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SPORTS: The Royal Court’s Next Decree
By Anthony Cave
Tres Magnifico. Miami Thrice. Whatever it’s called, yes we did.
The Miami Heat has become the new NBA powerhouse with the signings of Lebron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. Wade and Bosh started the madness by committing to the Heat on July 8. One day later, amid much speculation, James announced he would be “taking his talents to South Beach” on the ESPN special “The Decision.”
James and Bosh arrived to their new home team on July 10, as more than 13,000 Heat fans packed the American Airlines Arena and Miami welcomed its newest stars. James and Bosh both signed six year deals, making $110.1 million each. Wade signed a six year deal netting $107.5 million.
Michael Beasley was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves for a second round draft pick, with both Miami and Minnesota agreeing to swap first round picks in 2012. The Heat traded away four first round draft picks to sign James and Bosh, and all three stars agreed to less money so that Heat President Pat Riley could afford to fill the team with other players. Riley made all this possible, holding off on signing players and watching every cent spent over the last two seasons for the summer of 2010, where the Heat have emerged as the clear winners.
While the Heat has arguably the best trio in NBA history, the other eight roster spots have started to take shape with veteran and cheap players. The NBA announced a $58 million yearly salary cap, which gave the Heat $8.3 million after the Beasley trade – a move which freed up $4.5 million – to fill the rest of their roster.
James and Bosh both signed six year deals, making $110.1 million each. Wade signed a six year deal netting $107.5 million.
The Heat resigned Udonis Haslem to a five-year deal and signed shooting guard Mike Miller to a five-year deal as well. Influenced by James, big man Zydrunas Ilgauskas followed suit and left Cleveland, where he spent 12 seasons, to sign with the Heat. Before these free agent signings, other than the big three, the Heat only had Mario Chalmers under contract.
Training camp is months away, and the Heat still has many questions heading into the regular season. With no dominant center or point guard, the Orlando Magic, Miami’s cross state rivals, look to pose a threat for the Heat to get out of the Eastern Conference.
Orlando is backed by two-time Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard at center and star point guard Jameer Nelson along with sharpshooters Rashard Lewis and Vince Carter.
Critics have said that the supporting cast is more important than star players, as evident by the Los Angeles Lakers. More than likely, if the Heat gets out of the East and play them in the NBA Finals, they would play Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Ron Artest, Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom. The Lakers have the stars and the supporting cast, the latter which Miami lacks.
For the fans that have just jumped on the bandwagon, winning a title this season is easier said than done. The real Heat fans know what I’m talking about when I say there are still questions that need to be answered.
But like the Miami sun, the Heat is on. Wade, James and Bosh are going to transform basketball, win or lose.
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