♦ Rewriting Destiny :: Miami Heat ♦ October (2-0) [2-0]

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♦ Last Season: 43-39; third in Southeast Division

♦ Key Players Added: Quentin Richardson, Carlos Arroyo (free agents)
♦ Key Players Lost: Jamario Moon (Cleveland), Mark Blount (free agent)

♦ 3 Keys To Playoffs: a dominant Dwyane -- Wade matches the Big O and averages a triple double for the season without running out of gas by April ..... a creative Chalmers -- Super Mario grows as a floor leader and creates easy baskets for less-skilled teammates ..... a beastly Beasley -- Beasley is in the starting lineup and stays for the remainder of season, and puts issues behind.

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The one-man show performed by Dwyane Wade last season was the kind not normally witnessed in the NBA. In the last few decades, only two other sensational soloists come to mind: LeBron James in 2006-07, when he took the Cavs to the Finals, and Michael Jordan in 1986-87, when he averaged 37 a game and hauled the Bulls, pre-Scottie Pippen, to the Playoffs. What Wade did qualified as epic stuff, even if it didn't trump James and Jordan. Wade became the first player to register at least 2,000 points, 500 assists, 100 steals and 100 blocks in a single season, and the nightly shows he strung together were simply staggering. There was his 50 points against the Magic, followed by his 16 assists the next game against Detroit; the 50 points-through-three-quarters eruption on the Knicks; the 41-9-7-7 line against LeBron, and so on. A typical game for Wade was 30 points, seven assists, six rebounds and a handful of steals, along with plenty of clutch moments and new admirers. He did all this after playing for Team USA in Beijing last summer, and most impressively, did all this while leading the Heat to the playoffs. And oh, did we mention the Heat were virtually stripped of big-time talent other than Wade?

If that effort wasn't astonishing enough, consider that Wade will need to replay it this season for Miami to reach 40 wins and the postseason because, once again, he's light on help. No doubt, last season was an ego stroke for Wade. He certainly got a charge from flashing an all-around game while being doubled and tripled and pressing LeBron for league MVP honors. In that sense, Wade had one of the best seasons of any non-MVP winner. His 2008-09 is in the company of such greats as Wilt Chamberlain in 1961-62, when he averaged (get this) 50.4 points and 25.7 rebounds (Bill Russell won the award), and Rick Barry in 1974-75 (Bob McAdoo, team assistant coach, won it). Wade averaged just over 30 a game and shot 48 percent, high for a non-post player. He improved across the board, in all facets. “I had fun,” Wade said. And yet, when does the one-man act get old to a player?

Well, pretty quickly, actually. Wade didn't have a choice last season but to play the role, because Miami broke in two rookies, Mario Chalmers -- Heat hopes for the club's steadiest point guard since Tim Hardaway -- and Michael Beasley -- who had flashes during rookie season, but made news in off-season -- . And 2009-10 is shaping up as an experimental season. The Heat are loaded with young and barely-tested talent as the franchise prepares to slice payroll and set the buffet table for the free agent Summer of 2010, but make no mistake: Wade doesn't want to extend his solo act beyond this season. Either Miami must buy a star or two next summer, or the only star on the roster will be gone. Wade is a free agent, too, in 2010. That's a story for tomorrow. Right now, the trick for Wade is to stay healthy. He had durability issues until last season, when he played 79 games. And he must salvage the season by putting Miami into the playoffs.

“He's definitely one of the special players,” said Josh Smith of the Hawks, who weathered Wade through seven games in last season's first round. “I can't imagine where they'd be without him.” The Heat minus Wade would beg for 25 wins. And the only way that suspicion changes is if one of their two prized rookies from a year ago takes a bold step up. That might be too much to ask of Beasley, who had serious maturity issues and did time in John Lucas' rehab center over the summer, always a red flag. As for Chalmers, he started 81 of 82 games mainly by default, and the offense still went through Wade, who led Miami in assists. The only key additions are Quentin Richardson -- who can shoot three-pointers and take up scoring slack from Wade on occasion -- and Puerto Rican Carlos Arroyo.

Given that Wade went bananas the year before his contract season, allow your imagination to wander with regard to what he'll do for an encore. Not that he has anything to prove. If Wade isn't on the same level as LeBron and Kobe, his elevator is on the floor below and going up. He'll fetch big money next summer, and could wind up the biggest free agent prize if LeBron, as expected, stays with the Cavaliers. Everyone with money to spend knows what Wade can do without help. And in case they forgot what Wade can do with a little assistance, a 2005-2006 history lesson is in order.

Expected Record: 47-35

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Word From People on the Street

♦ Lamrock, from Seattle: “The question is: Will the Heat improve enough to convince Dwyane to re-sign? Now, will it matter? Wade can get more money from the Heat than he can from any other franchise. Even if an injury-wracked season keeps Miami out of the playoffs, Wade can warm himself to the idea of playing with Carlos Boozer, a Chris Bosh or an Amar'e Stoudemire if any of the three decide to take Miami's warm weather and heaps of cap space in the summer of 2010. As impatient as superstars can be, you'd have to think that Wade sees the writing on the wall with this current cast of expiring contracts.”
♦ dare, from Philippines: “Clearly, Beasley is a big part of the Heat. If his rehab stint was merely a bump, then he and the Heat should be fine. If the stint masked a bigger problem, then watch out. Beasley needs a solid season, and by all accounts, he should deliver. But the biggest rebound he'll grab all season must come away from the floor. But I don't care right now, I'm waiting for a billionaire to buy the Nets and take them to Brooklyn.”
♦ Oznogrd, from St. Louis: “Beasley has the ability to put the character issues behind him... he may be a goofball, but all indications are that he's willing to work hard on the court and be the best player he can be. And if that happens, he and Dwyane will be a very dangerous duo in the near future. Rooting for the Speed!”
♦ Jae, from Baltimore: “This general manager quits the Jazz one because the team was too stacked, to become manager of a future squad with Bosh and Wade lol? Hope he knows what he's doing. Hospitals around the country are in process of finding a vaccine for Thierryitis, I guess.”
♦ Valor, from Hong Kong: “This team is Dwyane. They will spend all year sweating over Wade's future with the team, while at the same time only going as far as Wade -- an MVP candidate if healthy -- can take them. They may swing a trade to bring in, say, Boozer, in an attempt to do better and make themselves more attractive to their mega-star guard. Or you can fantasize about next summer, when they can feasibly not only re-sign Wade, but also grab another one of the max free agents. The side plot: This team would like Beasley to convert his enormous potential into actionable skill, as well as probably hoping he can straighten out whatever addiction/depression issues he may or may not have. But they are not giving up! I don't know why I'm answering this when everyone knows I'm a fan of the Bulls, lol...”
♦ Martti, from Estonia: “Since the departure of Shaq and the retiring of Zo, the Heat's biggest hole is the center position. Year after year, the Heat try to develop a young center, but the products have been Earl Barron and Joel Anthony ... enough said. With the mid-season acquisition of Jermaine, the soft spot of the defense was hopefully going to be filled, but it seems only temporary. Perhaps with a Magloire, Anthony and O'Neal frontcourt, the Heat can contend with the size the East has to offer. HELL YEAH!!!1!!111!!11!!!!¤"#% GO HEAT!!!!1!!!!111! WADES THA BEST EVVER!!!!11"¤¤32&!! AND CB4'S COMING!!!!! •11!!•31◘”
♦ mp3, from Sacramento: “Zo's new role with the team is to be a mentor to Beasley is the only intangible I can think of. This could be a blessing or a curse... I'm thinking it will work out in the Heat's favor, and by midseason, a new, dedicated Beasley will be playing. I'm not expecting Beasley to have the fire that burned in Alonzo's soul, but a bit of an ember from it could start something that would be beneficial to the player and the person. We'll see. Go Sac-Town!”
♦ Sit, from Australia: “Miami? Why you asking me about Miami? The Lakers are going to win it all and I don't really care about any of the other 29 teams in the NBA. Lakers, that's all anyone needs to care about. Kobe, Gasol and now Ron Ron!”

[dare]

I should be rooting for the Lakers too

good luck with this one hope you recover from the Thierryitis.

[Dee.]

Mark my words,this won't reach 20 played games.

[kibaxx7]

I should be rooting for the Lakers too

good luck with this one hope you recover from the Thierryitis.

Oh, didn't know you were rooting for LA, that's why I wrote Brooklyn. I also hope the vaccine for this disease is found. I know I say this every fu**ing time, but I have high hopes for this one when I assemble the 10-11 roster.

Mark my words,this won't reach 20 played games.

I know there's no faith in this one until I reach 20 games... hopefully I can.

[Dee.]

It's just funny how much nice dynasty names you think of,everytime i need one,im lost atleast for a few hours.

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:: Article Coming Later ::

[Clutch]

nice team, nice start man

not sure i grasp all the rules yet so lemme know if this is a valid entry:

♦ Prediction 1 -- Heat
♦ Prediction 2 -- Murphy
♦ Wildcard -- 24 x2 games so ... 48

[Martti.]

♦ Prediction 1 -- Heat
♦ Prediction 2 -- Neither
♦ Wildcard -- 54

Dude, you sure you can make these things for ~30 weeks? C'mon man, I want to see Bosh and Wade together.

[kibaxx7]

It's just funny how much nice dynasty names you think of,everytime i need one,im lost atleast for a few hours.

I must admit that's one of my fortes.

nice team, nice start man

not sure i grasp all the rules yet so lemme know if this is a valid entry:

Thanks man. Yep, the entry is valid. Just to clarify, if Beasley posts a double-double you win as well: the option is "MIA's Beasley / IND's Murphy". In this case, you would only lose if both post double-doubles, or none of them.

Dude, you sure you can make these things for ~30 weeks? C'mon man, I want to see Bosh and Wade together.

I think I can. I want to make this one last, with a prediction game and weekly recaps hopefully it will be a smooth ride. Bosh will be around when the time comes.

Also, I changed the wildcard rules. The average for Beasley is 13.9 + 5.4 + 1.0 = 20.3. There are two games in the week: 20.3 x 2 = 40.6... if your number is in the 10-point range (30.6 --> 50.6) you win. It's kind of difficult, but if guessed right, it's 100 points. So you guys might want to edit it...

[shadowgrin]

Mark my words,this won't reach 20 played games.

My call is when Thierry fills out those '::Reserved::' posts this thing is over.

[Clutch]

ah. so the wildcard is player's (Beasley) total for X amount of games during the week? so you'll have a different question (most points, double-double etc) per game? just clarifying; also edited my wild

incidentally, ever hear the expression, "Simplicity is bliss." ?

[kibaxx7]

My call is when Thierry fills out those '::Reserved::' posts this thing is over.

Hopefully not, shadow. I like the team and I think I can post a couple of seasons, if no blackouts / corruptions / appear... (*makes 5 backups of his saves*)

incidentally, ever hear the expression, "Simplicity is bliss." ?

Nope... that's why I'm removing the Streak game. As Martti said, too much work. I got over-excited, I think. Might come back with it or with some sort of prediction game on the playoffs. I suppose it's better if I get rid of it before it gets rid of me.

Just edit your posts and leave the good luck wishes. I can't wait to start playing, so the first two games coming tonight.

[Clutch]

WTFrakk!? after i actually decided to give you the benefit of the doubt and posted my entry?

i aint editing SHIT. it stays, as a reminder of your effeminate fickleness so YOU'D BETTER STICK WITH THIS!

(seriously, prediction game or no, good luck; looking fwd to see what Flash and CB4 can do...)

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Miami opens season with easy defeat of New York
Preview ♦ Recap ♦ Starting Lineups ♦ NYK Boxscore ♦ MIA Boxscore

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra knows they all won't be this easy. Dwyane Wade began defense of his NBA scoring title with 35 points, Daequan Cook finished with 19 -- perfect from the floor -- and the Miami Heat opened with a 119-90 win over the New York Knicks on Wednesday night. “I must admit, this is the sort of game I love to play,” Spoelstra said. “End-to-end. Fast breaks. Score and score and score some more. Great performance.” Wade added seven rebounds, plus eight assists and three blocks, while Cook shot 7/7 from the field -- 3/3 from 3-point land, and 2/2 from the free throw line -- . Michael Beasley contributed 17 points and three rebounds in his first start of the season. “That's our coach's job. If he's taking the majority of the shots, who else is there to shoot the ball? There's no shots to go around, so the coach has to do a great job of figuring that out. That's a tough situation,” said Al Harrington, who went 4/11 for 14 points. “Tracy is a great scorer. We all know he's our go-to guy, but we have to spread the wealth around to keep guys happy and win games.” Harrington wasn't happy.

“Yeah, we got embarrassed tonight. I can say that: We got embarrassed,” said Tracy McGrady, who had 17 points and four rebounds. “They were able to do whatever they wanted to out there. They had every shot that they wanted: jump shots, layups. There wasn't really nothing that we could do.” The Heat shot 58% in the first half. After McGrady made a jumper over Cook from the wing to make it 12-8 in the first quarter, Knicks' David Lee was whistled for a shooting foul over Wade, who made the free throw to open an 16-6 Heat run, and New York never got closer than ten points again. The Heat were 35-17 after the first period. While Wade shot 14/25 from the field, New York's four starters combined for that many field-goal attempts. “I think Dwyane will have a fantastic year once again. About my team, I think the starters, including Tracy, have got to take more responsibility at the defensive end of the court,” Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni said. “I love to run, to score a lot of points... but there is two ends of the court you've got to play.”

Quick Nuggets :: Former Heat guard Tim Hardaway had his jersey (No. 10) retired in a halftime ceremony. Hardaway played five-plus seasons for the Heat. Attending the ceremony were Hardaway's former Golden State teammates, Mitch Richmond and Chris Mullin, the trio that formed the famed “Run TMC” combination. ... New York rookie guard Toney Douglas, the 29th pick in the Draft, ended 3/8 from the field (3/4 treys) in 15 minutes. ... Knicks' David Lee, who led the league with 65 double-doubles last season, came up one point short, finishing with 9 points and 11 rebounds in New York's loss. ... Heat forward Dorell Wright played 14 minutes and scored 13 points in 5/7 shooting.



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Heat beat Pacers for 2nd win; stay undefeated
Preview ♦ Recap ♦ Starting Lineups ♦ MIA Boxscore ♦ IND Boxscore

Quentin Richardson sat at his stool in the Conseco Fieldhouse away locker room and smiled broadly. He had good reason to be happy. “Beautiful, just beautiful,” Q said when asked how it felt to sit out most of the fourth period of the Heat' 116-93 victory over the Indiana Pacers. “I appreciate the coach for that. It allowed us (the starters) to get ready for Chicago (Sunday night).” Richardson was not in foul trouble, but with Miami ahead 82-67 entering the fourth quarter, coach Erik Spoelstra let his little-used subs complete the Heat' 2nd victory. Richardson and Dwyane Wade led a dazzling 54-point first half for the Heat; Wade, who scored 35 against New York, finished with 28 points, scoring 11 points in the first quarter, while Richardson, who wound up with 20 points and five rebounds had 12 points in the first 24 minutes as the Heat built a 54-30 lead and never relinquished it.

Both Richardson and Wade hit their first six field goal attempts. “We came out with a lot of energy and intensity,” Wade said. “We wanted to set the tone early.” Daequan Cook added 10 points for the Heat, while Michael Beasley had 14 and Jermaine O'Neal 13. Danny Granger led Indiana with 32 points and Mike Dunleavy had 18 off the bench. Miami increased its advantage to as many as 26 points midway through the third quarter. By intermission, Wade already had 20 of his 28 points. “That was crazy,” Granger said of Miami's first half. “They were definitely clicking. Their first passes led to great shots.” Pacers coach Jim O'Brien added, “This was tough, to say the least. They were just making everything. They had a great shooting night, they didn't miss.”

Quick Nuggets :: Pacers guard A.J. Price played 7 minutes to score 7 points in a perfect 3/3 shooting night. ... Miami shot a blistering 10/14 from 3-point territory (71% percent) while the Pacers shot 8/24 (33 percent). ... Miami also had an 15-8 advantage in steals, and 35 assists in 44 field goals. ... Heat's Rafer Alston had 9 points and a season-high 14 assists.



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[kibaxx7]

WTFrakk!? after i actually decided to give you the benefit of the doubt and posted my entry?

i aint editing SHIT. it stays, as a reminder of your effeminate fickleness so YOU'D BETTER STICK WITH THIS!

(seriously, prediction game or no, good luck; looking fwd to see what Flash and CB4 can do...)

Thanks man. I don't want to stop this one...

There's always a but: I hate the layout I used in the previous post ^^ . When this happens it makes me want to scrap this thread! Give me a couple of days to think of something... also the Streak for the Cash fiasco...

[J@3]

Mark my words,this won't reach 20 played games.

My call is when Thierry fills out those '::Reserved::' posts this thing is over.

There's always a but: I hate the layout I used in the previous post ^^ . When this happens it makes me want to scrap this thread!

Oh christ... I don't know what it is Thierry but I am addicted to your threads. It's like a game where I want to see how long it lasts before you scrap it. Honestly you could make this your niche, just get to a point where everyone's dying to know what happens then say your save was corrupted or you're sick of the team

[Martti.]

There's always a but: I hate the layout I used in the previous post ^^ .

Everyone keeps saying that change your recap style to something easier, both for you and for the readers, but you usually come along with something much, much more complicated.

Great first week though.