Just another series for Miami Heat history! #Pacers #Heat

NBA Eastern Conference Finals have the defending NBA Champion Miami Heat facing their most stifling opponent of the 2013 NBA playoffs. The Indiana Pacers who most analyst are casually looking over has amassed the best defense in the Eastern Conference. David West and Roy Hibbert dominate the boards and control the paint both on defense and offense for the Pacers.

Pacers posses the NBA's best defense with young talent at both the guard and forward positions. Paul George NBA's Most Improved Player faces the associations reigning MVP LeBron James in a playoff series key match up. During the regular season George averaged 18pts, 7rebs, and 4.3 ast with heavy face time against arguably the leagues best player. It's a challenge that can be overwhelming  for the young 23yr old and first time NBA All Star. George's number one attribute will be on the defensive side of ball, "He's very athletic, with long arms and his anticipation is very good" according to James. George did a masterful job versus Carmelo Anthony in the previous playoff series limiting Anthony to 4pts in the 4th quarter. What's more impressive is the fact George held Anthony without a field goal in the 4th Qtr of games 3 and 4. As LeBron James is quick to mention "He also has a lot of help behind him they're the #1 defense for a reason".

Is Indiana's size and strength enough to provide a cold front and scour away the heat? Earlier this season I provided an article highlighting every reason why the Pacers were the only team in the Eastern Conference built to take advantage of the Heats weaknesses link provided below. Just to give a quick insight the Miami Heat are inefficient in two areas total team rebounding and offensive boards. Pacers excel in both areas ranked among the best in the association.  By the numbers Heat average 46.7 rebs per game vs Pacers 54.8 rebs per contest. Heat garner 8.3 offensive boards per game in comparison to Pacers 12.8 per. contest.

Outside of rebounding and defensive numbers Pacers offense is polar opposite from the Dwayne Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh led Miami Heat offense. Pacers offense is insufficient at times with long delays between baskets leading to one of NBA's worst (47.7%) FG efficient offenses. In comparisons the Heats 2012-2013 NBA regular season FG efficiency rate was 55.1% . Big difference like comparing apples to oranges.

Last seasons playoff series between Pacers and Heat was testy Heat took an early 1-0 lead with Pacers former NBA executive calling the Pacers players soft. The young Pacers responded winning games 2 and 3 in the series. In the 2012 playoff series were unforgettable moments starting Lance Stephenson's choke signal toward James in game 3 and the before game locker room search conducted by Juwan Howard.
This time around in the Eastern Conference Finals we should expect a more mature Lance Stephenson. Who recently had a 25 pt, 10 reb performance to finish off the New York Knicks in game 6.

Prediction: Miami Heat in 6 just too many offensive weapons and dominating figures for the Pacers to handle. Heat had awake up call versus the Chicago Bulls in the semi-finals and I think Frank Vogel was correct "Heat are just the next team in the Pacers way". Yes, I agree with the statement but I frankly don't see eye to eye with Vogel's outcome. To me it's "Just another series for Miami Heat history"!

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Dethroning the Champs: Miami Heat "Rules"

The NBA season has been great so far watching players, coaches and ultimately NBA franchises get ready for what we call the stretch run of the NBA season. As teams fight for a spot in the NBA playoffs there is one common denominator, one purpose and that is winning the NBA Championship. The trade deadline has passed and the blockbuster trades never materialized. Therefore the DNA of your favorite team is already set; remember the phrase "They are who we Thought they were". Well its true barring major injuries or dramatic increase in player level the type of dramatic increase that turns Joe Johnson into Reggie Miller  NBA teams are set.

Like the great Ric Flair once said "In order to be the man you have to be the man" and the 2011-2012 NBA Champion Miami Heat are currently storming the NBA on a 12 game winning streak. Dwayne Wade "W.O.W" or Way Of Wade is taking over 4th quarters and the Miami Heat look primed to defend their NBA Championship. So it’s not a matter of who will make the playoffs in the Eastern Conference, it’s who has the better shot of defeating the Miami Heat in the postseason. In the end it comes down to matching strengths versus weaknesses.

Deep analysis of the Miami Heat shows glaring holes in several categories 46.6 is the number of rebounds the Heat average per game ranking 30th in the NBA. Miami's Offensive rebounding percentage 22.5% allows opposing NBA teams to grab at least 77.5% of Miami's missed shots on the boards. Heat average a total of 8.5 offensive rebounds tied 28th with the Boston Celtics in the NBA worst in the Eastern Conference. Miami is able to combat these stats with an Effective 54.9% FG best in the NBA and low turnover rate of 12.9%. Miami's perfect storm would be a team that can apply pressure on defense forcing turnovers while controlling the glass. Perimeter and Paint defensive oriented teams with an effective offensive system. Reasons why the Boston Celtics with Rajon Rondo normally give the Miami Heat great intense battles.

Contrary to belief the Miami Heat only excel greatly in three out of eighteen major/sub stat categories Points per Game 103.9, Turnover % 12.9 and Steals 8.7. Heats moderately perform in two major stat categories Point Differential +7.1 and Effective FG% 54.9. Miami is great at making up their flaws in the post offensively with great perimeter play as well last season the Heat shot 35.9% from three point range this number drastically increased in the NBA playoffs against the OKC Thunder when Mike Miller and Shane Battier got "White Heat Hot" from downtown. During the 2012-2013 NBA season the additions of Rashard Lewis and Ray Allen has increased the Heat's three point percentage to a scorching 39.1%

While the Miami Heat has several flaws mostly in the post/ paint it would take a multi-faceted team in order to dethrone the NBA Champions. List of Eastern Conference playoff teams with the ability to create havoc in the playoffs and strip the Heat of another NBA Finals appearance is slim. Here's a list of playoff teams with the ability to control the post defensively and offensively Indiana Pacers, Brooklyn Nets and New York Knicks fit the bill here. Defensively the Heat could struggle against a defensive and aggressive Indiana team Pacers lead the NBA in PPG Allowed 89.6 other notable Eastern Conference playoff teams include Chicago  Bulls 91.6, Brooklyn Nets 94.8, Boston Celtics 96.1 and Atlanta Hawks 96.2. Only three playoff bound teams hold opponents to a worst FG% Indiana Pacers 41.3%, Chicago Bulls 43.4% and Boston Celtics 44.1%.  Once we look at the overall Adjusted FG% which shows the effectiveness of the opponents offense versus the defense only the Pacers 44.5%, Bulls 46.7%, Bucks (8th seed) 48.2%, Celtics 48.2%, Hawks 49.2% are same or better than Miami Heat.  Once again the Heat combats these issues with effective offense and unmatched intangibles in LeBron James and Dwayne Wade.

Eastern Conference playoff teams prove that defense is the call Miami Heat’s offense sets them apart and beyond the rest of the pack. Heat average 103.9 ppg , 49.7 fg% and effective 54.9% fg rate. New York Knicks average 100.1 ppg but the offensive system is only generating a 44.3 fg% and Miami's defense is more effective due to lack of perimeter pressure. Atlanta Hawks DNA proves they have a good offensive system with Jeff Teague at the point and Josh Smith and Al Horford controlling the post generating a 46.3 fg% and Effective/ Adjusted 51.9 fg%. Issue for Hawks terrible home court more Heat fans in Philips Arena than Hawks fans you can actually hear the "Let's Go Heat Chants" drain out the announcer saying "Defense" when Heat have the ball, secondly Josh Smith and Al Horford always look overwhelmed by James and Wade being on the same basketball court. Injuries to Rajon Rondo and Derrick Rose eliminates the Celtics and Bulls, I wonder what the Bulls offense would look like versus the Heat with a healthy Rose in uniform.  Brooklyn Nets offense despite Deron Williams at point guard are terrible 95.2 ppg, 44.1 fg% and 49.1 effective fg%. Brook Lopez and Reggie Evans undoubtedly have the ability to control the post offensive/ defensive but where is Williams and Johnson?

 Indiana Pacers represent the Miami Heat’s greatest defensive threat but lag far behind in all offensive categories 94.0 ppg, 43.4 fg% and 47.6 Adjusted/ Effective fg%. Middle to end of the pack NBA free throw and three point team. Since the All-Star break the Indiana has outpaced their offensive season averages posting 125pts v. Knicks, 114pts v. Pistons, 90pts v. Pistons and 108pts v. Warriors opening up to a 4-0 start after the break. Former All-Star Danny Granger is back from injury and the Pacers seemed posed with all the potential to threaten the Miami Heat if the offensive explosion continues. Most of all the Pacers don't seem fazed by the intangibles LeBron James and Dwayne Wade.

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Greg Oden "The BIG Anemic" Returning to NBA...

Greg Oden the "BIG Anemic" is returning to the NBA. According to news sources around Cleveland Ohio the anemic one is close to a two year deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Akron Beacon Journal reported Oden signing with the Cavaliers after the February 21st trade deadline. Oden has been working out and a third year team option is attached to the deal.

(Sam Forencich/Getty Images)

Cavaliers are currently $4 million under the cap and exploring several different trades to revamp a roster around young NBA superstar Kyrie Irving. Last week Oden's agent Mike Conley Sr. confirmed to the press that Oden had been working out/ meeting with the Cavaliers. While several other teams including the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics have been very interested in signing Oden. The Big Anemic is ready to stay home in his native Ohio and play for the Cavaliers. 

Minus injury concerns Oden and Anderson Varejao could form a great one-two punch in the post with Marreese Speights coming off the bench. If Cavaliers find success between now and the off season of 2014 LeBron James could have a lot to think about before resigning with the Miami Heat. 

Oden's last appearance in a NBA uniform was during the 2009 NBA season. Drafted in 2007 his career has been plagued with multiple severe and serious knee injuries. According to Sports Illustrated " Prior to that round of surgeries, Oden also had left knee surgery in 2009 after fracturing his patella, microfracture surgery on his left knee in 2010 to address a “defect” that occurred during non-contact rehabilitation work, and a microfracture surgery on his right knee in 2007." Since rehabbing Oden has moved back to Columbus and attended Ohio State finishing his degree. 

FYI:

1.) Greg Oden is 25 years old

2.) Agent Mike Conley Sr. is father of Memphis Grizzlies PG Mike Conley

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2012 Men's Team vs. 1992 Dream Team Debate Continues...

Via Sports Cipher X 

The London Olympics have finally kicked off from Olympic stadium in beautiful England the firework display was a treat. Watching and viewing the Queen and the James Bond skit was wonderful and to the unbelievable remarks given by American Presidential candidate Mitt Romney. All is safe in peaceful in the beautiful surroundings of London. Now the battles and competition can start as old rivalries continue China vs. Japan Mens Gymnastics and great rivalries coming to a end Michael Phelps vs. Ryan Lochte in Mens Swimming. The Women's competitions of Allyson Felix  (USA) vs. Veronica Campbell Brown (Jamaica)  and of course one of our favorites Australia vs. Great Britain for Medal "Lord of the Rings" medal count supremacy. 


Yet, one debate rages on, a debate so debatable that legends have spoken out and we will never truly experience the outcome. It's the debate of the 1992 USA Olympic "Dream Team" the greatest team ever assembled in the sport of basketball vs. the 2012 USA Mens Basketball team. Debates and conversations from Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Charles Barkley describing how the 1992 Dream Team will never be touched on the court to Kobe Bryant and "now" LeBron James quoting that the 2012 Mens Team could beat the 1992 version. 


The original Dream Team led by Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird defeated Olympic opponents by an average 43.8 pts and a gaudy number even for a team full of NBA Hall of Fame players. The international competition was not the same compared to 2012.  International players have evolved in the sports of basketball over the last two decades and Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski agrees when asked about the difference. Krzyzewski is also Head Coach at Duke University and was an assistant coach on the 1992 Dream Team that dominated the world in Barcelona. 

So even with improved international play omitting the 43.8 pts per game winning average the comparisons between the two teams continue with the question of what would have happened had the 1992 Dream Team faced the 2012 Men's Team led by Bryant, James and Kevin Durant. Navigating the roster the #1 weak spot for the 2012 Men's Team is the depth chart. Team USA 2012 players have been hit with a rash of unfortunate injuries Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, Blake Griffin and Dwight Howard have all been removed or replaced on the Men's Team for the 2012 Olympics. 


#2 Weak spot the interior post game, the Dream Team was comprised of several dominating big men. David Robinson, Patrick Ewing, Karl Malone and Charles Barkley a list of the greatest power forwards and centers to ever set foot on any basketball court. To compare the down low post game of the 1992 team to the 2012 squad would be cruel and down right murderous. 2012 Men's team post players include Tyson Chandler, Anthony Davis and Kevin Love serviceable players on NBA teams but not 1992 Dream Team qualified. 


The two weak points listed are just an example of why the debate that continues to fuel fire should be extinguished with liquid hydrogen. The only real question is with the high level of competition would the Dream Team average more 20 point wins vs. 40 point wins if faced with the Marc and Pau Gasol's of Spain or the Manu Ginobili and Luis Scola Argentina. How far has international competition gone and where is it going. I agree with the words of Bryant when addressing NBA Commissioner Stern's comments of a 23 and younger team "only" being allowed to enter the Olympics. "It's a stupid idea," Bryant told reporters. 


Truly with international players Tony Parker (France), Anderson Vareajo (Brazil), Serge Ibaka (Spain) etc... the USA fielding a 23 and under team would be ridiculous and put the USA at a great disadvantage in an American dominated sport. 

Bottomline: 1992 Dream Team would out perform the 2012 USA Men's Team, International competition has increased around the globe and a 23 yr old and younger USA Men's Team is no Dream Team for America it's stupid, it's a nightmare. The last and only Dream Team to ever play was in 1992 all other teams are simply USA Men's Basketball Team's.


Of course this last statement must be added NBA 2K we have a request to help with some of the virtual debates. "In honor of the 2012 London Olympics, JMC Sportsbook would like to propose a valuable 2K13 feature include the Dream Team and all the USA Men's Teams since 1992 for the soon to be highly anticipated sports game of the year NBA 2K13 just a thought"

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Miami Heat: LeBron James "The King Has Arrived"

     LeBron James finally gets to wear his crown after the Miami Heat defeated the "Young Thunder Cats" OKC Thunder in the 2012 NBA Finals. This calls for a lot of jubilation in Miami and most notably cements LeBron James legacy. The most anticipated and heralded athlete in NBA history has grown from a prince into a KING. To steal a quote from the Great Muhammad Ali "THE KING IS HERE, THE KING IS HERE" LeBron James is definitely a bad man.

     Criticized for not winning in the big moments, criticized for excepting the spot light but not delivering in the moment, chastised for being just a little bit too uncomfortable finding his role in Miami. Welp don't look now but the King has arrived! Short comparison: Michael Jordan had to grow in order to defeat the Bad Boy Pistons before obtaining his legacy and King James had to defeat his immaturity and bad stigma to finally wear the Kings robe. No LeBron James was not the King the last 9 years good player MVP yes but KING no King's wear rings. Now LeBron has his ring, now the LeBron jokes about the 4th quarter is done its over. 

      LeBron James master NBA Finals performance 28.6 pts, 1.6 spg, 7.4 apg, 10.2 rebs, 82.6 ft% and 47.2 fg% will go down as possibly the best game to game NBA Finals performances of all time. LeBron James was consistent in all 5 2012 NBA Finals games while accepting the challenge of guarding one of the youngest and brightest stars OKC Thunder's Kevin Durant. King James 3rd NBA Finals appearance was the charm as the greatest athlete on the planet finally harnessed the demeanor and attitude of a Prince ready to take the throne. 

     So what happened during the 2012 season that allowed LeBron James to take the throne? look no further than the leadership of Dwayne Wade. With nagging injuries hampering Wade during the 2012 NBA Season LeBron had the opportunity to prove that he was the same phenom and NBA MVP that departed the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2010. LeBron took the Miami Heat to another level starring in the same "KING to Throne" role he played in Cleveland. The phenom dominated the basketball court and returned to the paint, his home driving and crashing the boards controlling the paint with aggression. Wade the elder statesmen noticed the impact and decided to take a step back while mentally growing forward. Leaders know when to lead and leaders always allow others around them to grow in order to achieve victory. 

    Look for the dynamic duo LeBron James Batman   King James, Dwayne Wade Robin Flash, Chris Bosh and the Miami Heat to be one of the GREATEST teams ever assembled in NBA history. Great is not just a saying it reflects what you've done. "LeBron James is now a great his done it". Now in 2012 King James has taken his place on the NBA throne and surpassed the hype.

     LeBron James we criticized you because we knew you were more, we criticized you because we believed, we criticized because we realized your greatness before you could mentally accept it and most of all we criticized you because we loved you. Congrats to LeBron James "THE KING IS HERE, THE KING IS HERE" and his definitely a bad man NBA fans take note "The King Has Arrived"...

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Miami Heat: LeBron James NBA Royalty?

On this day in history May 4th 2009. LeBron James won his first MVP award edging out Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant (698 points), Miami's Dwyane Wade (680), Orlando's Dwight Howard (328) and New Orleans' Chris Paul (192). With the award LeBron James became the first NBA MVP in Cleveland Cavaliers history. 

During the 2008-2009 NBA season LeBron James averaged (28.4 ppg, second in the NBA), rebounds (7.6 rpg), assists (7.2 apg, fourth), and steals (1.7 spg, eighth). LeBron James career record pace not only set James as the NBA MVP but made him a apart of history becoming the fourth player to lead his team in scoring, rebounding, assists and steals, while also leading his team to 50-plus wins (Larry Bird 1985-86; Grant Hill, 1996-97; Kevin Garnett, 2002-03).  Leading the Cavaliers to an NBA best- franchise best 66-16 season. 

LeBron James 2008-2009 credentials included leading the league in triple-doubles (seven) and became the 12th player in NBA history to record three-consecutive triple-doubles (March 7, 10, 12). In his sixth season, James became the ninth player in NBA history to have at least five consecutive 2,000 point seasons.

Th following season LeBron James won his second consecutive NBA MVP award carrying the Cleveland Cavaliers to a league leading 61-21 record. That season the Cleveland Cavaliers teamed LeBron James with Shaquille O'Neal during the offseason. LeBron's 2009-2010 NBA season produced one of the greatest player statistics in NBA history. LeBron averaged 29.7 pts, 7.3 rebs, 8.6 ast, 1.6 stls and 1.0 blks during the 82 games schedule.

Fast forward to the 2011-2012 NBA season and LeBron James is once again playing the best basketball in the NBA. James now a member of the Miami Heat has elevated his game playing next to Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh in "South Beach" Miami. The Miami Heat ended the regular season with a 46-20 regular season record. LeBron James 2011-2012 has clearly defined his role in South Beach as "Batman" averaging 27 pts, 7.86 rebs, 6.23 ast, and 1.89 stls.

So LeBron was right his going to win not 1, not 2 but at least 3 NBA MVP trophies. With his 3rd MVP trophy LeBron James will join the elite in NBA "first class" only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Russell, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Wilt Chamberlain, Larry Bird and Moses Malone as players who have accomplished the feat of 3x MVP. The only item missing from the resume and trophy case of the former 2003-2004 NBA Rookie of the Year is an NBA Finals Larry O'Brien Championship trophy. Regardless of this fact LeBron James is the best NBA player in the Association.  

In my opinion LeBron James is 8 Championship trophies away from being the Greatest player in NBA history. Yes, 8 is a lot but Michael Jordan was 6-0 in Finals competition and James has to make up for the 0-2 Finals record he posses. Also the great Bill Russell won 11 NBA Finals so LeBron James the most gifted athlete in NBA history has to add the missing piece to his trophy case 8x. Is it possible?

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Miami Heat: LeBron James no substance just talent!

LeBron James arguably the most talented athlete the NBA has ever offered. LeBron's ability to jump, shoot, run, stop and pop, soar for a dunk and block a shot is unreal. A player of LeBron's natural talent comes around once every 20 years. Favorable comparisons with the likes of Oscar Robinson, and Magic Johnson is once in a lifetime event.

The truth about LeBron is the sports world loves him, he is the NBA's Golden Son born to fly and win championships but something is missing. Lebron's actions leave many fans and sports media supporters feeling disappointed. Disappointed because we appreciate King James, we have mass aberration for the Kings talents. The problem is our expectations of King Jame was so high that many of us feel disappointed when a player of his talents fails to win a Championship, losing twice in the NBA Finals, and failing to hit key game winning shots.

Watching the 2012 NBA All Star in Orlando Florida, I now believe the fans and media reporters believe more in LeBron than King James believes in himself. (Exhibit A) NBA fans believed LeBron talents could take the Cleveland Cavaliers to the NBA Finals and LeBron achieved that goal because he believed. NBA fans and journalist believed in 2011 that LeBron could have carried the Cavaliers to multiple NBA titles but unfortunately LeBron opted out of Cleveland signing a new contract with the Miami Heat because he stopped believing. Media outlets ESPN, NBA.com and others around the world believed last year before the NBA Finals that LeBron was better than Dirk Nowitzki.but somewhere during the NBA Finals LeBron failed to believe.

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We thought LeBron wanted to be a leader, we believed LeBron was "Batman" looking for his own "Robin" to compliment him on the court. We were wrong LeBron instead aired "The Decision" choosing to become "Robin" to Dwayne Wade's "Batman". When LeBron arrived in Miami fans argued over who should take the last shot for the Miami Heat but LeBron failed in his attempts choosing not to believe.

Recently during the 2012 NBA All Star game Kobe Bryant believed LeBron was ready to give us a
 "mano a mano" moment, a one on one classic between LeBron and Kobe for an All Star game winner. Instead LeBron opted out of creating the moment throwing an errant pass, problem? (yeah you guessed it) LeBron chose not to believe. After the play the world watched Kobe snicker brushing his broken nose asking LeBron " what are you doing?" Even Kobe believed in LeBron more than LeBron believed in himself. When Kobe was whispering those words to LeBron while Carmelo and Wade watched it confirmed to us before our eyes that LeBron is missing that "it' factor". Maybe it's mental, maybe LeBron should talk to Dr. Phil.