like to point out one thing that no one seems to ever mention…
when wade and lebreeze are driving all day inside, they’re going to rack up a ridiculous amount of fouls on whoever is in the paint trying to stop them…. that might be just enough to keep bosh in the game and keep the opposing front court off it for stretches
September 16th, 2010 at 3:27 pm
JA says:
I have to say tho – as far fetched as a lot of AndyMac’s (is that what we’re calling him?) articles/statements are, they do tend to spark up healthy debates!
Plus he keeps the articles frequent, and spreads them over a lot of different teams.
Keep up the good work Andy … and we’ll keep on giving you a hard time!
September 16th, 2010 at 3:31 pm
Andrew Macaluso says:
@ JA
LOL! I appreciate it though, man.
September 16th, 2010 at 3:33 pm
JAY says:
@Diggity Dave: “Lebron won 61 games WITH a shitty team which did not feature Wade and Bosh as well. ”
The above logic is retarded. Obviously you give no credit to his former teammates.
So since you say he won 61 games w/ a “shitty team”… how many wins do you predict with guys who “are worlds better than Allen, Pierce and Garnett”?? 75-80??
Shitty?? Get real bro. If your answer is around 65, then he didn’t play with a shitty team.
Conversely, if u stick to your statement of his CLE teammates being shitty, then Wade and Bosh must be just a bit less shitty.
September 16th, 2010 at 3:45 pm
Sho-Nuff says:
Lebron NEVER had finishers like he has now. He’s not longer dishing the rock to Mo Williams, an all star by default and Delonte and an Varejo.
He’s drawing the D and dumping to Bosh (say top 30 player) and Wade (top 10).
Mo Williams doesn’t crack top 50.
September 16th, 2010 at 3:47 pm
JAY says:
What the?? “AndyMac”?? Not sure I like it. Don’t we always complain about how lazy today’s NBA nicknames have become?? I refuse to be just as lazy as the people we criticize.
Austin Burton = “AB”
Andrew Macaluso = “AndyMac”
Turrible…. Come on Dimers!!! We can do better.
September 16th, 2010 at 3:48 pm
Darius says:
interesting analysis. I have 2 do a lil bit more evaluations b4 i declare my 2011 Champ pick
September 16th, 2010 at 3:50 pm
JAY says:
@ShoNuff: “Lebron NEVER had finishers like he has now. He’s not longer dishing the rock to Mo Williams, an all star by default and Delonte and an Varejo.”
^^That’s a fair statement. To call them shitty is a totally different thing.
September 16th, 2010 at 3:53 pm
Chise says:
I cosign this article. People are just writing off the idea that the Heat’s post-defense will be non-existent. Boston will beat Miami in the ECF, and if Dwight develops any type of offensive game the Magic could eliminate the Heat too.
September 16th, 2010 at 3:55 pm
WinDelRoj says:
Just looking at the roster. If the Heat lose to the Celtics it will not be cause of the front court. Shaq is big and thats his advantage. JO, Harrangody and whoever else isnt greater than Big Z and Haslem. They got their own Big Baby in Pittman. Outside of Shaqs sheer size and KG being tougher than Bosh, Im not seeing the advantage the Celtics have. Rondo is a matchup problem that Miami can address with D Wade.
September 16th, 2010 at 3:56 pm
Sporty-j says:
Yeah a lot of people are also forgetting how many free throws we will be shouting thanks Mr. Stern and his Zebras. We will definitely lead the leadue in free throws and the bottom line is. Do you think David Stern is really not going to let my Heat make the Finals when he knows how much money they will draw especially if Durant does not upset Kobe and the Lakers. The ratings for the Heat game the first night of Oct 26 will be like Lebron making his decision again because everybody whether you like the Heat or not. Wants to see what those guys will look like together and rather it means judgement day for the rest of the league once the Heat comes to town…
September 16th, 2010 at 4:06 pm
nao diga says:
Dissing Orlando just a bit?
Depending on regular season records and play-off matchups, Boston and Miami may not play each other in the play-offs
September 16th, 2010 at 4:10 pm
DJ Leon Smith says:
Does Dime even have one online sub-editor?
September 16th, 2010 at 4:17 pm
Chicagorilla says:
@Lakeshow…Have you seen what happens when Perk is trying to check Howard one on one? He gets murked under the basket every time! Perk has to hope and pray that Howard is off and missing the little chip shots/hooks.
Shaq has the best chance at guarding Howard because Howard can’t get great position on him and the refs respect Shaq. But in the case of MIA, Bosh is throwing daggers in Kg’s face all day. Especially since you can’t double Bosh with Wade/Bron/Mike Miller/Chalmers on the perimeter. It’s a effing wrap son!
Bottom line is MIA will not have to worry about Bos front line scoring. And they will be in foul trouble because of Wade and Bron.
September 16th, 2010 at 4:22 pm
ZakMan says:
Ok… Yall C’s fans are stupid… I understand u gotta fight for the team u love, just dont do it on public places like this…
Just look at it from the heat’s point of view: no team could contain wade or lebron or even bosh for a full game consistently, so how are teams gonna defend all 3 together??? Imagine a wade-bosh pick and roll with wade driving, bosh rolling to the rim, and lebron going backdoor for the alley-oop! Unstoppable… And a couple of 40 year old centers is gonna change that?
Chemistry does take time, but they’ll be all set come the all-star break… Hell, the 3 will be building chemistry in the all-star game too! Lol
what really pisses me off tho is that u guys loved how KG and Ray Allen just walked in and won u a ring that year with an extremely similar evolution, but this year its gonna be different? With a much better, younger, more athletic big 3??? C’mon man
September 16th, 2010 at 4:23 pm
Ekstor says:
Don’t agree with everything here but my hats off to AM for going out on a limb and expressing a strong opinion.
That said, I think there’s one very underrated loss from last season for the Celtics that will hurt when facing the Lakers or Heat… and that’s Tony Allen. He was a key defensive stopper for them when facing Heat, Cavs, and Lakers. Speaking no behalf of the Lake Show, if Kobe is allowed to get off for 50% shooting, it will be very difficult for any team to stop the Lakers.
September 16th, 2010 at 4:26 pm
pooh jeter says:
they got west to make up for the allen loss. West is just as good a defender, a better three point shooter and ball handler, and has something on lebron that no one else in the league does.
September 16th, 2010 at 4:40 pm
NappySupreme says:
@ Andrew Macaluso
I dont think anyone is writing off the celtics yet, but their lack of frontcourt offensive options is pretty hard to ignore. Outside of Garnett, who can create for themselves in 1-1 situations? The celts offense is going to rely heavily on the perimeter(Pierce) and screen drive kickouts (Rondo/Allen). With Lebron’s improved D, and Wade in the passing lanes do you really see that working?
September 16th, 2010 at 4:41 pm
TheyCallMeSilky says:
@Pooh Jeter
Exactly Lebron has to respect step daddy!
September 16th, 2010 at 5:39 pm
heino skovgaard, denmark says:
pacers will surprise a lot of people……….
September 16th, 2010 at 5:39 pm
Tyrone says:
What are you smoking OP? Boston will be lucky to win 2 games in a 7 game series against the Heat. They’re clearly the best team in the NBA, get over it already.
September 16th, 2010 at 5:53 pm
HeatWave4Life says:
All of that “frontcourt depth” won’t help Pierce & Allen guard Wade & LeBron.
September 16th, 2010 at 6:16 pm
Andrew Macaluso says:
@ Dime Fans
I’m not a Celtics fan for the record, just giving credit when credit is due. I don’t think it’s fair to the Celtics to just be thrown under the bus all of sudden because the Heat signed a superstar and a star this off season.
I’ve taken a lot of heat since I’ve been here, but I thank everyone who continues to read my pieces.
September 16th, 2010 at 6:21 pm
King says:
We got the blueprint to stop them. Make them both shoot over the top and double. Neither are spot up shooters so the defense they used to know out lbj last year and in 08 as well as wade this past season will do just fine.
September 16th, 2010 at 6:21 pm
Tyrone says:
@Andrew. What? Signed a superstar and a star? Correction, they signed 2 superstars and to put icing on the top another top 10 scorer in Bosh. With your previous comment its almost as if you forget Wade is there too. Combination of those 3, sharpshooting Miller and House, tough Haslem Magloire Anthony bunch among other things and you have the best team in the NBA. Celts got OLDER not BETTER.
September 16th, 2010 at 6:37 pm
Andrew Macaluso says:
@ Tyrone
The reason I didn’t mention Wade is because I knew he wasn’t going to leave Miami in the first place. I couldn’t see him leaving the weather to go to another city that goes through long, cold winters.
September 16th, 2010 at 6:49 pm
Curtis G says:
First of all, think about the list you just named: Shaq, Jermaine O’Neal , Semih Erden, Avery Bradley, and Luke Harangody. First of all, let’s throw Bradley out as he is a SG standing only 6’2”, so I don’t know how he made it on the list of front court depth.
Of all of the big men left, only two have proven themselves on the NBA stage at a high level (both O’Neal’s). Another one has never played in the NBA (Erden) and wasn’t that phenomenal overseas. The last one is an unheralded (even if talented) rookie that might have trouble finding meaningful minutes at his position thanks to being behind KG and Big Baby at PF. Take into account that Shaq has a bad tendency to coast through the season and the oft injured Jermaine O’Neal seems allergic to any type of physical contact and I see a very dismal season for the Celtics’ frontcourt ahead. KG, Big Baby, and Perkins ARE the best frontcourt players the Celts have and everyone on your list are just fillers just like in Miami. Shaq will slack off less this year because Doc is the man and Jermaine, while still playing some inspired ball, just doesn’t have what it takes anymore to be the physical low post banger that Boston needs and is used to.
Overall, I’d take Miami’s supposedly less dominant and less physical front court of Chris Bosh, Udonis Haslem, Juwan Howard, Shavlik Randolph, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Joel Anthony, Dexter Pittman, Jamaal Magloire. In Haslem, Anthony, Pittman, and Magloire, you get serviceable big men that aren’t afraid to bang and, even more, they have some defensive pedigree to them. With Howard, Ilgauskas, and Bosh you get big men that keep defenses honest by stretching the floor with reliable shooting. Besides KG’s floor crawling and Perk’s mean mugging (which don’t qualify as defense), what front court person do the Celtics have that will play defense on anybody? Even more, what big man (outside of KG) do they have that can stretch the floor?
Furthermore, Shaq makes the Celtics more of a defenseless team with his apparent disdain for fighting through, rolling with, or picking up on defensive switches and this is problematic as Shaq stands to see the most time on the floor at center than any of the Celtics other centers (until Perk comes back). Overall, I see the Celtics still making the playoffs because, well, they’re in the East. It’s not that the East is that bad, but rather, it’s that the East is that wide open and I’d pick (and expect) a team with a proven track record like Boston to make the playoffs before I choose , say, Milwaukee. Miami might not win the Championship this year and they might not even win the East, but I am willing to bet they’ll be better than the Celtics.
September 16th, 2010 at 6:54 pm
RC says:
Celtics almost took the championship last season and it was theirs until the Lakers played one of the best defensive 4th quarters ever in game 7. That’s without Perks which is the starting center.
The Heat will win tons of games and might even win the championship this year. But I would still put them behind the Celtics as favorites. Although I want the Celtics to win one more time before the big three and Shaq retires.
1)Lakers
2)Celtics
3)Heat
4)Magic
September 16th, 2010 at 7:11 pm
LakeShow84 says:
Aye i like Chris Bosh too but be real has dude led his team to ANYTHING??
NO so hes a 2nd-3rd tier STAR.. Shit Tim Duncan and even Yao Ming have done more for teams in the WEST than Chris Bosh so it aint like the Heat got Gasol or Howard..
People swear those 3 going to be going into the season putting up the SAME #’s they did last year..
ALL 3 WILL NEED TO SACRIFICE PIECES OF THEIR GAME..
ALL 3 WILL NEED TO LEARN TO PLAY WITH EACH OTHER DEFENSIVELY..
ALL 3 WILL NEED TO ADD TO THEIR GAMES..
September 16th, 2010 at 8:50 pm
Dagger says:
Preposterous, hyperbolic claim: check (Boston could beat the Heat, but “no way?”)
Hardly any facts to support it: check (uhhhh the Celtics have big guys with big names and the Heat don’t have as many).
Clunky writing: check (“a sense of urgency that time is running out”)
Predictable controversy: check (66 comments).
Must be a Macaluso article.
September 16th, 2010 at 8:53 pm
Mayan Mike says:
Sure Boston is the team to beat in the east but after a long post season and being long in the tooth at key positions their entire outlook weighs heavily on their health. I just don’t see them getting in to June with out a key loss and again we’ll have to here Doc come up with “when our starting 5 is on the court nobody has beat us…”. Maybe next year… or make that maybe in another 20 years again.
September 16th, 2010 at 10:28 pm
Clayton says:
bostons far too old to defend miami
September 17th, 2010 at 2:19 am
Fertsy says:
Here’s how to evaluate the Heat…
If James is the #1 Heat player what team has a better #1 player?… Lakers – Kobe is the only one that can be considered. Durant can get there but not yet. The rest have big deficiencies (Howard) or got old (Duncan)
Now that means Wade is the Heat’s #2 player (switch the 2 if you’d like)
So which team’s 2nd best player is better than Flash? None… Miami is the only team with a legitimate MVP candidate as it’s SECOND option!
And when you get to Bosh, a high 2nd tier player in the league, there isn’t a third player on anyteam that comes close.
Yes the PG & C positions are weak… but MJ, Pip & Rodman had one-legged Harper & my man Luc Longley… MJ, Pip & Grant had BJ and old-man Cartwright.
3 guys can’t win alone but a 5 man unit headed by Wade, James & Bosh is better than anything in the league… the role players just have to do their job night in night out.
September 17th, 2010 at 2:21 am
S.A.C says:
@ Chicklet
Kendrick Perkins is actually one of the few players in the league that can guard Dwight Howard one on one.
He did already. That’s one of the major reasons why the Celtics won the Orlando series this summer.
Perkins did a great job on Howard the first 4 games (particularly the first 2 or 3)guarding him one on one.
This shut down the Orland three point shooters, while Howard wasn’t scoring big. BINGO Orlando loses the first three games (and don’t go by the score; cause they were blown out of the first three games by the third quarter, till Boston let them back in).
In a nutshell. If Perkins was on Miami. We wouldn’t be having this discussion. Miami would win the title (or come damn close with no point guard)outright!
September 17th, 2010 at 2:27 am
S.A.C says:
@ Shonuff
Hey Shonuff! How about Dwayne Wade top 1 2 or 3 (instead of top 10)? And Chris Bosh, top 10, 12 or 15 (instead of top 30)?
Man. You got some low as ratings/general categories for these 2 excellent players.
September 17th, 2010 at 2:36 am
S.A.C says:
@ Chicklets
Note: I said the first 3, 4 games (Boston Vs Orlando & Perkins/Howard) with my above post (to avoid any psychotic rants).
Howard did get his and was a factor eventually.
Howard played a lot harder, once the team got overtly criticized, people challenged his manhood and his offensive game (or lack of it), while he worked much harder and did a lot better (and scored some points and was a factor finally). But the team, also played better on a whole, with him those last 2 to 3 games.
Not sure how many Centers in the NBA could of did the job Perkins did on Howard.
September 17th, 2010 at 2:49 am
S.A.C says:
@Fertsy Says
Well written analysis on the 1, 2 & 3 options on the Heat Vs any other teams 1 2 3.
In regards to Boston. I love Miami on paper. I hope they win 6 championships in a row. But I wouldn’t be shocked if Boston knocked them out of the playoffs either.
The Celtics remind me of the Old Boston, Detroit and LA teams of the 80′s, early 90′s in this sense. Even though they are up there in age. They know how do win and they may have to torch/haze the young-ins/up and comers first, before they let go and walk away in the sunset. You know what I mean?
Their old. But there not as old as you think (Rondo, 24, Perkins, 24, Pierce, 34, Big Baby, 24-25, etc.). It’s Allen and Garnett that makes us think the Celtics are old and Allen’s happens to be in great shape, by the way.
It should be an interesting season? We’ll see!
September 17th, 2010 at 10:00 am
Sho-Nuff says:
In a 7 game series Boston needs the games spread out to rest. If the Heat turn up the tempo the Celtics are doomed. Their legs can’t handle a fast paced series.
September 17th, 2010 at 1:21 pm
S.A.C says:
And of course. Now Shaq (along with Allen and Garnett in the old folks home brigade). He’s Creaky! Lol.
But Perkins (at 24 yrs old) is still the starter at that position when healthy. 15-20 minutes of Shaq when Perkins is healthy (how fast will that happen), should suffice.
September 18th, 2010 at 4:16 am
Chicagorilla says:
@Ball S.A.C.
come on son. did you even look at the stats before you wrote that dumb ish?
Game 1 for Howard
3/10 FG, 7/12 FT, 13pts, 12reb, 5blks, 7 TO’s, 4 fouls 39min
Game 1 for Perkin
26min, 5 fouls, 2blks, 3stls
Game 1 Bos 92/Orl 88
Game 2 for Howard
9/13 Fg, 12/17 Fts, 30pts, 8 reb, 0 blks, 3 To’s, 4 fouls
40min
Game 2 for Perkins
16min, 6 fouls, 2blks, 2stls
Game 2 Bos 95 Orl 92
Game 3 for Howard
3/10 FG/ 1/4 Fts, 7pts, 7rebs, 3blks, 1 To’s, 3 fouls
40min
Game 3 for Perkins
23mins, 5 fouls, 1blks, 0 stls
Game 3 Bos 94 ORL 71
Game 4, 5, 6, Howard goes off so no need to post his stats
Games 4, 5, 6, Perkins
Much of the same from Perk, low mins, fouls, no effectiveness at all. only thing changed is that Howard is now attempting more shots and getting even better results.
So Ball SAC, if you don’t understand how to read these stats (and you apparently didnt watch the series) I’ll break it down for you.
Games 1-3 Perkins how a high number of fouls and while he did get a few blks or stls each game, He had no effect on what happened to Howard. Howards 7 TOs in game one was a product of Bostons’ TEAM DEFENSE. You’ll also notice Perk played nearly half the time Howard played. While nearly fouling out every one of those first 3 games. It was a known fact during this series that ORL didn’t go down low enough to Howard even when he was killing. they sat back and jacked up 3′s because Boston has a great defensive scheme of packing it in. Perk never in his life has a chance one on one with Howard. Howard may not be Hakeem on the blocks, but his drop step, power, and jump hook are pretty much unguardable when you are shorter and less athletic than he is (which is what Perkins is).
About the only thing I can say positive is that Perk wasn’t afraid to bang with him. Perk was actaully allowed to get away with some fouling too and still was in foul trouble.
Also, stop following me around from article to article trying to behead me or discredit me. Everytime you do it, you end up getting yourself treated. This post is just the latest in a long line of me making you look stupid. Then you got the nerve to try and earn credit by calling yourself a scout or trainer or whatever the fluck it was. As Zach Galifianakis would say…You’re a Ruhtard
September 18th, 2010 at 8:41 am
LAYZIE says:
Dear Dime,
Please,please,please…. fire Andrew Macaluso immediately for all of his article is non-sense and bias… before people start hating your mag.
September 18th, 2010 at 1:45 pm
tim says:
its pretty obvious how important a centre is. Lakers would’ve beat Boston n 2008 if they had AB, while Boston wuld’ve beat LAL if they had perkins in game 7.
September 19th, 2010 at 12:31 am
J says:
I still think it will be difficult for these three to maintain a high level of team chemistry through the years, or even 82 games for that matter. Something will come between their massive egos.
September 19th, 2010 at 1:20 am
phillyphill says:
who beat miami/wade & cavs/LBJ playoffs? bosh didnt even make to the playoffs! they maybe on one team but no one has seen them play yet! in this world talk means nothing,you have to beat the beat the best to be the best!
Bston knows whats coming and they arent just sitting around doing nothing,they will do what they gotta do to win. thats why boston has 17 championships and would have had 18 if it wasnt for perk getting hurt and REALLY BAD CALLS BY REFFS in the last 5 mins of the game! Even with that they only lost by 4
September 19th, 2010 at 8:54 pm
S.A.C says:
@ Chiclett
Once again. You are in a world of your own man. Lord Help Us! Defender of the Internet! Lol.
I don’t even have to respond. You really don’t know how much of an idiot you make your self out to be here everyday. You really don’t, do you!? I don’t think so!? LMFAO.
Do you know you’re delusional and myopically self absorbed?….. Nobody’s following you Chica Simian.
And it’s so obvious, by what you presented with those ECF stats, that really didn’t understand what people here were saying about Perkins, and that you really don’t follow basketball, understand good defensive low post play, Perkins role or the Celtics. Your such laughable Idiot! Geesh! So let me guess; you’re STAT MAN (Super Hero, said like BAT MAAAAN)!!
You are so think skinned. I never seen anything/one like this. I only responded to you previously when you said something good finally (as I’ve seen others do with you as well, when they were surprised, like me, to see you write something that actually made sense). Oh well.
If you say so!? Your a legend in your own mind Chica!
Now go to your room please! You’re not worth anymore Keystrokes Chick-Shit!
Yeah. You won. Gorilla Girl! Woooooo!! Friggin air head!!
Get a grip (analysis and a life)!!
September 19th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
S.A.C says:
@Chick-Lips
SMH vigorously.
I’m going to be as brief as possible. Cause you really don’t deserve a response on your so called stats/analysis (and the damn series is over anyway, while the Celtics beat Orlando to boot).
It’s very simple. The Celtics only needed to win one of the first two games in Orlando. That’s all they needed. If they did that. They’d have the edge.
The Celtic were not only able to do that. But the Celtics actually won the first three games, while only single covering Dwight Howard. They did this, when practically every other NBA team double teamed Howard and got burned by Orlando’s three point shooters.
Boston was able to hold Orlando to sub par three point shooting the first three games and build a commanding 3-0 lead, because of their ability to single cover Howard.
You’re stats are revisionist history and not worth responding to.
If you’re stats/premise were so true. Then explain why every commentator/writer who watched that series (and on here at dime) bemoaned the fact that Howard had no offense and needed more offensive moves, if you feel he performed so well Chica Dodo Bird!! Hah? Explain that?
Do you understand the nuances, schemes and game plans of these games/series Chick Grip? Obviously not!
You are such a simpleton!! Please. Leave us all alone.
September 19th, 2010 at 9:15 pm
S.A.C says:
@ ChicaChimp!
It’s obvious if Howard would of done his part on Perkins;various commentators, writers, bloggers and commentors, wouldn’t have complained about his in-ability to score on Perkins (or at all).
This is so clearly understandable, except by the likes of you. Just leave it lone Chick-Nit !it!!
Please! You’re embarrassing yourself. And I don’t want to be associated with you embarrassments. It’s not that important (Defender of The Rose and the Dime Mag Web Board).
I’m done. Move on to the next topic or the upcoming NBA season.
Leave it alone Web Stalker/Crawler!!