Summer Times 2007

BY MICHAEL EISENBERG

What happened this year to the 2005-2006 Miami Heat champions? Did they lose power, strength, and unity that they once had? Although, it may seem like the Heat have a great team, think again. Half of the Heat team was filled with veteran players such as Gary Payton in his 16th year of NBA Basketball, and Shaquille O’Neal in his 14th season. These veteran players could not compete with the young bunch of Chicago Bulls in the playoffs.

“The Bulls totally outplayed the struggling Heat, “said Miami Heat Fan Lane Hacker.

These mighty Bulls brought some fierce play to the table. The Miami Heat were unable to compete with their young talent. Something needs to be done in order to turn the Miami Heat back into champions. But what?

With big names on the market this year such as Chauncey Billups, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, Jason Kidd, and Jermaine O’Neal., the Heat must make a big move.

“I think that they need someone who is going to step up and provide some scoring and defense,” said Hacker.

Whether it is a forward, guard, or center, the Heat need some young superstars. The veteran players are not providing enough support for the team. Antoine Walker although only 31 years old, plays more like he is 50. Gary Payton has already earned his championship ring with the Miami Heat, so he plays a laid back type of game. Last but not least, Jason Williams. Every other week this player is facing some type of injury such as leg, back, or knee pain. Considering the fact that the Heat have two of the oldest guards in the NBA, they need to come up with a strategy to catch a young guard.

Rebuilding is the only way that the Heat can win a championship again. If the Heat do not change the look of their team, don’t look for them as fierce competitors in the 2008 playoffs. Pat Riley, head coach of the Miami Heat, must take control and come up with a solution. Forget about looking for the big names that were once good 10 years ago. Look for the young players that could easily run 48 minutes down the basketball floor. Riley has the ultimate decision whether he wants the Mami Heat to be champions again,” said Hacker.