Breaking down Heat's D (also, Arroyo is horrible)

[andre316]

Seems we have a better record with Joel playing than when he doesn't.

I don't know what it would take for you to turn on Spoelstra,

Probably a Haslem mask and low-cut jean shorts with the word "purity" written across the back.

[secund2nun]

This is why I think Dampier will be a huge help.

With Dampier we won't have to over commit as much, leaving more defenders on the outside.

Our centers up until point were:
Haslem (undersized in all areas)
Bosh (undersized weight and strength wise)
Joel (worst player in the NBA, also undersized)
Z (Tall but a softie, weak and easily pushed around, also can only play 20 good mins a game)

So it makes sense why we had to over commit so much. None of these softies could defend the paint against a center if their life depended on it.

Compared to these guys Dampier is a much better center. People don't understand how bad our center situation was. It was not just average, it was PATHETIC.

This is also why I think a rookie Pittman can help based on his size and strength alone.

[Nupe_1911]

This is why I think Dampier will be a huge help.

With Dampier we won't have to over commit as much, leaving more defenders on the outside.

Our centers up until point were:
Haslem (undersized in all areas)
Bosh (undersized weight and strength wise)
Joel (worst player in the NBA, also undersized)
Z (Tall but a softie, weak and easily pushed around, also can only play 20 good mins a game)

So it makes sense why we had to over commit so much. None of these softies could defend the paint against a center if their life depended on it.

Compared to these guys Dampier is a much better center. People don't understand how bad our center situation was. It was not just average, it was PATHETIC.

This is also why I think a rookie Pittman can help based on his size and strength alone.

You are going to be disappointed with Dampier. He is old and went unsigned this long for a very good reason.

[BronBron06]

I got Low expectation for him right now, but he's better than most Crap Centers the Heat got right now

[shadowx]

Agree we don't need Dampier to win games just be solid down-low on defense and rebound. I think Big Z offense + rebound with Dampier defense + rebounds will finally stabilize the center position on this team.

And Wade, Lebron and Bosh have had enough time together to get chemistry and its time they begin to produce on a daily basis. The excuse of not having a pre-season with all 3 doesn't work now after 12 games in the season. GET IT DONE BIG 3!!!! NO EXCUSES!!!

[truthiness]

This is why I think Dampier will be a huge help.

With Dampier we won't have to over commit as much, leaving more defenders on the outside.

Our centers up until point were:
Haslem (undersized in all areas)
Bosh (undersized weight and strength wise)
Joel (worst player in the NBA, also undersized)
Z (Tall but a softie, weak and easily pushed around, also can only play 20 good mins a game)

So it makes sense why we had to over commit so much. None of these softies could defend the paint against a center if their life depended on it.

Compared to these guys Dampier is a much better center. People don't understand how bad our center situation was. It was not just average, it was PATHETIC.

This is also why I think a rookie Pittman can help based on his size and strength alone.

You are going to be disappointed with Dampier. He is old and went unsigned this long for a very good reason.

i like it how people forget that when he was younger he was supposed to defend shaq.
some of us still remember how that turned out.

but it's ok. those that wanted dampier, will get dampier. and then they'll turn around and start criticizing him in no time.

[Nupe_1911]

This is why I think Dampier will be a huge help.

With Dampier we won't have to over commit as much, leaving more defenders on the outside.

Our centers up until point were:
Haslem (undersized in all areas)
Bosh (undersized weight and strength wise)
Joel (worst player in the NBA, also undersized)
Z (Tall but a softie, weak and easily pushed around, also can only play 20 good mins a game)

So it makes sense why we had to over commit so much. None of these softies could defend the paint against a center if their life depended on it.

Compared to these guys Dampier is a much better center. People don't understand how bad our center situation was. It was not just average, it was PATHETIC.

This is also why I think a rookie Pittman can help based on his size and strength alone.

You are going to be disappointed with Dampier. He is old and went unsigned this long for a very good reason.

i like it how people forget that when he was younger he was supposed to defend shaq.
some of us still remember how that turned out.

but it's ok. those that wanted dampier, will get dampier. and then they'll turn around and start criticizing him in no time.

You are spot on. People on this board talk about Damp. as if he has a history of being a defensive center. He is a small improvement over Joel and will bring a little more depth. That is it. He will not further this grind it out mentality Spo. has though as he is not that type of player.

The Heat as presently constructed should focus more on their perimeter d, forcing turnovers, traps, full court and half court ball pressure, mixing in zones, etc. The Heat do not have interior personnel (shot blockers, low-post defenders and rebounders) that furthers a defensive strategy that basically focuses on attrition. The Heat need to rely on their athletes to push tempo defensively.