One thing is crystal clear as this 2011/2012 NBA season gets underway … the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks look terrible so far, and the Miami Heat looks fast and furious. Even esteemed Dirk Nowitzki recently said, after losing badly to the Denver Nuggets, “we look old, slow and out of shape.”
As players were in a forced game of musical chairs in the weeks leading up to the season, teams find themselves short on skills that they once had. For example, the Mavericks made some disastrous moves to save future cap space. The loss of Tyson Chandler and J.J. Barea, for example, took away high energy and much-needed rebounding skills. The addition of Lamar Odom and Vince Carter have yet to prove fruitful. They both seem satisfied playing without putting forth much effort. The Lakers’ roster took a hit, even though they seem to think that every team should just waive the white flag even before tip-off. Pau Gasol and World Peace look like they are in quick sand on the defensive end of the floor. Keep in mind, too, that the league is still pissed off at Derek Fisher, and his involvement and position during the lockout. He can expect zero favors this season.
The Miami Heat, meanwhile, look energetic and impressive getting up and down the floor. They are youthful, fun, running at every opportunity and hitting three point shots with regularity. Wade and James have different attitudes this year, and they seem to understand that they must fight for every play and systematically wear down each and every opponent, tirelessly. Look for the Heat to be under double digits in losses during this shortened NBA season.
Tim Donaghy
