Couple Notes On The Heat - Piston Series...

And 1 · Star Player Joined: 12 Apr 2001 Posts: 2586

1) Congratulations to the Heat on making it to the Finals. They stand a very good chance to win it all.

2) For those who thought that Shaq couldn't return to a championship level of play (such as myself), we were wrong. I personally have a ton of crow to eat from a buddy of mine who's a Kobe-hater. My phone is ringing off the hook right now and I know that it's him because of the caller ID. I'll "man up" tomorrow and return his call.

3) Although it's hard not to argue that the Piston's implosion over the last two series isn't a ringing indictment on Flip Saunders, I find it more than interesting that Detroit looked an awful lot like the Detroit we all know and remember (i.e. the team that can't score to save their lives).

4) Congratulations to Pat Riley. He got the Heat focused and ready to play. I can't say that Stan Van Gundy would have been able to do the same thing.

5) More compliments for Riley...His blowing up the team and restructuring it debunks the myth that championship-caliber squads have to "gel" together over time to become cohesive. Riley knew that last year's Heat squad wasn't championship mettle. He knew that he had a limited window of opportunity and did what he knew needed to be done. I hope Kupchak was taking notes.

6) There's no way around it. Watching Shaq in the Championship series will make Dr. Jerry Buss look like the fool as the Lakers are not close to being a contender and are still in salary cap purgatory. No way this is gonna sit well with him - or his best player. Major changes will be forth-coming.

hoopschick29 · Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 7:10 pm Post subject:

I have to disagree with you on #6. Dr. Buss sees the Eastern Conference. That place is wide open, and this is the 2nd consecutive year that Miami has had a magic carpet ride to the ECF. The conference is terrible. I didn't think it could be any worse than last year. Guess what?? It got worse. 4 of the 8 teams flirted with making the post season with LOSING RECORDS. They knew, just like most of us should have known, that Shaq would have at least one good look at making it back to the finals. The question becomes, does Shaq have that same great look staying out West?? I don't think so.

So no, Dr. Buss doesn't look like a fool. That's how many may interpret it, but that doesn't make it so. He did what had to be done at the time because Shaq was done giving his all to this team.
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So glad we gave you your flowers while you were here, Kobe.

OnTheMove · Sixth Man Joined: 28 Apr 2005 Posts: 73

They can say what they want about the trade, it was a smart BUSINESS decision that should be made 10/10 times. Shaq has a couple of games in him but hes not the Los Angeles Shaq that we got to enjoy only difference is that Shaq chose to defer to Wade and wouldnt fantom it for Kobe. So whatever...good luck to them and props to Riley for executing his vision when everyone thought he was out of his mind.

tgf5 · Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 7:13 pm Post subject:

If Shaq stayed, he wouldn't have taken a pay cut, he wouldn't have lost weight, he would have requested more krispy kreme doughnuts during practices.

doughboy90650 · Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 7:17 pm Post subject:

And i think thats whats the frustrating thing. He got in shape for the Heat, but wouldnt do it here.

When he's motivated, hes still, even at 34, the best player in the league and still unguardable.

Typical Shaquille, coast during the regular season and show up when it matters.

And 1 · Star Player Joined: 12 Apr 2001 Posts: 2586

hoopschick29 · Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 7:22 pm Post subject:

WindConga · Starting Rotation Joined: 30 Dec 2003 Posts: 152

hoopschick29 · Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 7:26 pm Post subject:

lakers0505 · Franchise Player Joined: 23 Jun 2005 Posts: 10701

FuQ u Snaq

Sonicc64 · Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 7:34 pm Post subject:

F Riley
F SNaqeer
F Miami
F Wade.....

there that just about covers it.

Freakout · Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 7:40 pm Post subject:

I don't see the mistake. I would still trade him even if Miami manages to win the championship. Fact is Miami is taking full advantage of having Wade still on his rookie contract. We wasn't that lucky and it hurt us when it came to signing roleplayers while keeping the teams salary at a below Knick'ish amount. You also cannot ignore the fact that Shaq DEMANDED a trade because Buss wasn't going to pay him 30 million a year.

The only mistake is getting the package in return that we got.

Basketball Fan · Franchise Player Joined: 03 Feb 2004 Posts: 24766

Sonicc64 · Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 7:47 pm Post subject:

doughboy90650 · Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 9:19 pm Post subject:

CBaller8 · Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 10:02 pm Post subject:

I do like Jason Williams. I feel he's gotten a bad rap his entire career. To bad Shaq plays on the same team.

lkrfn · Starting Rotation Joined: 08 Apr 2006 Posts: 128

viper2 · Star Player Joined: 13 Jul 2004 Posts: 1297

Detroit wouldve gotten spanked by the Mavs, Spurs, Suns, and maybe the Queens or Clips.

Enigmatic offense. They looked absolutely horrible this series. And whats up with Rasheed ??!!! Dude had no game to back up any of the sh*t he barked. He should be the first Piston shown the door. Outside of Prince and Rip, that squad brought no game. They are done. 1 hit wonders and in obvious decline. 1st a suprise showing in 04 to win the title, then became league runners-up, then couldnt get outta the Conf Finals. Next year that team wont make it outta the second round, "guaran-Sheed".

LakerLanny · Retired Number Joined: 24 Oct 2001 Posts: 47589

TEEGUNN · Posted: Sat Jun 03, 2006 12:05 pm Post subject:

Gotta agree with Lanny 110%. The NBA has found a way to tilt the playing field, generally achieving the results they want.

And I hope either the Mavs or Suns embarrass Shaq and the Heat. I'm not counting on it though.

Heat in 6.
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"Why do you think bad things happen, anyway???" "So we have something good to look forward to."

Jake Speed, 1986