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Even though I think Heat reach ECF I agree with you... Especially when people talk about how they matchup well with us.Am I the only one who just doesn't believe the new hype around Miami? I just don't see it... Yeah it's a good starting 5, but old man Wade has to preserve his fossils of knees until May and besides Winslow, your bench consists of Gerald Green and Josh McBob? Idk maybe I still have some lingering hatred for them but I just don't see this "Miami can knock off Cleveland" talk... Stephen A. is a douche
The Heat have a few major problems/unknowns:
1) They have no three point shooters, outside of Bosh, that aren't a liability to keep on the court for extended minutes.
2) Dwayne Wade is not the same player he once was. He's lost a bit of athleticism and he cannot function as a #1 options against most starting lineups.
3) The Hassan Whiteside hype. Hassan played very well last year, but, a lot of his numbers were empty. When you watched the Heat last year, Hassan just wasn't helping them win games.
4) Their bench depth is mediocre at best. Assuming Justice Winslow can't contribute at a high level this year, this will be problematic.
Ultimately, I find Spoelstra to be a really good coach, and I think 3/4 of these problems are solveable by coaching. I expect him to do the following:
First, The Heat won't rely on three point shooting. Expect them to play a very similar style to the Bulls last year. They'll beat you through post-ups and slashing plays. Second, Bosh is still a good enough player that he can be a #1 option. He can create his own shot on the perimeter or in the post, as well as creating opportunities from the elbow. Do not be surprised if Dragic/Bosh each have the ball in their hands significantly more than Wade. Finally, if Spo can help Whiteside continue to improve the Heat will be in a good place.
That leaves one major problem: lack of depth. Fortunately for Miami, this problem is widespread in the East. The only three teams (in my mind) that don't have this problem in the East are Cavs, Bulls, and Celtics. So ultimately, I see this being less of a problem.
Can the Heat beat the Cavs in seven games? I don't think they have a shot. The Cavs are way too deep and play a much more analytical style of basketball, which the Heat do not have an answer for. But, can the Heat win one or two games against the Cavs in a seven game series? Yeah, especially at home.