OffSeason Free Agent Thread...Let's build a DYNASTY! 3.0

[Vertical Limit]

I'm guessing QueenofFairies is formerly known as Brazilian. If that is true, then he's living up to his new name. Same scared reputation as he's always had.

[Mars]

Just happy the media jackals will pack up and head west of the Rio Grande for 2012-13.

[puppa bear]

Wow, trickier brings a little reality, saying the Lakers are "REALLY GOOD" and you all over react.

Yes, we are the raining champs.
Yes, we got stronger.
Yes, we should be favorites/top dog.
Yes, the Lakers got a LOT more talented.
Yes, the media will latch onto them & scrutinize every blemish.
Yes, we should enjoy our time in the shadows ...

[Miamis3rdRing]

Slightly OT:
I thought LeBron played excellent defense against Spain's big men today. Pau Gasol had no problem with Chandler and was just abusing Kevin Love. Bosh would have been beast in these games.

LeBron did a great job whenever he was on him. Against Ibaka as well.

[SlavicSwag]

Lebron was one fire that game. Finals Form.

[Pimpwerx]

I missed today's game (the only one of the Olympics), but he's been the best player on the team by a considerable amount. He's the best player in the world. Anyone still doubting (Skip) is an idiot. I'm really glad he's continuing to work on his post game. He's seen how effective it is, and is really serious about improving. PEACE.

[SmushedPennies]

Yup. Obviously I want to see the post game continue improving, and it will naturally. You can see how much room he still has for growth there. However, and I'm being picky, if he can develop a more reliable jumpshot, it would go a long way toward his total world domination.

[Pimpwerx]

There's a lot of cocky Heat fans on this thread...you guys sound like freakin' Knicks fans!
Chemistry?
Players' Age?

Are you guys nuts?
The Lakers a REALLY GOOD now!

You're negative on the team a lot. It's nothing new.

No one is saying the Lakers aren't good, or didn't get better. BUT, we're still better. We're really good too. Better than anyone else. One of the best starting lineups, one of the most-versatile rosters and one of the deepest bench. Sorry if none of us want to hear silly panic talk when we're armed to the teeth.

To borrow from Breaking Bad:

We're not in danger. We ARE the danger. PEACE.

[SmushedPennies]

Yeah I had another QoF quote ready to respond to, but realized its useless. He needs lithium.

Maybe some need to be re-reminded we've added Ray Allen coming off a surgery that led to a great season for him the last time he had it. A Boston fan told me he was their best player at times last year early on before he got the bone spurs. His presence alone is exactly what our other stars need to be their best. We'll never be perfect in every way, and there will be teams that can hit us on the achilles, but we still have a very adaptive defense and juggernaut potential on offense. We still have the most difficult mismatch in the league: LeBron James. He's hitting super-saijan status right now, and has his best teammates ever.

I was worried about Dwyane coming off this surgery at first, but based on what I'm hearing and seeing (he didn't gain the weight he gained before/after the surgery last time), I'm not nearly as worried he'll take awhile to come around. His diet and fitness is much better, and I think he was cleared much earlier for at least minimal activity. He also has the experience of last time in mind, and will know how to gauge his body better.

Speaking of bods: (NO HOMO ALERT)



Someone had been mentioning LeBron looked lighter in the Olympics, and I thought he even looked lighter going back as far as last offseason. Seeing this picture definitely leads me to believe he's lost even more weight, though. I think its good for his game. I'm watching game 6 of the 2011 Finals right now on NBATV and I definitely think he's currently more fluid and quick than he was then. He's already so big and powerful, he doesn't need extra muscle. His quickness/agility is his ultimate advantage.

One more bod: Chalmers seems to be about 15 lbs heavier than he was a year ago. I wonder if that's what's helped him become a better finisher.

Man, it's still painful hearing the gasps of our crowd after every miss and awful turnover, let alone Dallas' made shots. And its still early in the 3rd.

[narmerguy]

I would say that I think his power is part of his ultimate advantage. He's not really the DWade break you down with crossover kind of player.

[Mars]

...When the Heat return, they figure to do it with less fanfare than previous seasons, in light of the Los Angeles Lakers' offseason acquisitions of point guard Steve Nash, and, most recently, center Dwight Howard.

"Howard is a little more athletic than [previous Lakers centerAndrew] Bynum," Riley said. "They definitely have improved their team."

But Riley downplayed the notion of the Lakers and Heat breezing to the 2013 NBA Finals, as many, including Las Vegas oddsmakers, now forecast.

"It's not an easy job for any team in the West," he said, citing the San Antonio Spurs and 2012 West champion Oklahoma City Thunder. "And it's not going to be an easy job for us here in the East."

For his part, Riley said he embraces the Heat's offseason veteran free-agent additions of Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis.

"They're both a perfect fit for us," he said. "There isn't any kind of magic. You build it over time and it you build it, as they said in 'Field of Dreams,' they will come. And they're coming, and we're happy about it."...

Link

[SmushedPennies]

I would say that I think his power is part of his ultimate advantage. He's not really the DWade break you down with crossover kind of player.

Definitely, but my point is he's already powerful enough with his frame and athleticism. He doesn't need to add bulk to the point of sacrificing his speed, which coupled with his size create his biggest advantage. Even though he's playing very effectively in the post now, his main game is still perimeter/open court based. If you had to give him plus points of power or speed from his current standpoint, I think most people would go with speed. With his size its unstoppable. Not sure there are many guys stronger than him even at this lighter weight.

[Noodle Arm]

Ira Winderman
17 minutes ago
Well, so much for that, according to Sportando, Heat second-round pick Justin Hamilton, who holds a European passport has signed to play with Cibona Zagreb. Under such a scenario, the Heat would retain his rights and he would not count on the Heat's cap or tax.

Pretty much what we all expected.

[carbine23]

so anyone got news on how Shard is progressing so far? Im really excited to see him play more than ray.

[NorrisColeWorld]

And we had people saying Hamilton was ready for 15 min. a game now

[Vertical Limit]

Sign Harrellson.

[Miamis3rdRing]

I knew Hamilton wasn't going to be on the roster come opening day.

Harrellson would be fine with me.

[OtW]

I think we'll pick up either Darko or Blatche for that spot.

Centers left on the market:
- Harrellson
- Birdman
- Milicic
- Blatche

for spot #14. Would not be surprised if Juwan comes back for spot #15 as well.

[DefenseWins]

It'd be hilarious if we got Josh Harrelson. I've seen him play. He's alright, can shoot the 3 for a big guy. He's gritty too. But he's a sophomore. Wouldn't we sign someone who has been in the league for awhile though? Gettin' dat vet big mang.

[HeatDaChamps]

Said hamilton would go and play in Europe the day he was drafted. Hope we pick up darko, think hes a good option for the 14th man on this team. We desperately need some size....