After Tough Summer, Shaquille O’Neal, Dwyane Wade, & Miami Heat Should Rebound In 2007-08
October 01 07
Michael Wallace reports on the Heat’s tough summer for the Miami Herald:
Players typically don’t flock to Camp Riley — with the demands and rigors of its twice daily, grueling practices — early. But there was nothing typical about this offseason for the Heat, which opens training camp Tuesday in preparation for the franchise’s 20th NBA season. The ’’full house’’ at the practice facility in recent days might be a sign the Heat is eager to put behind a bad offseason, one of the most difficult Riley said he experienced in three decades of NBA coaching.
My Quick Take: It has been a rough stretch for the Heat. After an up-and-down regular season, Miami failed to re-group and got swept by Chicago in the first round of last year’s playoffs. The summer was worse.
The team couldn’t sign any notable free agents because they lacked cap space. Dwyane Wade ’s rehab stalled. Antoine Walker was the victim of a scary home invasion and Shaquille O’Neal separated from his wife of six years.
So there’s only one way things can go-up. I expect the Heat, if healthy, to rebound from last year. And having the vets show up early to training camp is a great sign. It’s a sign of focus, something that has been lacking. After all, Miami’s was too arrogant last year after winning an NBA Title in 2005-06. Their Larry O’Brien hangover lingered all season and they ended up getting exposed by the Bulls.
I still think they need an athletic scorer, preferably someone who can play defense, too. But the Heat, even without a third star, should be much improved in 2007-08.
How do you think Miami will do in 2007-08? Get at us in the comment box below with your thoughts.
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